Name: Bang Bang Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise; ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 teaspoon Sriracha; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins; 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk; ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour; ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tablespoon Sriracha; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs, plain

Bang Bang Chicken is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds sing and your dinner guests swoon. Have you ever craved something that’s a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive? That’s the magic of Bang Bang Chicken. It’s no wonder this recipe has taken the culinary world by storm, becoming a go-to for weeknight meals and impressive entertaining alike. What sets this particular Bang Bang Chicken apart is its incredible versatility and the delightful crunch from perfectly cooked chicken, all coated in that signature, ambrosial sauce. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exciting, offering a symphony of textures and tastes that leave you wanting more with every single bite. Get ready to unlock the secrets to making this sensational dish right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
2 tablespoons honey
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon Sriracha (for the chicken coating)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrum extractbs (plain)

Preparing the Bang Bang Sauce

Ingredients for the Sauce:

1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
2 tablespoons honey

This sauce is the heart of our Bang Bang Chicken, giving it that signature sweet, spicy, and creamy flavor. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, the first teaspoon of Sriracha, and the honey. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and you have a smooth, homogenous sauce. Taste the sauce at this point and adjust the Sriracha if you desire more heat, or add a touch more honey if you prefer it sweeter. This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing the flavors to meld even further. It’s also fantastic as a dip for fries or as a dressing for salads, so don’t be shy about making extra!

Preparing the Chicken

Ingredients for the Chicken Coating:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon Sriracha
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
2 cups (216 g) pankrum extractreadcrumbs

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade

Begin extract by trimming any excess fat or silverskin from the chicken tenderloins. For more even cooking and easier handling, you can also cut larger tenderloins in half crosswise. In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, the large egg, the tablespoon of Sriracha, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and the optional cayenne pepper. Add the prepared chicken tenderloins to this buttermilk mixture, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This step not only infuses flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your breading station. You’ll need three shallow dishes or plates. In the first dish, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. This mixture will help create a light and crispy coating. In the second dish, we’ll use the remaining buttermilk mixture from the marinade. In the third dish, place rum extract panko breadcrumbs. Ensure everything is within easy reach for efficient breading.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated sufficiently, it’s time to bread it. Remove one chicken tenderloin from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Dredge it in the flour and cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to ensure it’s fully coated. Then, dip the floured chicken piece back into the buttermilk mixture, allowing it to drip again. Finally, coat the chicken generorum extracty in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing them on to create a thick, even crust. Place the breaded chicken tenderloin onto a clean plate or baking sheet. Repeat this process for all the chicken tenderloins. For an extra crispy coating, you can double-bread the chicken: after coating in panko, dip it back into the buttermilk and then into the panko again.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

You have a couple of excellent options for cooking your Bang Bang Chicken. For a deep-fried version, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken tenderloins to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot, which can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy chicken. Fry for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). For a healthier oven-baked option, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken tenderloins on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet, ensuring they have space around them for even cooking. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to bring everything together. While the chicken is still warm, place it in a clean large bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the chicken. Gently toss the chicken to ensure each piece is evenly coated in the luscious sauce. Be thorough but gentle to avoid breaking the crispy coating. Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately. It’s wonderful served over fluffy white rice, or as an appetizer on its own. Garnish with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Conclusion:

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make this delicious Bang Bang Chicken! This recipe offers a fantastic balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The crispy fried chicken coated in that irresistible sauce is truly something special. We encourage you to give this Bang Bang Chicken a try in your own kitchen; you won’t be disappointed! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests.

For serving, this Bang Bang Chicken is excellent over steamed white or brown rice, allowing the sauce to soak in beautifully. You can also pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas for a complete and healthy meal.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of sriracha or use a milder chili sauce. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also try adding some chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds to the sauce for added texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bang Bang Chicken:

Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make the Bang Bang Chicken sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to gently reheat it and give it a good stir before tossing with the chicken, as it might thicken.

Is Bang Bang Chicken healthy?

While Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly flavorful, it does involve frying the chicken, which adds calories and fat. For a healthier option, you could bake or air-fry the chicken pieces instead of deep-frying them. You can also incorporate more vegetables into your meal to balance it out.