If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, creamy, and a hint of spicy sweetness, the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish captures that fantastic crunch from perfectly fried chicken paired with a luscious, flavorful sauce that sings with every bite. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe brings together simple ingredients with bold flavors, creating a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that all work together to create a symphony of textures and flavors. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the moistening marinade, the crunchy coating, or the irresistible sauce that ties it all together.
- Buttermilk (or substitute): A tangy base for marinating the chicken, making it juicy and tender.
- Egg: Helps the coating stick beautifully to each piece of chicken.
- Hot sauce: Adds a gentle kick to the marinade for just the right amount of heat.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle depth of flavor into the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors.
- Flour and cornstarch: The foundation for a light, crispy crust that’s not too heavy.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provides that irresistible crunch everyone loves.
- Oil for frying: Neutral oil heated perfectly for crisp frying.
- Bread crumb alternatives: Try crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes for a fun twist on texture.
- Bang bang sauce: The special blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy that defines this recipe.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together your buttermilk, egg, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also tenderizes it, ensuring every bite is juicy. Let the chicken soak in this mixture for at least 20 to 30 minutes, which helps develop the first layer of flavor and moisture.
Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station
While the chicken marinates, prepare your dredging station. In one bowl, mix flour and cornstarch — this combination is key for that delicate crispiness. In another shallow dish, pour your panko breadcrumbs, or any of the suggested substitutes like crushed Ritz crackers for an extra buttery crunch.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off gently. Then, dredge the chicken lightly in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated but not clumpy. Next, press the chicken firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, coating both sides completely to lock in that famous crunchy texture.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Heat your frying oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 to 365 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining this temperature is crucial for frying the chicken to golden perfection without soaking up too much oil. This step sets the stage for that perfect crispiness.
Step 5: Fry in Batches
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is crispy and has developed that irresistible golden-brown color. This ensures each piece cooks evenly and stays crunchy.
Step 6: Drain and Rest
Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This step keeps the coating crisp by letting steam escape rather than trapping moisture underneath the chicken.
Step 7: Sauce It Up
The final touch to this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is either drizzling the iconic sauce over the chicken or serving it on the side as a dip. The sauce is a creamy, spicy, and sweet marvel that completes the dish, turning every bite into a flavor-packed experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro over the top adds a fresh, herbal note and beautiful pop of color. Toasted sesame seeds are another excellent option that lends a subtle nutty crunch and enhances the dish’s presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve your Bang Bang Chicken alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For vegetable lovers, a crisp slaw or some steamed broccoli provide a refreshing, crunchy contrast that balances the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe nestled in a lettuce wrap for a lighter, hand-held option. You could also pile the crispy chicken over a bed of mixed greens or drizzle it atop grain bowls for a colorful, healthy meal that looks as fantastic as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain the chicken’s crispiness when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the chicken, flash freeze the fried pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to a month, making for a quick meal anytime cravings hit.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help revive the crispy coating while safely warming the meat inside, ensuring your second helping is just as scrumptious as the first.
FAQs
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a vegan mayo alternative and almond milk instead of dairy ingredients to keep the sauce creamy without the dairy. It’s just as delicious and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
What can I substitute for buttermilk in the marinade?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk works wonderfully, or you can add lemon juice to regular milk to create a tangy buttermilk substitute.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe?
The spice level is mild by default, thanks to the hot sauce in the marinade and the signature bang bang sauce. You can easily adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes according to your taste.
Can I bake instead of frying the chicken?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Bake the coated chicken at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While it won’t be as crispy as frying, it still packs great flavor.
How long does the chicken marinate?
Marinating for 20 to 30 minutes is sufficient to tenderize and flavor the chicken. If you have more time, you can marinate up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe enough. It’s an incredible combination of flavors and textures that will turn any meal into a satisfying feast. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish never fails to impress. Grab those simple ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready for some serious deliciousness.
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Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, spicy dish featuring breaded fried chicken coated with a flavorful, creamy sauce. This recipe combines a buttermilk-marinated chicken with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch, finished with a bold, tangy bang bang sauce that’s perfect for dipping or drizzling. Ideal for a quick and satisfying meal that delivers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup buttermilk (or plain Greek yogurt mixed with milk or milk with lemon juice as a substitute)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound chicken (tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
Dredging Station
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes as an alternative)
Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill skillet about 1 inch deep)
Bang Bang Sauce
- Bang Bang sauce (creamy, spicy sauce – typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and hot sauce; quantity as desired for drizzling or dipping)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Set Up the Dredging Station: Prepare two shallow dishes. In the first, mix together all-purpose flour and cornstarch. In the second, pour the panko breadcrumbs evenly. This setup will help create a crispy crust on the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring a light but even coating. Then press the coated chicken firmly into the panko breadcrumbs on both sides for maximum crispiness.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to reach about 1 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 350–365°F (175–185°C), which ensures the chicken fries properly and becomes crispy without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry in Batches: Fry the chicken pieces in batches so they do not overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Turn the pieces once during cooking to ensure even frying. Adjust heat as necessary to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Rest: Remove the cooked chicken from the oil using tongs and transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. This allows excess oil to drain off and keeps the chicken crispier.
- Sauce It Up: Drizzle the crispy chicken with bang bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with almond milk and use a vegan mayonnaise alternative for the bang bang sauce.
- To increase heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the bang bang sauce or marinade.
- Using crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes instead of panko will result in a different but delicious crunchy texture.
- The frying oil temperature is crucial for crispiness; use a thermometer to maintain consistent heat.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can cause greasy chicken.
