Chef's Essential Tips

Marination: Allowing the chicken to marinate in buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but also adds flavor. For a deeper taste, marinate for up to 2 hours.
Coating: For extra crispiness, double dip the chicken by first coating it in flour, dipping it back into the buttermilk, and then coating it again in flour.
Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for perfect frying. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy.
Sauce Adjustment: Customize the Bang Bang sauce by adjusting the sriracha to your preferred spice level, or replace it with a milder sauce for kids.
Serving Tip: Serve with lime wedges on the side to enhance the flavors and add a fresh zing.
Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven to restore crispiness.

Essential Ingredients Selection

Chicken Breast: The main protein of this dish, chicken breast is lean and when marinated, it stays juicy and tender. You can substitute with thighs for a richer flavor.
Buttermilk: This ingredient is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with flavor. If unavailable, use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Gluten-Free Flour: Essential for creating a crispy coating without gluten. It contributes to the texture and ensures everyone can enjoy this dish.
Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess to the Bang Bang sauce and helps the flavors blend smoothly. Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce, making the dish irresistible. For a homemade version, combine honey and vinegar.
Sriracha: This adds a kick of heat to the sauce. You can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance or replace it with a milder sauce.
Lime Juice: Freshens up the sauce and balances the richness from the mayonnaise. Freshly squeezed juice is recommended for the best flavor.
Garlic Powder: A key seasoning that enhances the dish's flavor profile. Fresh garlic can be used for a more robust taste.
Onion Powder: Complements the garlic and adds depth to the coating. It’s essential for a well-rounded flavor.
Paprika: Contributes a subtle smokiness to the coating while enhancing the color. Use smoked paprika for an added depth of flavor.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Baking Options:

For a healthier alternative to frying, consider baking the chicken. Use a preheated oven at 425°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping while reducing oil usage.

Storing Leftovers:

To store any leftovers, ensure the chicken is completely cooled before placing it in an airtight container. This prevents condensation and keeps the chicken crispy when reheated.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Bang Bang Chicken over cooked rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. This pairing not only complements the chicken but also adds nutritional value and texture to the dish.

Garnishing the Dish:

Finishing touches can elevate your presentation. Consider garnishing the dish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the flavor profile.

Tossing Chicken in Sauce:

Tossing the hot, crispy chicken in the Bang Bang sauce should be done immediately after frying. This technique allows the sauce to cling perfectly to the crispy coating, enhancing the overall flavor with each bite.

Draining the Chicken:

After frying, it’s important to drain the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. This step helps maintain the crispiness of the coating, ensuring that the chicken doesn't become soggy before serving.

Making Bang Bang Sauce:

Crafting the Bang Bang sauce is simple yet crucial. Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice, ensuring a smooth consistency. Taste and tweak the ingredients to suit your preference, adjusting the sweetness or heat as desired.

Frying Technique:

Frying requires careful attention to oil temperature. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil and fry in small batches to prevent lowering the oil temperature. This gives each piece the space to fry correctly, resulting in an even golden brown crust.

Preparing the Coating:

Creating your coating mixture is essential for achieving a crispy texture. In a shallow dish, combine the gluten-free flour with spices like garlic and paprika. This mixture should be well-blended to ensure each piece of chicken picks up an even coating, which is key for both flavor and crispiness.

Marinating Chicken:

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with moisture and flavor. To successfully execute this, use a large bowl and ensure all pieces are fully submerged. Plan to marinate for at least 15 minutes, though longer is better for flavor absorption.

The Complete Guide to Mastering Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Baking Options:

Storing Leftovers:

To store any leftovers, ensure the chicken is completely cooled before placing it in an airtight container. This prevents condensation and keeps the chicken crispy when reheated.

Serving Suggestions:

Garnishing the Dish:

Tossing Chicken in Sauce:

Draining the Chicken:

Making Bang Bang Sauce:

Frying Technique:

Preparing the Coating:

Marinating Chicken:

Master Your Recipe: Pro Chef Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

Use almond or coconut flour in the coating for a low-carb option, or try almond milk if you don't have buttermilk.

For an impressive presentation, serve the chicken over a bed of fresh greens or with colorful vegetables.

Top with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

For a healthier option, try baking the coated chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet and Spicy Sauce

Name: Crispy Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet and Spicy Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: For Chicken Coating:; 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; For Bang Bang Sauce:; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spiciness); 1 teaspoon lime juice; For Frying:; Vegetable oil, for frying

Experience the ultimate flavor explosion with our Crispy Bang Bang Chicken. This dish elevates tender chicken pieces with a delightful golden crunch, enveloped in a sweet, savory, and tangy sauce made from creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of sriracha. Each bite offers a satisfying contrast between the crispy exterior and juicy meat, making it perfect for game day gatherings, dinner parties, or a fun family meal. People adore this dish not only for its mouthwatering taste but also for the delightful balance of flavors and textures that evoke a sense of comfort and joy. Serve it over rice or alongside fresh veggies for a complete experience that pleases everyone at the table.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For Chicken Coating:

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

For Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spiciness)

1 teaspoon lime juice

For Frying:

Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and chicken pieces. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor.

Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the Bang Bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a separate bowl until smooth.

Step 3: In a shallow dish, combine gluten-free flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to create a flavorful coating.

Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oil is hot enough to achieve a crispy texture.

Step 5: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it is well-coated.

Step 6: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 7: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 8: Toss the crispy chicken in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until fully coated.

Step 9: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Step 10: Enjoy your delicious, crispy Bang Bang Chicken with rice or veggies as a delightful meal.