– **Title**: Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tbsp vinegar)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Oil for frying
– **Bang Bang Sauce**:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1-2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
– 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
– 1 tbsp lime juice
– Salt to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate for up to 4 hours) to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place panko breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl.
4. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip back in the buttermilk, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press down to ensure coating adheres well.
5. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (around 350°F), carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
6. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Adjust the levels of chili sauce and sriracha to achieve desired sweetness and spice.
8. Toss the crispy chicken in the bang bang sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
This recipe combines the crunchiness of fried chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce, creating a deliciously addictive dish perfect for sharing.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Tenders: Fresh chicken tenders are best for this recipe. However, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips or even thighs for a juicier result. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using tofu or tempeh instead.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the chicken its signature crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs can work, but they won’t be as crispy. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free alternative.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix a cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to mimic buttermilk.
Sriracha: Adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your spice preference. If you want less heat, try using a mild chili sauce instead, or add a touch of honey for a sweeter sauce.
How Do You Get the Chicken Super Crispy?
The coating process is crucial for a crispy texture. Follow these steps to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly crunchy:
- Set up a breading station. Dust each chicken tender with flour first; this helps the egg stick.
- Dip into the egg wash thoroughly, letting excess drip off. This will help the panko adhere successfully.
- Press each tender into the panko breadcrumbs gently. The more you press, the better they stick! Ensure they are well coated.
- Fry in hot oil (around 350°F). If the oil is not hot enough, the breading will get soggy. You can test the oil by dropping a breadcrumb in; it should sizzle immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve that golden color.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes to enjoy your tasty, crispy Bang Bang chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
Start by making the delicious Bang Bang sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well mixed. Set this tasty sauce aside; it will be perfect for dipping later!
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Now, let’s set up for breading the chicken. In one bowl, pour in the all-purpose flour and add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the two eggs together until they’re blended. In a third bowl, pour in the panko breadcrumbs. This will help you coat your chicken properly!
3. Bread the Chicken Tenders:
Take each chicken tender and first dip it into the seasoned flour, coating it well. Then, move it to the bowl with beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, place it into the panko breadcrumbs and press down gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick nicely. Repeat this process for all the chicken tenders.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be about 2-3 inches deep, enough to cook the chicken halfway. Wait until the oil is hot, about 350°F (you can test it by dropping a breadcrumb in; if it sizzles, you’re ready!). Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to take them out and let them drain on paper towels.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once your crispy Bang Bang chicken is done, serve it warm with the Bang Bang sauce on the side for a delightful dip. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Tenders?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thicker pieces may require an extra minute per side to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own! Just combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly, then use it as you would buttermilk.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken and Sauce?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to retain its crispiness. The Bang Bang sauce can also be kept in the fridge for about a week!
