If you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive, this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine perfectly crunchy chicken coated in a spicy, creamy sauce that brings a little kick and a lot of comfort in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this dish combines simplicity and bold flavors in a way that keeps you coming back for more. The magic lies in the balance of textures and that irresistible sauce that truly makes this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering texture, flavor, and that signature hit of spice. From the marinating liquid to the crispy panko coating, every element is essential for achieving that perfect crispy chicken experience.
- Buttermilk substitute: Use plain Greek yogurt mixed with milk or add lemon juice to regular milk to tenderize the chicken beautifully.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for easy cooking and perfect coating.
- Egg: Helps the flour and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, creating a sturdy crust.
- Hot sauce: Adds a layer of heat to the marinade, infusing the chicken with flavor from the inside out.
- Garlic powder: Provides a subtle but savory background note to complement the spice.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that brings out the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Flour and cornstarch: The perfect duo for a light but strong dredge that ensures crispiness.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Key to that signature crunchy texture; you can swap them with crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes for variety.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bang Bang sauce: The crown jewel, a creamy, spicy sauce that brings everything together beautifully.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together your buttermilk substitute, egg, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade not only flavors the chicken deeply but also ensures it stays juicy and tender. Let the chicken soak up all these delicious elements for about 20 to 30 minutes. Trust me, this step is a total game-changer for your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station
While the chicken marinates, prepare your dredging station by mixing flour and cornstarch in one shallow bowl and placing panko breadcrumbs in another. This two-step coating process creates that irresistible, crunchy outer layer we all love.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade one at a time and dredge each in the flour-cornstarch mix. Then press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, covering both sides evenly. The pressing ensures every bite is perfectly crunchy, highlighting the care you’re putting into this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches between 350 and 365 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is critical as it crisps the chicken quickly without soaking up too much oil, ensuring that perfect golden crust.
Step 5: Fry in Batches
Never overcrowd the pan—cook your chicken pieces in batches, turning each once, for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This technique guarantees even cooking and a beautiful golden-brown finish. The fragrant aroma alone will have you impatiently waiting to try this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe!
Step 6: Drain and Rest
Once fried, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Letting the chicken rest helps it stay crispy and juicy, making every bite an absolute delight.
Step 7: Sauce It Up
The final flourish: drizzle your crispy chicken with that luscious bang bang sauce or serve it on the side as a dip. This sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, combining creamy, sweet, and spicy notes that elevate the dish to a whole new level.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of cilantro add a fresh contrast to the rich, crunchy chicken and spicy sauce. These little touches not only brighten the plate but also add layers of color and flavor that make the dish as inviting visually as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its bold flavors. Consider steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of sauce, or keep it light with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Crunchy slaw is also a fantastic partner, adding texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Bang Bang Chicken Recipe as sliders with crunchy slaw inside soft brioche buns or toss sliced chicken over a fresh salad for a light yet exciting meal. You can even turn it into a shareable appetizer by cutting the chicken into strips and serving with several dipping sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the chicken’s crispiness and reapply when serving.
Freezing
If you want to freeze cooked Bang Bang Chicken, lay pieces flat in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to a month. Just remember, the texture might soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, use a conventional or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to revive crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can turn the coating soggy and take away the satisfying crunch that makes this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and tend to stay juicier, which makes them a fantastic choice for this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, baking works if you want a lighter version. Coat the chicken as directed, place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
What can I use to make the recipe dairy-free?
Swap the buttermilk substitute for almond milk mixed with a splash of vinegar and use a vegan mayo alternative in the sauce for a delicious dairy-free take on the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a moderate heat level that can be adjusted to your liking by adding more or less hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. It’s creamy and spicy without being overwhelming.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The bang bang sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had a chance to meld.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making and sharing this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe—it hits all the right notes with its crispy coating, juicy inside, and luscious sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re new to this dish or rekindling an old love, I absolutely encourage you to give it a try. It’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a favorite in any household.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, spicy fried chicken dish coated in a flavorful creamy sauce, perfect as an appetizer or main course. This recipe features marinated chicken pieces dredged in a crunchy panko coating and fried to golden perfection then topped with a spicy bang bang sauce that delivers a delicious kick.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 cup buttermilk (or plain Greek yogurt mixed with milk or lemon juice in milk as a substitute)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lb chicken pieces (breasts or thighs)
For the Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes)
For Frying
- Vegetable oil or canola oil (enough for deep frying, about 2 inches deep)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste, add cayenne for extra heat if desired)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk (or yogurt mixture), egg, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture and let them marinate for 20 to 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Set Up the Dredging Station: Prepare two shallow dishes; in one, combine flour and cornstarch. In the other, pour the panko breadcrumbs or alternative coating. These will be used to create the crispy exterior 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, then press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to ensure an even and thorough coating on both sides.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into a large skillet to create about a 2-inch deep frying layer. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches between 350 and 365°F, which ensures the chicken will cook evenly and become crispy.
- Fry in Batches: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Turn once to cook evenly on both sides.
- Drain and Rest: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let it rest briefly to maintain crispiness.
- Sauce It Up: Drizzle the cooked chicken with bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping to allow guests to adjust the spiciness to their liking.
Notes
- Buttermilk substitute can be made by mixing plain Greek yogurt with milk or adding lemon juice to regular milk.
- For a crunchy texture variation, use crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes instead of panko breadcrumbs.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the bang bang sauce for a spicier kick.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute almond milk for milk and use a vegan mayonnaise alternative.
- Ensure oil is at the proper temperature before frying to avoid greasy chicken and ensure crispiness.
- Cook chicken in batches to prevent oil temperature from dropping.
