Crunch Bang Bang Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy, juicy chicken with a bold, flavorful sauce that brings a delightful “bang” of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. This recipe is perfect for those who love a bit of a kick in their meals but still want a balance of textures and tastes. The combination of crispy fried chicken and the signature bang bang sauce makes this dish irresistible, whether served as a party appetizer, a main dish, or alongside a fresh salad.
The origin of Bang Bang Chicken is rooted in Asian cuisine, where the sauce typically features a mix of spicy and creamy ingredients. In this recipe, we focus on a crispy coating for the chicken that locks in all the juices, while the sauce coats each piece in a delicious glaze. You’ll be left with a dish that’s packed with flavor, crunch, and just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients:
-
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
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For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Preparation:
Step 1:
Start by preparing the chicken. Cut each chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches. Place the pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
Step 2:
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Bang Bang Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Set the sauce aside in the refrigerator.
Step 3:
Prepare the coating for the chicken. In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Set up a dredging station with the flour mixture and eggs.
Step 4:
Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is fully covered. For extra crunch, repeat this process by dipping the chicken in the egg again and then back into the flour.
Step 5:
In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken pieces for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and drain it on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 6:
Once all the chicken is fried and crispy, toss it in the prepared Bang Bang Sauce. You can either lightly coat the chicken in the sauce or completely drench it, depending on your preference.
Cooking Note:
For an extra crispy finish, you can double-dip the chicken in the flour and egg mixture before frying. This ensures a thick, crunchy coating. If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the chicken in the oven instead of frying. Simply place the coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions:
Crunch Bang Bang Chicken is versatile and can be served in various ways. For an appetizer, serve the chicken on a platter with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side for dipping. As a main dish, pair it with rice or noodles and a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it in lettuce wraps or over a crisp salad for a lighter option. For a fun twist, serve the chicken in soft taco shells with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of extra Bang Bang sauce.
Tips:
- Adjust the heat level of the Bang Bang Sauce to your liking by adding more or less Sriracha.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure the sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.
- To make the chicken extra crispy, place the fried pieces on a wire rack after frying instead of on a paper towel, which can make them soggy.
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions as a garnish for a burst of freshness.
Prep Time:
15 minutes (plus 30 minutes to marinate the chicken)
Cooking Time:
20-25 minutes
Total Time:
45-50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 450 per serving (serves 4)
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 780mg
Conclusion
Crunch Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect dish for anyone who enjoys bold flavors and crispy textures. The combination of crunchy fried chicken and the tangy, spicy Bang Bang Sauce makes this a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a party or as a main course for dinner, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize it to your liking while still maintaining that signature “bang” of flavor.
So next time you’re looking for a fun, flavorful, and satisfying dish to make, try out this Crunch Bang Bang Chicken recipe. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with family, friends, and guests alike!