Ah, Bang Bang Chicken! This dish holds a special place in my kitchen—and my heart. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a late-night scrolling session on a food blog, and I was instantly hooked. The name itself drew me in like a moth to a flame, and after just one bite, I knew I was onto something magical. It’s like a perfect harmony between crispy, tender chicken and a sweet, spicy sauce that dances on your palate. Tonight, let’s unravel the secrets behind this finger-lickin’ delight.
Why you’ll love this recipe
You may wonder, “What makes Bang Bang Chicken so irresistible?” Well, let me tell you—the crunchiness of the panko breadcrumbs paired with the juicy tenderloins creates that perfect contrast we all crave. And let’s not forget the sauce! Oh, that sauce! It’s creamy, tangy, with just the right kick of heat, thanks to the sriracha.
When you combine those elements, you create a dish that’s not only satisfying but downright addictive. Plus, this recipe comes together quicker than you can say “dinner’s ready,” making it a fabulous choice when you’re short on time but still want to impress. You could whip this up for an easy weeknight dinner or bring it to a potluck and watch it vanish like magic.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s talk ingredients because every great dish starts with the best choices.
- Chicken Tenderloins: These small, succulent pieces are the stars of the show. They’re super easy to cook, tender, and soak up flavors beautifully. If you’re in a pinch, boneless chicken breasts work just as well!
- Panko Breadcrumbs: The magic crunchy coating! These Japanese-style breadcrumbs give that irresistible crunch—like biting into a tiny, golden cocoon. If you fancy a twist, try using crushed cornflakes for an even more unique texture.
- Oil for Frying: You’ll need a good, sturdy oil like vegetable or canola. They have high smoking points and won’t overshadow the chicken’s flavor. Plus, they fry beautifully, giving our tenders that golden-brown finish.
- Mayonnaise: This creamy component adds richness to our bang bang sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using Greek yogurt for a lighter option without sacrificing creaminess.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-addictive. This ingredient is the heart of the sauce! For a homemade version, you could simmer sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes if you’re up for it.
- Sriracha: Now, here’s where the kick comes. This red-hot sauce gives depth to the dressing. Don’t be shy—adjust according to your heat preference!
- Lime Juice: A splash of lime lifts everything and adds a nice zesty finish. Fresh is best, but bottled lime juice can work in a pinch.
Preparing Bang Bang Chicken
Alright, roll up your sleeves; it’s time to make magic happen!
- Set up your breading station: In one bowl, whisk your beaten eggs until they’re light and frothy. In another bowl, pour in those panko breadcrumbs. It’s a dual-action powerhouse ready to coat our chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Take those tenderloins and dip them into the egg, letting any excess drip off. Then, roll them in the panko breadcrumbs like they’re getting a warm, cozy hug. The more, the merrier with breadcrumbs—don’t skimp!
- Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan, pour in enough oil to cover the bottom generously. Heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering—this step is key!
- Fry away: Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in batches, cooking each piece until it’s golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Those sizzling sounds? That’s music to your ears!
- Make the sauce: While the chicken is frying, grab a bowl and mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. This sauce is your secret weapon; it ties everything together.
- Finish and serve: Once the chicken is crispy and cooked through, drizzle that bang bang sauce over the chicken—let it coat generously. Serve it up hot!
Best way to enjoy it
Now, how do we serve this beauty? Bang Bang Chicken doesn’t just want to sit on a plate all alone. Pair it with some fluffy jasmine rice or a crunchy Asian slaw to balance the flavors. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions on top adds a wonderful pop of color.
And don’t forget—this dish is perfect for sharing! Set it up on a platter around the dining table and let everyone dive in.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Let’s talk storage—nobody wants sad, soggy chicken the next day. To keep your leftovers crisp, let the chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, pop it in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F to rejuvenate that crispy texture!
Pro chef tips
Before you dash off to whip this delight up, here are a few tips for a successful recipe:
- Do not overcrowd the pan: Frying too many tenderloins at once can drop the oil’s temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Better to fry in batches.
- Test the oil: A quick test: drop a few breadcrumbs into the oil. If they sizzle right away, you’re ready to fry!
- Customize the heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your spice tolerance. Or consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the panko for an added kick.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Try some recipe variations to keep things exciting:
- Add herbs: Toss in some chopped parsley or cilantro to your panko for an herby twist. It gives extra flavor and color.
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets for a crispy veggie delight.
- Tropical flair: Throw in some mango chunks or pineapple bits in the sauce for a sweet, tropical vibe.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Lime juice
Directions to follow
- Set up your breading station with beaten eggs in one bowl and panko in another.
- Dip chicken tenderloins in the egg and then coat with panko.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice to make the bang bang sauce.
- Drizzle sauce over crispy chicken before serving.
Your questions answered
- What’s the prep time? About 15 minutes to get everything ready and then another 15 for cooking. Quick and easy!
- Can I bake the chicken instead? Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until crispy.
- How do I make it gluten-free? Substitute the panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
- What’s a good side dish? A crisp salad or steamed veggies pair nicely—keep it light to balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.
- How long will leftovers last? In the fridge, they’re good for up to 3 days stored properly.
There you go! Now you have the magic of Bang Bang Chicken at your fingertips. I encourage you to try this out and infuse your own flair into it. Experiment, enjoy, and don’t forget to share your culinary adventures with me in the comments! Happy cooking!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Description
Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, tender dish coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, perfect for dinner or potlucks.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
-
Set up your breading station
In one bowl, whisk your beaten eggs until they’re light and frothy. In another bowl, pour in those panko breadcrumbs. -
Coat the chicken
Dip the chicken tenderloins into the egg, letting any excess drip off, then roll them in the panko breadcrumbs. -
Heat the oil
In a deep frying pan, pour enough oil to cover the bottom generously and heat over medium-high until shimmering. -
Fry the chicken
Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in batches, cooking until golden brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. -
Make the sauce
In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. -
Serve
Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the crispy chicken before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 120mg40%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 25g50%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 10 mg
- Calcium 30 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
