Introduction
Get ready to bring some zing to your table with this Kickin’ Bang Bang Chicken! It’s crispy, spicy, and oh-so-addictive, making it perfect for a dinner that’s sure to be the talk of the town. Each bite is a flavor explosion that combines the tenderness of chicken with a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience!
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
In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step helps keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Step 2: Prepare Coating
In another bowl, combine flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 3: Heat Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can tell when the oil is ready by dropping a small amount of water into it; if it sizzles, you’re good to go.
Step 4: Coat Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture.
Step 5: Fry Chicken
Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden and crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cooling rack or a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Taste the sauce and adjust the level of sriracha according to your heat preference.
Step 7: Toss Chicken with Sauce
Toss the crispy chicken bits in the bang bang sauce until they are well-coated.
Step 8: Serve
Plate the crispy, spicy chicken and enjoy the delicious goodness!
Notes
Cooking Tip
For the best results, fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
Storage Suggestions
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Customization
Feel free to customize the sauce by adding more sriracha for extra heat or using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Cook techniques
Buttermilk Bath
Soaking the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and adds moisture, resulting in juicy, flavorful bites.
Flavoring the Flour
Mixing spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika into the flour creates a tasty coating that enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
Temperature Check for Frying
To ensure the oil is hot enough for frying, test it by dropping a bit of water into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s ready for frying.
Batch Frying
Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain the oil temperature, ensuring that each piece cooks thoroughly and develops a crispy texture.
Cooling Rack Technique
Using a cooling rack or paper towel-lined plate helps to drain excess oil from the fried chicken, keeping the coating crispy rather than soggy.
Mixing the Sauce
Combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey creates a creamy, spicy sauce that perfectly complements the crispy chicken.
Tossing for Flavor
Tossing the fried chicken pieces in the bang bang sauce ensures each bite is fully coated with flavor.
FAQ
Can I use boneless, skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs can be used for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
You can adjust the sriracha to your taste preference, or add more honey to balance the heat.
Can I make the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can fry the chicken in advance and reheat it in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Is there a gluten-free option for the flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with rice, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Kickin’ Bang Bang Chicken is an easy and flavorful dish that brings excitement to your dining experience. Enjoy the crispy, spicy goodness!
