Crunch Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Crunch Bang Bang Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this recipe brings bold flavors and satisfying crunch to your table.

Ingredients

• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• For the Chicken:
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Canola oil, for frying
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   Add chicken tenderloins to the batter and toss to coat. Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow plate. Working one piece at a time, remove chicken from the batter, gently shaking off excess, and dredge in panko, pressing slightly to adhere. Set on a clean plate and repeat with remaining pieces.
4. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat about an inch of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Working in batches, carefully add chicken to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Serve:
   Toss the fried chicken with the Bang Bang Sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 15-20 minutes, resulting in a total time of approximately 35-40 minutes.

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Increase the amount of Sriracha in the Bang Bang Sauce for an extra kick.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• Baked Version: For a healthier option, bake the coated chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Crunch Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For extra crispiness, consider reheating in an air fryer.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
   Yes, chicken breasts can be used; just cut them into strips to ensure even cooking.
2. Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
   You can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
3. How can I make the chicken less spicy?
   Simply reduce the amount of Sriracha in the sauce and the batter.
4. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
   Yes, the Bang Bang Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
5. What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
   Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko provides a lighter and crispier texture.
6. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
   Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes for a healthier version.
7. What can I serve with Crunch Bang Bang Chicken?
   It pairs well with rice, salads, or steamed vegetables.
8. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
   Yes, it can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a quick meal.
9. Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
   Yes, the fried chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
10. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
    Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Crunch Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or family dinners. With its easy preparation and bold flavors, this recipe is sure to impress anyone at your table! Enjoy the crunch and flavor with every bite.

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