Bang Bang Chicken: A Spicy, Sweet Delight

Dive into a dish that packs a flavorful punch with this Bang Bang Chicken recipe. Combining the creamy, spicy, and sweet elements of the iconic Bang Bang Sauce with crispy, golden-brown chicken, this meal is a surefire way to spice up your dinner table. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s bursting with flavors and textures sure to delight any palate.

Ingredients:

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Sriracha recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken:

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins, boneless and skinless
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, plain
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Sriracha recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil for frying
  • Parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
    • In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey (or sugar), and season with salt and pepper. Adjust the taste according to your preference. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken:
    • In a shallow dish, combine buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Whisk until smooth.
    • In another shallow dish, mix together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
    • Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.
  3. Fry the Chicken:
    • Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy on all sides and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to do this in batches.
    • Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  4. Serve:
    • Arrange the fried chicken on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared Bang Bang Sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
    • Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Enjoy the explosive flavors of Bang Bang Chicken, a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to say. The combination of crispy chicken and the unique sauce will make this recipe a repeated request at your dining table. Perfect for dinners, gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for something deliciously different.