Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

$- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt substitute) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tsp smoked paprika - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust according to your heat preference) - Salt and black pepper to taste To make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, you need fresh chicken breast. Cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy. Soak the chicken in buttermilk. This gives it a tender texture and adds flavor. If you don't have buttermilk, plain yogurt works just fine. Next, mix the dry ingredients. Combine all-purpose flour with the seasonings. I like to use smoked paprika for a nice depth of flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder add savory notes. If you like heat, cayenne pepper is your friend. Don't forget to season with salt and black pepper. This will make your chicken taste amazing. - ½ cup mayonnaise - 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce - 1 tbsp sriracha (more or less to suit your spice level) - 1 tbsp honey - 1 tsp fresh lime juice For the Bang Bang sauce, start with mayonnaise. It gives a creamy base. Mix in sweet chili sauce for a hint of sweetness. If you want some heat, add sriracha. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. A touch of honey balances the flavors nicely. Finally, squeeze in some fresh lime juice for brightness. - Recommended oils: vegetable oil or peanut oil When frying, oil choice matters. I recommend using vegetable or peanut oil. They have high smoke points, perfect for frying crispy chicken. Heat the oil until it reaches 350°F (175°C) for the best results. For the full recipe, check the details above. You'll make a dish everyone will love! Start by combining the chicken with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. This step is key. The buttermilk makes the chicken juicy and tender. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours is best for flavor. Next, prepare the coating. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a little more salt and pepper. This mix gives the chicken its crunchy crust. Make sure it’s well blended for even flavor. Now, let’s cook the chicken. Heat oil in a skillet until it reaches 350°F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature. While the oil heats, take the marinated chicken out. Let excess buttermilk drip off. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off the extra flour. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid crowding. Cook each batch for about 4-5 minutes. You want them golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on paper towels. This will soak up extra oil. For the full recipe, refer to the recipe section above. Enjoy the crispy goodness you’ve created! To make the best Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, focus on frying. Avoid overcrowding the pan. If you add too many pieces, they won’t cook evenly. Each piece needs space to fry well. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature. Aim for 350°F (175°C). This helps achieve that perfect golden crust. Proper marination time is key. Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor and better texture, aim for 1-2 hours. After marinating, let the excess buttermilk drip off. This step is vital before dredging in flour. A dry surface helps the coating stick better, making your chicken extra crispy. The Bang Bang sauce can be your canvas. Adjust sweetness and spice levels to fit your taste. If you like sweeter sauce, add more honey. If you want more heat, increase the sriracha. Taste as you go! This personalization will make your dish truly yours. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions provided. {{image_4}} If you want a lighter version, try an oven-baked Bang Bang chicken. This method keeps the crunch without frying. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). After marinating the chicken, coat it and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. Another option is to swap chicken for tofu. This vegetarian alternative is just as tasty. Press the tofu to remove extra water, then slice and marinate it just like the chicken. Get creative with your spices and sauces. You can add curry powder for an Indian twist or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Try different sauces like teriyaki or a spicy peanut sauce. Fresh herbs can also make a big difference. Adding cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. Just chop them up and mix them in with your sauce or sprinkle on top. Crispy Bang Bang chicken shines when served with steamed rice. The rice helps balance the spicy sauce. A fresh salad is another great pair. It adds crunch and freshness to the meal. You can serve this dish as an appetizer, too. Just cut the chicken into smaller pieces for easy sharing. This way, everyone can enjoy a taste of that delightful flavor explosion. For the full recipe, be sure to check the instructions above. Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool down first. This way, it stays fresh and safe to eat. You can freeze the fried chicken, but do this before adding the sauce. Place the chicken in a safe freezer bag. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven for the best taste and crispiness. Keep any leftover Bang Bang sauce in a container. It stays good in the fridge for up to 1 week. This sauce is perfect for dipping or drizzling on other dishes. Enjoy the flavor for days after making your crispy Bang Bang chicken. For the full recipe, check out the full recipe link. To make crispy chicken, marinate it first. Use buttermilk for flavor and moisture. This step helps the coating stick. Next, coat the chicken pieces in seasoned flour. The flour gives the chicken a crunchy outer layer. When frying, keep the oil hot, around 350°F. Fry in small batches. This prevents steaming and keeps the chicken crispy. Use a slotted spoon to drain excess oil after frying. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results. If you're in a hurry, run it under cold water. Once thawed, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk just like fresh chicken. This helps retain moisture and flavor. Crispy Bang Bang chicken pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice for a filling meal - Fresh salad with crunchy veggies - Sweet potato fries for extra flavor - Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch - Garlic bread to soak up the sauce These sides balance the dish's richness and add variety. Enjoy your meal! Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a treat you can make at home. Start with marinated chicken, coat it in a seasoned flour mix, and fry until crispy. The bang bang sauce, made from simple ingredients, adds a sweet and spicy kick. Remember to let excess buttermilk drip and don’t overcrowd the pan for the crispiest results. You can even customize it to fit your taste! Store leftovers properly or swap chicken for tofu for a healthier option. Enjoy this fun dish with rice or a salad. I hope you try making this delicious recipe!$

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with Crispy Bang Bang Chicken! This mouthwatering recipe features juicy chicken coated in a perfect blend of spices and fried to a golden crunch. Paired with a sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce, it’s a flavor explosion you won't want to miss. Discover tips for achieving maximum crispiness, variations, and serving suggestions. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your home cooking today!

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup buttermilk (substitute with plain yogurt if needed)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust according to your heat preference)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil recommended)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

1 tbsp sriracha (more or less to suit your spice level)

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp fresh lime juice

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with buttermilk, along with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the chicken is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 1-2 hours.

Prepare the Coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and another pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will create a flavorful crust on the chicken.

Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, pour in enough oil to reach about 2 inches in depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C), which you can check using a thermometer or by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Allow any excess buttermilk to drip off before dredging each piece in the flour mixture. Ensure that the chicken is fully coated, then gently shake off any excess flour.

Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Fry each batch for about 4-5 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings or levels of spiciness if desired.

Toss the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, place the crispy fried chicken and drizzle half of the Bang Bang sauce over it. Gently toss the chicken to ensure it is evenly coated. Taste and add more sauce if you desire a bolder flavor.

Serve: Transfer the crispy Bang Bang chicken to a serving platter, allowing everyone to dig in.

- Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, garnish the chicken with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty squeeze that complements the dish beautifully.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 1 hr (including marination) | Servings: 4