bang bang chicken recipe
The Best bang bang chicken recipe
Bang Bang Chicken
A crispy, tangy, and spicy fried chicken dish coated in a zesty, tangy sauce with a hint of heat. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal!
🥘Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup hot sauce (like Crystal or Tabasco)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
👨🍳Directions
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1
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking. For frying, heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). -
2
In a bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce (if using). -
3
Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and coat thoroughly with the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. -
4
For frying: Place chicken in the hot oil, fry for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Drain on paper towels. For baking: Place chicken on a baking sheet, bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. -
5
In a bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, hot sauce, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Mix well. -
6
Dip each chicken breast in the bang bang sauce, ensuring full coverage. Serve immediately or keep warm.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Food processor or blender (optional for flour mix)
- Large skillet or deep fryer (for frying)
- Baking sheet (for baking option)
- Oven (for baking option)
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken (fry once, drain, then fry again for 1-2 minutes).
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for heat preference.
- Serve with coleslaw or a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Can be made ahead: Prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Refrigerate chicken until ready to cook.
Watch Video Of How Bang Bang Chicken Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Chicken
1. What is the Bang Bang Chicken recipe, and what are the key ingredients used?
Bang Bang Chicken is a popular fried chicken dish from the American South, known for its crispy exterior and tangy-sweet-spicy sauce. The key ingredients typically include fried chicken pieces (like drumsticks or thighs), a mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy elements like hot sauce, honey, vinegar, mustard, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Some versions also include ingredients like ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of butter for richness.
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2. How do I achieve the perfect crispy texture for Bang Bang Chicken?
To get that golden, crispy texture, follow these steps:
– Use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot for frying.
– Heat the oil to 350–375°F (175–190°C)—too hot can make the chicken tough, too cool can leave it greasy.
– Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which lowers the oil temperature.
– Ensure the chicken is fully submerged and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
– For extra crispiness, double-fry: cool the chicken slightly, then fry again at a slightly higher temp (around 375°F/190°C) for 1–2 minutes.
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3. Can I use store-bought hot sauce instead of making my own Bang Bang sauce?
Yes! Many people skip making the sauce from scratch and opt for a simplified version using store-bought hot sauce. A common shortcut is mixing:
– 1 cup hot sauce (like Tabasco or Crystal)
– ½ cup honey or brown sugar
– ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp ketchup
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– ½ tsp onion powder
– ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
– 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
For extra depth, a few drops of liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika can also work.
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4. What’s the best way to serve Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is versatile and pairs well with:
– Crispy fries or coleslaw (a Southern classic).
– Sweet potato fries or roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier meal.
– Cornbread or biscuits to soak up the tangy sauce.
– A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
– Crusty bread or rolls for scooping up extra sauce.
– Pickles or a side of potato salad for extra crunch and freshness.
For a complete meal, serve with buttered mac and cheese or grilled corn on the cob.
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5. How can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time and reheat it properly?
You can prep the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days (or freeze for longer). For the chicken:
– Make the fried chicken in advance—cook it fresh for best texture, but you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
– Reheat gently to avoid sogginess:
– Oven method: Bake at 375°F (190°C) on a wire rack over a tray of water (for steam) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
– Air fryer: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway.
– Stovetop: Heat in a skillet with a little oil over medium-low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
– For the sauce, reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until thickened slightly (it may separate slightly—just stir it back in). Avoid boiling to prevent burning.
