Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a delectable Chinese dish originating from the Sichuan province. Traditionally, it features tenderized, shredded chicken tossed in a spicy, flavorful sauce. The name “Bang Bang” refers to the wooden cudgel used to tenderize the meat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors—crispy, juicy chicken enveloped in a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, main course, or even a party snack. Plus, it’s customizable to suit various dietary preferences and spice levels.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• For the Chicken:
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Buttermilk
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Egg
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Oil for frying (such as canola or vegetable oil)
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Sriracha sauce
  • Honey

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until a thick batter forms.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Remove each piece of chicken from the batter, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth.
6. Combine: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
7. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Baked Version: For a lighter option, bake the breaded chicken pieces on a wire rack at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
• Air Fryer Method: Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Modify the amount of sriracha in the sauce to adjust the heat to your preference.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze the cooked chicken pieces (before tossing in sauce) in an airtight container for up to a month.
• Reheat: To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.

FAQs

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken is a Sichuan dish featuring tenderized, shredded chicken tossed in a spicy, flavorful sauce.

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 48 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with 1 cup of soy milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice; let it sit until it thickens.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce to decrease the heat level.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and may result in juicier meat.

What sides pair well with Bang Bang Chicken?

Steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad complement the flavors well.

How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy?

Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying and serve immediately after tossing in the sauce.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative; bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

How do I store leftover sauce?

Store any leftover Bang Bang sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Is Bang Bang Chicken suitable for kids?

Yes, but consider adjusting the spice level by reducing the sriracha to make it more kid-friendly.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken offers a delightful combination of crispy chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce that’s sure to please any palate. With various cooking methods and customization options, it’s a versatile dish suitable for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe to make it your own!

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