introduction
Intriguing Question
Delicious Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is the perfect way to bring sweet, spicy, and irresistibly crispy flavors together in one unforgettable dish. This Asian-inspired favorite has taken home kitchens by storm, delivering restaurant-quality taste with surprisingly simple preparation. Whether you’re planning easy dinners for two or looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing meal for a family gathering, this Bang Bang Chicken adds excitement to your dinner table without hours of complicated cooking.
For a high-protein seafood option to pair with your menu, check out this high-protein honey garlic shrimp recipe on HighTasty: https://www.hightasty.com/high-protein-honey-garlic-shrimp/. And for even more dinner inspiration, trending recipes, and ideas worth saving, explore Pinterest here: https://fr.pinterest.com/gadeserahmed/.
Ingredients List
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or rice flour for Dinner Ideas Gluten Free Main Dishes)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (or air fryer option noted below)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (light mayo works too)
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Garnishes:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes marinating chicken in buttermilk)
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes (8 minutes if using an air fryer)
- Total Time: 27 minutes
This Dinner Recipes Crispy Chicken option saves you approximately 30 minutes compared to traditional restaurant versions that require multiple marinating steps. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need Fun And Easy Recipes For Dinner that don’t sacrifice flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients. This tenderizes the meat and helps the coating stick better. For a quick shortcut perfect for Cheap Easy Dinners For Family Healthy options, you can use this marinating time to prepare a simple side salad.
Step 2: Create the Coating
In a medium bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Working in batches, remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then thoroughly coat in the seasoned flour. Place coated pieces on a plate without stacking.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil to 350°F in a large skillet. Fry chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternative air fryer method: Spray coated chicken with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, turning halfway.
Step 4: Make Bang Bang Sauce
While chicken cooks, whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Adjust spice level by adding more or less sriracha according to your preference.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Transfer cooked chicken to a large bowl, pour most of the sauce over top, and gently toss to coat. This technique works perfectly for Things To Do With Pulled Chicken as well. Reserve some sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Vitamin C: 8% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this recipe into an even healthier option:
- Air fry instead of deep frying to reduce fat by up to 70%
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce
- Try almond flour or chickpea flour for a Dinner Ideas Gluten Free Main Dishes version
- For a lower-carb option, use crushed pork rinds instead of flour
- Try cauliflower florets instead of chicken for a vegetarian version
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Gathering Recipes presentation with these serving ideas:
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
- Create a bowl with cucumber, avocado, and pickled vegetables
- Wrap in lettuce cups for a light appetizer
- Pair with a crisp Riesling or cold Japanese beer for Easy Dinners For Couples
- For a complete meal, serve with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the buttermilk soak – this crucial step ensures moisture and helps coating adhere
- Overcrowding the pan – cook in batches for maximum crispiness
- Making sauce too early – prepare just before serving for best texture
- Using cold chicken straight from refrigerator – let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes
- Not patting chicken dry before coating – excess moisture creates steam, not crunch
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This East Recipes For Two can easily become tomorrow’s lunch:
- Store leftover chicken separately from sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 days
- Reheat in air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness
- Freeze uncooked coated chicken for up to 1 month
- For meal prep, prepare chicken and sauce separately, combining only when ready to serve
Conclusion
This Delicious Bang Bang Chicken Recipe That Will Spice Up Your Dinner Tonight brings excitement to your dining routine with minimal effort. The perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and spicy elements makes this dish an instant favorite for weeknights and special occasions alike. Don’t hesitate to customize the spice level or try some of our suggested modifications to make it your own. We’d love to hear how your bang bang chicken turned out – share your results in the comments!
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, then toss with sauce.
Is Bang Bang Chicken authentically Asian?
While inspired by Asian flavors, bang bang chicken is primarily an American creation popularized by chain restaurants. Traditional Sichuan “bang bang chicken” is actually a cold chicken dish with a spicy sauce.
How can I make this recipe completely gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour, cornstarch, or a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What vegetables pair well with Bang Bang Chicken?
Steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, bell peppers, and water chestnuts complement the flavors beautifully. For a full meal, try serving with a side of Asian slaw or cucumber salad.