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Bang Bang chicken

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For Garnish:

  • Chopped green onions (for a fresh, crunchy topping)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for a bit of crunch and a decorative touch)

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Cut the chicken breasts or chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will form your dry coating mixture.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk (or regular milk).
  4. Dip each chicken piece into the wet mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the dry mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat about 1-2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat (around 350°F/175°C is ideal for frying).
  2. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the coated chicken pieces into the oil, working in batches if necessary. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
  3. Fry the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and rice vinegar until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the spiciness by adding more sriracha or sweet chili sauce, depending on your preference.
  2. If you like a little extra garlic flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder to the sauce.

Step 4: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

  1. Place the crispy fried chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly in the sauce. Be careful not to break the crispy coating while tossing.
  2. If you want to take it to the next level, you can drizzle some extra sauce over the top of the chicken for added flavor and presentation.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Transfer the sauced-up chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a touch of freshness and crunch.
  2. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy.

Serving Suggestions:

  • On its own: Serve the crispy Bang Bang Chicken as a delicious appetizer or snack at parties.
  • As a main dish: Pair with steamed rice, fried rice, or a side of crispy veggies for a satisfying meal.
  • With a salad: Serve over a bed of greens with a light dressing to balance out the richness of the sauce.
  • Wrap it up: For a fun twist, wrap the chicken in a tortilla with some shredded lettuce, cucumbers, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a Bang Bang Chicken wrap!

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken:

  • Crispy and Crunchy: The chicken is coated in a light, crispy batter that gives each piece a satisfying crunch.
  • Sweet, Spicy, and Creamy: The Bang Bang sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and creamy, making each bite addictively delicious.
  • Versatile: Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or wrap, Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion.
  • Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together quickly, with minimal effort required, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.

Pro Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken:

  • Double coat the chicken: For extra crunch, you can double-dip the chicken in the wet and dry mixtures to create an even thicker, crunchier coating.
  • Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce. Conversely, if you like it extra spicy, go ahead and add more!
  • Make it ahead: If you’re preparing for a party or gathering, you can fry the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to get the crispy texture back before tossing in the sauce.

The Takeaway:

Bang Bang Chicken is a dish that brings the perfect combination of heat and sweetness in every bite. With its crispy coating and creamy, spicy sauce, it’s a recipe that will have you hooked after the very first bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a weeknight dinner, or just indulging in a delicious treat, this dish is sure to satisfy. Try it today and enjoy the perfect balance of flavor and texture with every crispy, saucy bite!

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