Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is not just another dish; it’s a culinary experience that brings together a medley of flavors and textures that tantalize your taste buds. Originating from Chinese cuisine, this dish has gained immense popularity worldwide, becoming a staple in many Asian-inspired restaurants and home kitchens. The appeal of Bang Bang Chicken lies not only in its rich, creamy, and spicy sauce but also in the irresistible crispy texture of the chicken itself, which creates a delightful contrast with the sauce.

Discover the ultimate Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe that transforms your kitchen into a culinary oasis. With its origins in Chinese cuisine, this dish offers a delightful interplay of crispy fried chicken enveloped in a creamy, spicy sauce. Get ready to learn essential tips for achieving the perfect crunch, the balance of flavors in the sauce, and serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience. Dive into this flavor-packed adventure and impress your dinner guests!

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust according to desired spice level)

1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

Salt to taste

Chopped green onions for garnish

Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken pieces, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Prepare the Breading Station: Organize your breading station with three separate bowls:

- First bowl: combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

- Second bowl: pour in the leftover buttermilk mixture from the marinated chicken.

- Third bowl: fill with panko breadcrumbs.

Bread the Chicken: Retrieve the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Working with one piece at a time, first dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then dip it back into the buttermilk and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs, pressing down slightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep frying pan, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about an inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready for frying, drop in a small piece of bread; it should bubble and sizzle immediately.

Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Once done, transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In another bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference, especially for spiciness.

Toss the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy fried chicken pieces with the prepared bang bang sauce, tossing gently until all pieces are evenly coated.

Serve and Garnish: Plate the crispy bang bang chicken beautifully on a serving platter. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flair. Serve with lime wedges on the side, inviting diners to squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken for an extra kick.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 4 servings