Bang Bang Chicken

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of lemon juice) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying The chicken breasts are the star of the dish. They should be juicy and tender. Buttermilk helps with that. It makes the chicken soft and adds flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk with a bit of lemon juice works well. The breading mix gives the chicken its crispy texture. A blend of flour, cornstarch, and spices creates that perfect crunch. Make sure to season well with salt and pepper for depth. - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust based on spice preference) - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon lime juice - Chopped green onions for garnish The Bang Bang sauce is what makes this dish special. Mayonnaise forms the base, bringing creaminess. Sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and some heat. Sriracha gives it a spicy kick, but you can adjust this to your taste. Honey adds a touch of sweetness, while lime juice brings brightness. Finally, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the link above. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is key. The buttermilk makes the meat juicy and tender. It also adds a nice flavor that blends well with the spices. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate overnight in the fridge for even more flavor. To make the breading, mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix gives the chicken a great crunch. For extra crispiness, add a bit of cornstarch. It helps create a light, airy crust that’s hard to resist. Heat enough oil in a large skillet to cover the bottom. The oil should be hot but not smoking. You can test it by dropping a piece of breading in; it should sizzle right away. When the oil is ready, bread the chicken. Take it out of the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Coat it well in the flour mix. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side. It should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Place the fried chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil. To make the Bang Bang sauce, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl. Whisk until it’s smooth and creamy. You can adjust the spice level to your taste by adding more or less Sriracha. This sauce pairs perfectly with the chicken. Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over it or serve it on the side for dipping. For a fun twist, you can serve the chicken on a bed of crispy lettuce. This adds a nice crunch and makes the dish look great. Don't forget to garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor and color. For the complete process, refer to the Full Recipe. Using buttermilk makes the chicken tender. It adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy. The acid in buttermilk breaks down proteins, which helps create a soft texture. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. But if you can, let it soak overnight. This longer time gives more flavor and a better texture. For perfect frying, ensure even cooking. Start with hot oil. If the oil is cold, the chicken will soak up too much grease. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature. Aim for about 350°F. This heat helps create a crispy crust. Fry the chicken in small batches. This keeps the oil hot. If you crowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of fry. You can customize the heat level in your Bang Bang sauce. If you want it less spicy, reduce the Sriracha. You can also use less chili sauce. For a milder flavor, try adding a little more honey. If you want to switch things up, try yogurt instead of mayo. It gives a tangy twist while keeping it creamy. {{image_2}} You can make Bang Bang Chicken healthier in a few ways. First, consider baking instead of frying. Baking uses less oil and still gives you a nice crunch. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Another way to lighten up the dish is to change the breading. Instead of using all-purpose flour, try whole wheat flour or almond flour. You can also use ground oats or crushed cornflakes for a different texture. These options add more fiber and nutrients. Want to spice things up? Add different spices to the breading. For a kick, mix in cayenne pepper or chili powder. If you prefer a milder taste, use Italian seasoning or herbs like thyme and oregano. Each choice will give the chicken a unique twist. You can also try unique sauces with the chicken. Instead of the classic Bang Bang sauce, use a honey mustard or a garlic aioli. For a tangy option, mix yogurt with lemon juice and herbs. Each sauce can change the meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Pair your Bang Bang Chicken with great sides for a full meal. Fresh salads with crunchy veggies complement the rich flavors of the chicken. Try a simple cucumber and tomato salad with a light vinaigrette. Another option is to serve it with rice or quinoa. Both add a hearty base that balances the dish. For a fun twist, serve the chicken in a wrap with lettuce and veggies. This creates a fun, portable meal that everyone will love. Explore these variations for a unique take on Bang Bang Chicken. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the main dish. Enjoy your cooking! To keep your Bang Bang Chicken fresh, store it properly. Place the cooked chicken in an airtight container. This helps avoid drying out. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to store it longer, freeze the chicken. Wrap it tightly in foil or use freezer bags. This way, it stays good for about three months. Now, for the sauce, you need to treat it a bit differently. Store your Bang Bang Sauce in a separate container. Keep it in the fridge, where it can last for up to a week. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Just remember to use a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. To keep the chicken crispy, use the oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This helps restore that crunchy texture. Avoid using the microwave if you want to maintain crispiness. Microwaving can make the chicken soggy. For the sauce, reheat it gently in a small pot. Warm it on low heat, and stir often. This prevents it from separating or getting too thick. Enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken just like the first time! Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish that comes from Asian cuisine. It features crispy chicken coated in a spicy sauce. This dish gained fame for its bold flavors and unique texture. Its name may come from the sound of the chicken being pounded or the bang of flavors. The dish is often served in restaurants and at home for special meals. Enjoying it brings a taste of Asian street food culture right to your table. Yes, you can use frozen chicken for Bang Bang Chicken. However, fresh chicken is best for flavor and texture. If you use frozen chicken, thaw it fully before marinating. This helps the buttermilk soak in better. To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the microwave on defrost. Avoid cooking from frozen, as it can lead to uneven cooking. To reduce the spice in your Bang Bang Chicken, adjust the sauce ingredients. Use less Sriracha in the sauce or skip it altogether. You can also add more mayonnaise or honey to balance the heat. If you prefer a milder taste, try using sweet chili sauce without any added heat. This way, you can still enjoy the dish without it being too spicy. Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options: - Steamed jasmine rice - Crispy lettuce wraps - Fresh cucumber salad - Roasted vegetables - Asian slaw These sides complement the flavors and add freshness to your meal. Feel free to mix and match to create a complete dining experience. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for inspiration. You now have a clear path to making Bang Bang Chicken. Remember to marinate the chicken in buttermilk to achieve a tender texture. The crispy breading mix plays a key role in flavor. Don’t forget the Bang Bang sauce; it adds a zesty kick. Explore variations to tailor the dish to your taste. With proper storage, your leftovers will stay delicious. Experiment with different sides and enjoy this tasty meal anytime! It’s a fun recipe that adds joy to your table.$

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Bang Bang Chicken that will elevate your weeknight dinners! This easy recipe features juicy, crispy chicken coated in a deliciously spicy and tangy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for sharing or a simple family meal, your taste buds are in for a treat! Click through to explore the step-by-step guide and impress your family with this delightful dish that’s sure to become a favorite!

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Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of lemon juice)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust based on spice preference)

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon lime juice

Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator) to tenderize and infuse flavor.

Prepare the Breading: In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour enough oil to cover the bottom and heat over medium-high until shimmering. Test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter; it should sizzle immediately.

Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until fully coated.

Fry the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken in the hot oil carefully and fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove and let drain on paper towels.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

Serve: Slice the chicken into strips and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce on top or serve it on the side for dipping.

Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the chicken for an added burst of color and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 2-3

- Presentation Tips: Serve on a large platter, drizzled with sauce and garnished with green onions. You can also add a side of crispy lettuce for a refreshing crunch!