BANG BANG CHICKEN BEST RECIPE

Imagine crispy, succulent chicken bathed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that tingles on your tongue with every single bite. This Bang Bang Chicken recipe delivers exactly that – a symphony of flavors and textures guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite and a total crowd-pleaser. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu because you’re about to master the ultimate homemade version!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes and buttermilk. Make sure all the chicken is well coated.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This will help tenderize the chicken and give it a better flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is your dry dredge.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off.
2. One piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the cornstarch mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Press the mixture onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
3. Place the breaded chicken on a plate or baking sheet.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or pot, about 1-2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of breaded chicken into it; it should sizzle and turn golden brown in about 2-3 minutes.
2. Carefully add the breaded chicken to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
3. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic powder.
2. Taste and adjust the amount of sriracha to your preference. If you like it extra spicy, add more!

Step 6: Combine and Serve

1. Place the fried chicken in a large bowl.
2. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece is covered in that delicious sauce!
3. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy! This is great served over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.

Pro Tips for Bang Bang Chicken Perfection

Hey, friend! I know a few things about Bang Bang Chicken and want to share some secrets to make your experience even better! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with all the insider tips and tricks. Let’s take your Bang Bang Chicken to the next level!

Achieving Maximum Crispiness

One of the most common issues people face is getting the chicken crispy enough. Here’s how to ensure your chicken is perfectly crispy every time:

• Use Cornstarch: The cornstarch in the breading mixture is crucial for achieving that signature crispy texture. Don’t skip it!
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying the chicken in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping too low, which can result in soggy chicken.
• Wire Rack is Your Friend: Placing the fried chicken on a wire rack allows excess oil to drain, keeping the chicken crispier for longer.
• Double Fry (Optional): For an extra crispy texture, you can fry the chicken twice. Fry it once for 2 minutes, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then fry it again for another 2 minutes until golden brown.

Sauce Consistency

The sauce should be creamy and coat the chicken evenly. If your sauce is too thick or too thin, here’s how to adjust it:

• Too Thick: If the sauce is too thick, add a teaspoon of rice vinegar or a splash of water until you reach the desired consistency.
• Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin, add a bit more mayonnaise, one tablespoon at a time, until it thickens up.

Spice Level Adjustments

Not everyone loves the same level of spice, so it’s important to adjust the sriracha to your liking:

• For Mild Spice: Start with 1 tablespoon of sriracha and taste. Add more gradually until you reach your desired heat level.
• For Extra Spice: Feel free to add more than 2 tablespoons of sriracha. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Spice Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of sriracha, you can use other hot sauces like chili garlic sauce or gochujang.

Serving Suggestions: More Than Just a Main Course

Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are some exciting ways to serve it beyond just a main course:

Over Rice or Noodles

Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles. This is a classic and satisfying way to enjoy Bang Bang Chicken.

In Lettuce Wraps

For a lighter option, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce cups. Top with chopped peanuts, shredded carrots, and extra green onions for added flavor and texture.

As an Appetizer

Serve smaller portions of Bang Bang Chicken as an appetizer at your next party. Arrange the chicken on a platter with dipping sauce on the side. Your guests will love it!

In Tacos or Bowls

Get creative and add Bang Bang Chicken to tacos or bowls. Combine it with rice, beans, corn, salsa, and your favorite toppings for a fun and flavorful meal.

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

Looking for other delicious Asian-inspired dishes? Why not try Chinese Beef And Broccoli for a savory beef dish. Or how about Chicken Lo Mein Recipe for a quick and easy noodle dish? For something creamy and delicious, check out Coconut Lemon Chicken Alfredo. Alternatively, if you are looking for curry, you might love Basil Chicken Coconut Curry. Or, if you just need to check the original recipe for Bang Bang Chicken.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe isn’t just another dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. It’s easy, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something sweet, spicy, and incredibly delicious. So, grab your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and let’s make some amazing Bang Bang Chicken together!