Bang Bang Chicken

Looking for a mouthwatering dish that will elevate your weeknight dinner? Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect choice! This delightfully crispy chicken, coated in a spicy and creamy sauce, will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

What makes this recipe special is its irresistible combination of flavor and crunch. The tender chicken tenderloins, paired with a unique sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, create a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare at home. Trust me, once you try Bang Bang Chicken, it will become a family favorite!

Why Make This Recipe

What makes it unique: The creamy, spicy bang bang sauce adds a flavorful twist that elevates standard fried chicken.
Why Americans love it: Bang Bang Chicken has the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it a hit for gatherings and dinner parties.
Flavor or texture highlights: Each bite combines the crispy texture of panko breadcrumbs with tender chicken, finished with a rich, zesty sauce.
When it’s best served: This recipe shines during casual get-togethers, game days, or as a crowd-pleasing dinner option.
Ease or speed: With simple techniques and quick cooking times, Bang Bang Chicken is ready in under 30 minutes!

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Prepare the bang bang sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice. Set aside.
Prepare your breading stations: In a shallow bowl, mix flour and salt. In another bowl, beat an egg. Finally, place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin in the flour mixture, then the egg, and finish by coating it with panko breadcrumbs.
Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken tenderloins until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Serve: Drain the fried chicken on paper towels and drizzle with the prepared bang bang sauce before serving.

Ingredients

chicken tenderloins
panko breadcrumbs
flour
egg
salt
oil for frying
mayonnaise
sweet chili sauce
Sriracha
lime juice

Directions

Prepare the bang bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice in a bowl. Set aside.
In a shallow bowl, mix flour and salt.
In another bowl, beat an egg.
In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
Dip each chicken tenderloin in flour, then the egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
Fry the coated chicken tenderloins until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels and drizzle with bang bang sauce before serving.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Best serving suggestions: Serve Bang Bang Chicken over a bed of rice or alongside fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Pairing ideas: Complement this dish with a crisp salad, steamed broccoli, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for presentation: Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color.
Seasonal variations if relevant: For summer, consider adding a mango salsa for a fruity twist!

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken

Fridge instructions: Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer instructions: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s in a sealed bag for optimal freshness.
Reheating methods: Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for the best crispiness. Alternatively, use a microwave but be aware it might soften.
Shelf life: Best enjoyed within 3 days in the fridge and 2 months in the freezer.
Safety notes: Always ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before consumption, especially if reheating.

Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken Perfect

Expert cooking tips: Ensure your oil is at the right temperature before frying to achieve maximum crispiness.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and cause soggy chicken.
Enhancements to improve flavor: Add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the flour for an additional flavor boost.
Texture or moisture control tips: After frying, let the chicken rest on paper towels to keep it crispy and drain excess oil.

Variations

Spicy version: Increase the amount of Sriracha in the sauce for an electrifying kick.
Kid-friendly version: Use less Sriracha and a sweeter dipping sauce to appeal to younger palates.
Budget version: Substitute chicken tenderloins with chicken breasts cut into strips for a cost-effective option.
Healthy version: Bake the breaded chicken instead of frying, reducing oil and calories.
Seasonal twist: Incorporate seasonal veggies such as zucchini or bell peppers as a side or part of the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts! Just cut them into strips to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary slightly, so make sure they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

2. How do I know when my oil is hot enough for frying?
You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread or a few breadcrumbs. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying. Alternatively, a thermometer can help you reach the ideal frying temperature of around 350°F.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The bang bang sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

4. What sides pair well with Bang Bang Chicken?
Fresh vegetables, rice, or even a light salad are great sides. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with noodles or mashed potatoes.

5. How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Ensure that each chicken piece is thoroughly coated in flour and egg before rolling in the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breading gently to help it adhere better. Fry immediately after breading for best results.

Closing

Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its perfect combination of flavors and textures, we encourage you to try this recipe today. Don’t forget to save it for your next dinner adventure! Enjoy!