Introduction
Indulge in a delicious twist on crispy chicken with this Bang Bang Chicken recipe. Perfectly cooked chicken coated in a flavorful sauce creates a wonderful combination that is sure to please your taste buds. Serve it as an appetizer or as a main dish over rice or salad for a satisfying meal. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking methods!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chicken:
1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 cup buttermilk (or 2 beaten eggs)
1 cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
Prep Time
15-30 minutes (for marinating chicken)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes for oven, 8-10 minutes for air fryer, 6-8 minutes for frying in skillet
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes (including marinating)
Yield: Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Marinate and Coat
In a mixing bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk (or beaten eggs) for 15–30 minutes. In another bowl, mix the cornstarch (or flour) with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge the soaked chicken in the dry mixture until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken
Air Fryer Method
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray chicken with oil and place in a single layer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
Oven Method
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange coated chicken on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frying Method
Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in small batches until golden and cooked through (about 3–4 minutes per side). Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a clean bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar or lime juice.
Toss and Serve
Transfer cooked chicken bites to a large bowl. Drizzle or toss with the Bang Bang sauce until lightly coated. Garnish with green onions or cilantro.
Notes
Marinating Tip
Marinating the chicken helps to tenderize the meat and adds flavor. You can marinate longer for deeper flavor, but not more than a few hours.
Cooking Options
Choose the cooking method that suits your preference; air frying is healthier, while frying gives a crispy texture.
Sauce Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce based on your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken bites can be served alone as an appetizer, in a wrap, or over rice or salad for a more substantial meal.
Cook Techniques
Marinating the Chicken
Soaking the chicken pieces in buttermilk or beaten eggs helps to tenderize the meat and adds flavor, while also allowing the coating to adhere better.
Coating the Chicken
Mixing cornstarch or flour with garlic powder, salt, and pepper creates a flavorful crust. Ensure the chicken is evenly dredged for consistent texture.
Air Frying Method
Air frying offers a healthier alternative by using less oil. Preheat to the recommended temperature and cook the chicken in a single layer for even cooking.
Oven Method
Baking the chicken at a higher temperature ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Flipping halfway helps with even cooking and browning.
Frying Method
Frying in hot oil creates a golden, crispy crust. It is important to cook in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
Making Bang Bang Sauce
Whisking the sauce ingredients together creates a well-blended, flavorful accompaniment that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.
Tossing the Chicken
Tossing the cooked chicken in the Bang Bang sauce ensures every piece is coated evenly, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use chicken with skin for this recipe?
Yes, but removing the skin will allow the coating to adhere better and result in a crispier texture.
Can I substitute buttermilk?
Yes, you can use beaten eggs as a substitute for buttermilk in the marinating step.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
All-purpose flour is a suitable substitute for cornstarch in the coating.
How can I adjust the spice level of the Bang Bang Sauce?
You can adjust the amount of sriracha to taste to make the sauce milder or spicier.
Can I prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
What are some serving suggestions?
The chicken can be served as an appetizer with dipping sauce, or over rice or salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Enjoying these crispy Bang Bang chicken bites can be a delightful experience that packs flavor and a bit of heat. The combination of tender chicken and zesty sauce makes for a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit many preferences, whether as an appetizer, meal, or party dish. Feel free to experiment with the cooking methods and spice levels to find your perfect version!
Bang Bang Shrimp
Swap the chicken for shrimp to create a delicious seafood variation. Follow the same marinating and coating process, and prepare the Bang Bang sauce to achieve that same sweet and spicy flavor.
Bang Bang Cauliflower
For a vegetarian option, use bite-sized cauliflower florets in place of chicken. Coat and cook them just as you would the chicken, creating a crispy, flavorful dish that is hearty and satisfying.
Bang Bang Tofu
Substitute cubes of firm tofu for a plant-based protein source. Marinate and coat with the same mixture, then fry or bake to create a crunchy, flavorful tofu dish similar to the original recipe.
Bang Bang Salad Bowl
Transform the Bang Bang chicken bites into a vibrant salad. Serve over a bed of mixed greens, tomatoes, avocado, and cucumber, drizzled with the Bang Bang sauce for a light and refreshing meal.
Bang Bang Tacos
Wrap the crispy chicken bites in soft tortillas with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of the Bang Bang sauce for a fun and tasty taco twist.
Bang Bang Rice Bowl
Serve the Bang Bang chicken over a bowl of steamed rice or quinoa. Add sautéed vegetables and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a complete meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
