This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a fun dish that features crispy bites of chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
What I love most? It’s super crunchy on the outside and packed with flavor on the inside. If you’re like me, you’ll want to keep munching on it while watching your favorite show! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless thighs for even juiciness, but chicken breasts work too! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use turkey instead—just remember it might cook a bit faster.
Buttermilk: This adds tenderness and flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own by mixing a cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to sour it. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
Cornstarch: This ingredient helps create a super crispy texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using rice flour instead; it works similarly and will give you great crunch!
Mayonnaise: It gives the Bang Bang Sauce creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead, which adds a nice tang as well.
How Do I Get Extra Crispy Chicken?
The secret to achieving that perfect crispy texture lies in the dredging and frying process. Here’s how to master it:
- Ensure your chicken is well-marinated in buttermilk, which helps keep it moist during cooking.
- When coating the chicken, make sure each piece is fully covered in the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour to avoid clumping.
- Fry in hot oil (350°F/175°C) and in small batches. This helps maintain oil temperature and results in crispy pieces.
- Let the fried chicken rest on paper towels; this keeps it crisp by removing excess oil.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken With Sweet Spicy Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce (Sweet Spicy Sauce):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
Garnish (optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe involves about 15 minutes for prep time, followed by a marination time of at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours if you have time). The frying takes around 10-15 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour. A little patience goes a long way for the perfect crispy chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Begin by placing the chicken pieces into a bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Mix everything together and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare the Coating:
While the chicken marinates, take another bowl and mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is crucial for achieving that crispy coating we all love!
3. Coat the Chicken:
After the chicken has marinated, remove the pieces from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Dredge the chicken pieces thoroughly in the flour mixture, making sure they are completely covered. Shake off any extra flour.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Next, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for the best results. Avoid overcrowding the pan! Each batch should fry for about 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain the excess oil.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice and sweetness to your liking—feel free to make it as spicy as you love it!
6. Combine and Serve:
Put the fried chicken into a large bowl, drizzle the Bang Bang sauce on top, and toss everything together carefully. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the delicious sauce!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
For a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken!
This dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family, or even enjoying all to yourself—don’t worry, I won’t tell! 😉
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, making them a fantastic choice for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through depending on their size.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and substitute cornstarch with additional gluten-free flour if needed. Ensure your sauces (like the sweet chili sauce) are also labeled gluten-free to keep the dish entirely gluten-free.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The Bang Bang Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving, as some ingredients may settle.
What Can I Serve with Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a crunchy salad for a fresh complement. You can also serve it as a party appetizer with toothpicks for easy eating!
