Bang Bang Chicken
Bang Bang Chicken has earned its spot as a crowd favorite in many households, and it’s easy to see why. This dish is a flavorful combination of crispy chicken tenderloins coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs and drenched in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner, a cozy family brunch, or even an appetizer for a gathering, this recipe delivers a punch of flavor that’s sure to impress. Plus, the crispy exterior paired with the zesty sauce is a heavenly match!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What makes Bang Bang Chicken so special? For starters, it’s an incredibly quick and budget-friendly recipe. With a prep time of just about 15 minutes and a cooking time of another 10, you can have dinner on the table in under half an hour. This dish is also perfect for families with picky eaters, as the crunchy texture and sweet, spicy flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike.
"It’s such a hit every time I make it! The kids can’t get enough of the bang bang sauce. I love how quick it is to prepare, and it’s become a regular in our dinner rotation."
Step-by-Step Overview
Making Bang Bang Chicken is simple and fun! This recipe guides you through the steps to create a delicious dish that everyone will adore. You’ll start by preparing your ingredients and seasonings, then move on to frying the chicken until it’s perfectly crispy. Finally, you’ll mix the bang bang sauce that ties everything together.
What You’ll Need
To whip up this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken tenderloins
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Salt
- Pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
Feel free to tweak the spices in the bang bang sauce to suit your taste—add more sriracha for extra heat or reduce the mayonnaise for a lighter version!
Directions to Follow
- Begin by seasoning the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Next, dredge the seasoned tenderloins in panko breadcrumbs until they are evenly coated for a delightful crunch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat; you’ll know it’s ready when a small drop of breadcrumbs sizzles in the oil.
- Fry the chicken tenderloins for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are fully cooked.
- While the chicken is frying, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl to create your bang bang sauce.
- Once the chicken is cooked, generously drizzle the bang bang sauce over the crispy tenders right before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it’s time to serve Bang Bang Chicken, consider adding a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or a side of crisp coleslaw to balance the richness of the dish. You can also try serving it in lettuce wraps for a fresh twist, adding a few slices of cucumber for crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or fresh herbs as a garnish can bring a beautiful touch to your plate.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (though you might not!), store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes to retain its crispiness. While freezing is an option, it’s best to enjoy the chicken fresh to truly savor its crunch.
Helpful Cooking Tips
For the best results, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy instead of crispy. Additionally, consider letting the fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep it from steaming.
Creative Twists
Feeling inspired to try something new? You can easily switch up the flavor profile of this dish by incorporating different spices into the panko mixture. Try adding garlic powder, paprika, or even Italian herbs for a unique twist. For a healthier version, bake the chicken in the oven instead of frying it—just spray it lightly with cooking oil and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
Common Questions
What is the prep time for Bang Bang Chicken?
Prep time takes about 15 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes for cooking.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, but panko will give you a lighter, crunchier texture that’s particularly good for frying.
How do I properly store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain crispiness.
With its quick preparation, tantalizing flavors, and appeal to all ages, making Bang Bang Chicken at home is a no-brainer. It’s an easy recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again!
Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the seasoned tenderloins in panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until ready.
- Fry the chicken tenderloins for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl to create the bang bang sauce.
- Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the crispy chicken tenderloins before serving.
