If you’re looking for a dish that combines crispy chicken with a spicy, creamy sauce, look no further than Bang Bang Chicken. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful, making it a perfect choice for dinner parties or a cozy night in. With a delightful crunch and a zingy sauce, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Bang Bang Chicken!
Ingredients
– 500g chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup cornstarch
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Oil for frying
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
– Shredded lettuce for serving
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 400 calories, 20g protein, 25g fat, and 25g carbohydrates.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Start by marinating the diced chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with a pinch of salt.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Coat each piece of marinated chicken in cornstarch, shaking off excess.
- Fry the chicken pieces in hot oil until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove chicken and drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice to create the sauce.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve the Bang Bang Chicken on a bed of shredded lettuce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra sauce if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist or use tofu for a vegetarian version. For a lighter sauce, consider Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Serving and Pairings
Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with rice noodles for a delicious twist.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, or in the microwave until heated through. This dish can be frozen, but the texture may change upon reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t skip the marinating step; it helps tenderize the chicken.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; fry in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your spice preference.
- Let the chicken drain properly to keep it crispy.
Helpful Tips
- Use a thermometer to check oil temperature.
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and cornstarch.
- Experiment with different sauces for variations.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just fry and combine them right before serving for the best results.
Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted by altering the amount of sriracha in the sauce. Feel free to make it milder or hotter according to your taste.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It is recommended to thaw the chicken before marinating and frying to ensure even cooking.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
This dish goes well with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together crispy texture and creamy, spicy flavors. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the delightful explosion of flavors with each bite!
Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast diced
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Shredded lettuce for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the diced chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with a pinch of salt.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Coat each piece of marinated chicken in cornstarch, shaking off excess.
- Fry the chicken pieces in hot oil until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice to create the sauce.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve the Bang Bang Chicken on a bed of shredded lettuce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra sauce if desired.
