Introduction
Get ready to bring some zing to your table with this Kickin’ Bang Bang Chicken! It’s crispy, spicy, and oh-so-addictive. Perfect for a dinner that’s sure to be the talk of the town!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. First, treat your chicken to a buttermilk bath! In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes—this keeps them tender and juicy.
2. In another bowl, combine flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up!
3. Heat up some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You know the oil is ready when a drop of water sizzles upon contact.
4. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, and let any excess drip off. Then, coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mix.
5. Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once done, transfer the pieces to a cooling rack or paper towel-lined plate.
6. For the sauce, simply whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl. Give it a taste and adjust the sriracha level to meet your heat preference.
7. Toss the crispy chicken bits with your zingy bang bang sauce until well-coated.
8. Plate it up and enjoy that crispy, spicy goodness!
Nutritional Information
Per serving, this delicious dish brings approximately: Calories: 450 kcal Carbohydrates: 35g Protein: 25g Fat: 25g Saturated Fat: 4g Cholesterol: 60mg Sodium: 850mg Fiber: 2g Sugar: 12g
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Buttermilk Bath
First, treat your chicken to a buttermilk bath! In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes—this keeps them tender and juicy.
Step 2: Prepare Flour Mixture
In another bowl, combine flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up!
Step 3: Heat Oil
Heat up some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You know the oil is ready when a drop of water sizzles upon contact.
Step 4: Coat Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, and let any excess drip off. Then, coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mix.
Step 5: Fry Chicken
Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once done, transfer the pieces to a cooling rack or paper towel-lined plate.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
For the sauce, simply whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl. Give it a taste and adjust the sriracha level to meet your heat preference.
Step 7: Toss Chicken with Sauce
Toss the crispy chicken bits with your zingy bang bang sauce until well-coated.
Step 8: Serve
Plate it up and enjoy that crispy, spicy goodness!
Notes
Chicken Preparation
Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Buttermilk Tip
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
Seasoning Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the flour mixture to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness.
Cook techniques
Soaking Chicken in Buttermilk
Soaking chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes helps to tenderize the meat, keeping it juicy and flavorful during the frying process.
Preparing the Flour Coating
Mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful coating that adds texture and taste to the fried chicken.
Heating Oil for Frying
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Test if the oil is ready by dropping a small amount of water into it; if it sizzles, you’re good to go.
Coating the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let excess liquid drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture to ensure a crisp exterior.
Frying the Chicken
Fry the chicken in batches, allowing them to cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. This helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking.
Making the Sauce
Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl to create a creamy, spicy sauce that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
Tossing Chicken in Sauce
Once the chicken is fried to perfection, toss it with the bang bang sauce until well-coated for an explosion of flavor in every bite.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier and more flavorful option if desired.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
You can adjust the amount of sriracha based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more gradually to find your ideal spice level.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at a high temperature (around 425°F) for a healthier alternative, but it may not be as crispy as the fried version.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with rice, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
