Introduction:
Indulge in a culinary explosion of flavor with this irresistible Bang Bang Chicken recipe. Tender chicken tenderloins coated in a crispy panko crust, bathed in a delectable homemade Bang Bang sauce – this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring the sizzle to your kitchen!
Ingredients:
For Bang Bang Chicken:
- 1 ½ 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
- 2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs, plain
- Canola oil, for frying
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
For 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
Directions:
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until well combined. Set aside.
- Coat Chicken:
- In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Mix until smooth.
- Add chicken tenderloins to the mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Dredge in Panko:
- Dredge the coated chicken in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated chicken on a plate and set aside.
- Fry Chicken:
- Heat canola oil in a skillet to 365°F (185°C).
- Carefully fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Ensure the oil is hot enough to achieve a crispy crust.
- Drain and Toss:
- Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Toss the fried chicken in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Bang Bang Chicken with chopped parsley for freshness and color.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crunchy, flavorful goodness!
Recipe Notes:
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce according to your desired level of spiciness.
- Serve the Bang Bang Chicken with rice, noodles, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
- Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Enjoyment Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Servings: 4
Dive into this Bang Bang Chicken recipe for a burst of flavor that will delight your senses and satisfy your cravings. Get ready to elevate your culinary repertoire with this irresistible dish!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenderloins?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breast cut into strips or cubes. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
Q: Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
A: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles slightly.
Q: Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A: Yes, you can bake the coated chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy.
Q: How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
A: You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread or a breadcrumb into it. If it sizzles and turns golden brown within a few seconds, the oil is ready for frying.
Tips:
- Marinate for Flavor: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator, before coating with breadcrumbs.
- Keep Oil Temperature Consistent: Maintain a consistent oil temperature while frying by adjusting the heat as needed. Fluctuating temperatures can result in uneven cooking and greasy chicken.
- Use a Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before removing from the oil.
- Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the cooked chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow excess oil to drain off, rather than letting it sit on paper towels, which can make the chicken soggy.
- Double Coating for Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy crust, double coat the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk mixture and breadcrumbs before frying.
- Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha and cayenne pepper in both the sauce and the chicken coating to suit your preference for spiciness.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve additional Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the chicken for those who enjoy an extra kick of flavor.