Crispy Bang Bang Chicken: A Flavorful Crunch Delight

Get ready to elevate your chicken game with this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken recipe! This dish is a perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken coated in a crunchy breading, then tossed in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or main course, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. The bang bang sauce, with its creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy kick, complements the crispy chicken perfectly, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients:

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons honey

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
• ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 cups (216 grams) of plain panko breadcrumbs.
• Canola oil, for frying
• Parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well until smooth and well-blended. Adjust the Sriracha according to your spice preference.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and 1 tablespoon of Sriracha.
   • Add the chicken tenderloins and coat them well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best results.
3. Prepare the Coating:
   • In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until well combined.
   • Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish.
4. Coat the Chicken:
   • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing the excess to drip off.
   • Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
   • Then dip the chicken back into the buttermilk marinade, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is well-covered for an extra crispy texture.
5. Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat about 1 inch of canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
   • Fry the chicken tenderloins in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
   • Cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
   • Then, move the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
6. Toss in Bang Bang Sauce:
   • Once all the chicken is fried, gently toss the crispy chicken pieces in the prepared bang bang sauce until they are well-coated.
   • Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side for dipping if you prefer to keep the chicken extra crispy.
7. Serve and Garnish:
   • Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter.
   • Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant touch and enhance freshness.
   • Serve immediately with extra bang bang sauce on the side if desired.

Conclusion:

This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, with a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender inside, all wrapped up in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s an ideal dish for gatherings, game nights, or even a special family dinner. With its addictive flavor and satisfying crunch, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy it with a side of steamed rice, a fresh salad, or simply on its own for a deliciously irresistible meal!