Introduction
Discover a delightful twist on the classic Bang Bang Chicken with this spicy fusion recipe. Perfectly blending savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Ideal for a quick dinner or a fancy gathering, this version adds an international flair to your favorite meal.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
100g cornstarch
150ml buttermilk
50g mayonnaise
50g sweet chili sauce
20g sriracha sauce
5g garlic powder
5g paprika
1g black pepper
5g salt
100g all-purpose flour
200ml vegetable oil for frying
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. In a medium bowl, mix the buttermilk with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Soak the chicken pieces in this mixture for 30 minutes to marinate.
2. Prepare the coating by combining cornstarch and flour in a shallow dish.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
4. Remove marinated chicken pieces and dredge them in the cornstarch-flour mixture until fully coated.
5. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and garlic powder to create the bang bang sauce.
7. Toss the fried chicken pieces in the bang bang sauce until they’re evenly coated.
8. Serve immediately with a garnish of chopped green onions or cilantro, if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow the chicken to soak up these flavorful ingredients while marinating for 30 minutes, enhancing its tenderness and infusing it with a savory taste.
Prepare the Coating
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the coating. In a shallow dish, mix together the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. This combination will create a crispy, golden crust that seals in the juiciness of the chicken during frying.
Heat the Oil
In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. You’ll know the oil is hot enough when a small amount of the coating sizzles when dropped in. This is key to achieving a perfectly fried texture.
Dredge the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, remove the pieces from the buttermilk mixture. Dredge each piece in the cornstarch-flour blend, ensuring they are fully coated. This step provides the delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the spicy sauce.
Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking for about 5-7 minutes per batch or until they turn a rich golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, drain the fried chicken on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and garlic powder. This vibrant sauce combines creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors that will envelop your chicken in irresistible goodness.
Coat the Chicken with Sauce
Toss the fried chicken pieces in the bang bang sauce, making sure each piece is generously coated. This transformation elevates the dish, infusing it with delightful flavors that dance on your palate.
Serve and Garnish
Serve the spicy fusion Bang Bang Chicken immediately while it’s still warm. For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro. Enjoy a feast of textures and tastes!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with jasmine rice or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to retain crispiness.
Spice Level Adjustments
Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce according to your desired heat level. Add more for extra spice or reduce it for a milder flavor.
Coating Alternatives
For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
Make-Ahead Options
You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a few hours in advance to save time when you’re ready to cook.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Soaking the chicken pieces in a buttermilk mixture enhances flavor and tenderness, allowing the spices to penetrate the meat.
Coating
Dredging the marinated chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and flour creates a crispy outer layer when fried, resulting in a satisfying crunch.
Frying
Cooking the chicken in hot vegetable oil ensures even frying, leading to a golden-brown color and a juicy interior. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
Mixing sauces
Blending mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and garlic powder creates a well-balanced bang bang sauce, providing a fusion of flavors that complements the fried chicken.
Tossing
Coating the fried chicken pieces in the sauce ensures every piece is filled with flavor, making each bite deliciously decadent.
FAQ
Can I use boneless thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, boneless thighs can be used for a juicier and more flavorful option.
How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce the amount of sriracha sauce in the bang bang sauce or use a milder chili sauce.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the chicken at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or stir-fried vegetables.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
This Spicy Fusion Bang Bang Chicken recipe offers a delectable blend of flavors that elevate the traditional dish to new heights. With its crispy exterior and creamy, spicy sauce, it’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. The ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when hosting friends and family. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and the satisfaction of creating a crowd-pleasing meal right in your kitchen.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Try spicy shrimp tacos for a quick and flavorful alternative. Toss shrimp in a chili lime marinade, grill, and serve in corn tortillas with fresh avocado and tangy slaw.
Sweet and Spicy Cauliflower Bites
For a vegetarian option, make sweet and spicy cauliflower bites. Roast cauliflower florets with a blend of honey, sriracha, and sesame oil for a crispy, flavorful snack.
Korean BBQ Meatballs
Create Korean BBQ meatballs with ground chicken or beef, flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. Serve with a spicy Gochujang sauce for an irresistible appetizer.
Spicy Pineapple Fried Rice
Whip up spicy pineapple fried rice by stir-frying jasmine rice with diced pineapple, vegetables, and a hint of chili paste. A fruity and savory dish that pairs well with many proteins.
Buffalo Chickpea Wraps
Make buffalo chickpea wraps by tossing chickpeas in buffalo sauce and wrapping them in tortillas with lettuce, cucumber, and ranch dressing for a healthier, spicy lunch.
Spicy Fusion Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, mix together cornstarch and all-purpose flour.
- In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until hot.
- Remove the marinated chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture and dredge each piece in the cornstarch-flour blend until fully coated.
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry in batches for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and garlic powder.
- Toss the fried chicken pieces in the bang bang sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.
