Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken is a delicious dish that combines crispy chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s a popular choice for appetizers or as a main dish. Below is a detailed recipe that will guide you through each step, ensuring you create a delightful meal.
#### Ingredients
**For the Chicken:**
– 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil (for frying)
**For the Bang Bang Sauce:**
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
– Salt to taste
**For Garnish:**
– Chopped green onions
– Sesame seeds
– Lettuce leaves (for serving)
#### Instructions
##### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
1. **Slice the Chicken**: Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This allows for a quicker cooking time and better crispiness.
2. **Season the Chicken**: In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well. This seasoned flour will give the chicken a flavorful crust.
##### Step 2: Breading Station
1. **Set Up a Breading Station**: You’ll need three shallow dishes: one with the seasoned flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
2. **Coat the Chicken**:
– First, dip each chicken piece in the seasoned flour, ensuring it is fully coated.
– Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
– Finally, coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated.
##### Step 3: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
1. **Mix the Sauce**: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste. Set aside.
##### Step 4: Fry the Chicken
1. **Heat the Oil**: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
2. **Fry the Chicken**: Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. **Drain**: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
##### Step 5: Assemble the Dish
1. **Combine Chicken and Sauce**: In a large bowl, add the crispy chicken pieces. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
2. **Serve**: Arrange the coated chicken on a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. You can serve the Bang Bang Chicken on a bed of lettuce leaves for a fresh touch.
#### Tips for Success
– **Chicken Variations**: You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for different protein options. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
– **Sauce Adjustments**: Modify the spiciness of the sauce by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha. You can also experiment with other sauces like teriyaki or barbecue.
– **Baking Option**: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through.
– **Storage**: Leftover Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
#### Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional content will depend on portion sizes and specific ingredients used, here’s a general overview:
– **Calories**: Approximately 450-600 calories per serving
– **Protein**: High in protein due to chicken
– **Fats**: Includes healthy fats from cooking oil and mayonnaise
– **Carbohydrates**: Contains carbohydrates from flour and breadcrumbs
#### Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that combines a crunchy texture with a creamy, spicy sauce. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or a delicious dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. With easy-to-follow steps and the flexibility to adapt, you can enjoy this dish tailored to your taste. Serve it as an appetizer or as a main dish with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy your culinary adventure with Bang Bang Chicken!