I still remember the first time I tried Bang Bang Chicken. It was at a little food truck downtown, and the explosion of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors was unlike anything I’d ever tasted. Ever since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that magic at home, especially in ways that make weeknight dinners exciting. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Bang Bang Chicken Crispy Dinner for Tacos & Bowls you’ll ever make! This dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
The Ultimate Bang Bang Chicken Crispy Dinner: Tacos & Bowls Edition
Okay, friends, let’s talk Bang Bang Chicken. We’re not just talking about any Bang Bang Chicken; we’re talking about the kind that’s so crispy, so flavorful, and so versatile, you’ll want to put it on everything! Think crispy chicken pieces, coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, ready to be piled into warm tortillas for tacos or nestled in a bowl with fluffy rice and fresh veggies. This recipe is all about creating that restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. And trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Why This Recipe Works
There are a million Bang Bang Chicken recipes out there, but what sets this one apart? It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures. We’re going for that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside chicken, coated in a sauce that’s sweet, spicy, tangy, and utterly addictive. And the best part? It’s incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re craving tacos, bowls, or just a delicious appetizer, this Bang Bang Chicken has you covered.
Making the Crispiest Chicken Ever!
Let’s start with the star of the show: the chicken! Achieving that perfect crispy texture requires a little bit of technique, but don’t worry, I’m going to walk you through it step by step.
Ingredients for Crispy Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Chicken:
- Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Make sure all the chicken pieces are submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading adhere.
- Prepare the breading: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The cornstarch is crucial for that extra crispy texture, so don’t skip it!
- Dredge the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. One piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to make sure it’s fully coated. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack.
- Fry the chicken: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature; this is key for achieving crispy, evenly cooked chicken.
- Fry in batches: Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry for 4-5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. The chicken should be beautifully golden and incredibly crispy!
Crafting the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce
Now that we’ve got our crispy chicken, it’s time to make the Bang Bang Sauce! This is where the magic happens. The sauce is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors that perfectly complements the crispy chicken.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bang Bang Sauce:
- Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic powder.
- Adjust to taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. For a spicier sauce, add more sriracha.
- Mix with chicken: Add the crispy fried chicken to the bowl with the Bang Bang sauce and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece of chicken is generously coated in that delicious sauce!
Assembling Your Bang Bang Chicken Tacos & Bowls
Okay, the chicken is crispy, the sauce is divine, and now it’s time to assemble our Bang Bang Chicken Tacos & Bowls! This is where you can get creative and customize your meal to your liking.
For Bang Bang Chicken Tacos:
- Warm tortillas (flour or corn, your choice!)
- Bang Bang Chicken
- Shredded cabbage or lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
For Bang Bang Chicken Bowls:
- Cooked rice (white or brown)
- Bang Bang Chicken
- Steamed broccoli or other vegetables
- Shredded carrots
- Edamame
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
Assembly Instructions:
- For Tacos: Warm your tortillas according to package instructions. Fill each tortilla with Bang Bang Chicken, shredded cabbage or lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- For Bowls: Fill a bowl with cooked rice. Top with Bang Bang Chicken, steamed broccoli or other vegetables, shredded carrots, edamame, sesame seeds, and green onions.
Success Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken
Want to ensure your Bang Bang Chicken is a total knockout? Here are a few golden tips to guarantee 100% success:
- Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade: This step is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and helping the breading adhere properly.
- Use cornstarch in the breading: Cornstarch is the secret to achieving that ultra-crispy texture.
- Maintain the oil temperature: Using a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature is essential for even cooking and crispy chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot: Frying the chicken in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping and ensures crispy results.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the Bang Bang Sauce recipe. Add more honey for sweetness, more sriracha for heat, or a squeeze of lime juice for tanginess.
Variations and Adaptations
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Here are a few ideas to customize your Bang Bang Chicken Crispy Dinner for Tacos & Bowls:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading for an extra kick.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets.
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or sesame seeds over the finished dish.
- Try different sauces: Experiment with other sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, peanut sauce, or a creamy cilantro-lime dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Appetizer: Serve the crispy chicken pieces with toothpicks as a delicious appetizer for parties or gatherings.
- Salad Topping: Add the Bang Bang Chicken to a mixed green salad for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- Sliders: Make mini sliders by placing the chicken on slider buns with slaw and a drizzle of Bang Bang Sauce.
- Wraps: Wrap the chicken in lettuce leaves with fresh vegetables and herbs for a light and healthy meal.
Speaking of delicious bowl recipes, have you tried the BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWLS!? It’s another fantastic way to enjoy those signature flavors in a convenient and satisfying format. And if you’re looking for something with a little south-of-the-border flair, the STREET CORN CHICKEN RICE BOWL is an absolute must-try!
For a lighter option, consider making Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos! These burritos offer a fresh and flavorful twist, perfect for a guilt-free fiesta. And if you’re craving something with a smoky kick, you’ll adore the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito. The grilled chicken paired with the creamy chipotle ranch is simply irresistible. On the other hand, when you’re pressed for time but still want a hearty and satisfying meal, the Chicken Burrito Casserole is your answer. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that the whole family will love!
Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions
Want to get a head start on your Bang Bang Chicken Crispy Dinner? Here’s how to prep ahead and store leftovers:
- Make-Ahead: The chicken can be marinated in the buttermilk mixture up to 24 hours in advance. The Bang Bang Sauce can also be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Leftover Bang Bang Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken may lose some of its crispiness over time, but it will still be delicious.
- Reheating: To reheat the chicken, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Conclusion: Your Bang Bang Chicken Adventure Awaits!
So there you have it! Everything you need to create the most incredible Bang Bang Chicken Crispy Dinner for Tacos & Bowls. From the perfectly crispy chicken to the irresistible sauce, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Don’t be afraid to get creative, experiment with the flavors, and make it your own. I know you’re going to absolutely love it! Happy cooking, friends!
What makes this Bang Bang Chicken recipe different from other recipes?
This recipe focuses on the balance of flavors and textures, aiming for crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside chicken coated in a sweet, spicy, tangy, and addictive sauce. It’s also adaptable for tacos, bowls, or as an appetizer.
What’s the secret to getting the chicken extra crispy?
The key to achieving ultra-crispy chicken is using cornstarch in the breading mixture and maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) while frying. Also, don’t overcrowd the pot during frying.
Can I prepare the Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken can be marinated in the buttermilk mixture for up to 24 hours in advance. The Bang Bang Sauce can also be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What are some variations I can make to the Bang Bang Chicken?
You can add cayenne pepper to the breading for extra spice, substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian option, sprinkle crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added crunch, or experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or peanut sauce.
Bang Bang Chicken Tacos & Bowls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- **Marinate the chicken:** In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Make sure all the chicken pieces are submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- **Prepare the breading:** In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- **Dredge the chicken:** Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. One piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to make sure it’s fully coated. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack.
- **Fry the chicken:** Pour enough vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- **Fry in batches:** Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 4-5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- **Combine the ingredients for Bang Bang Sauce:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic powder.
- **Adjust to taste:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. For a spicier sauce, add more sriracha.
- **Mix with chicken:** Add the crispy fried chicken to the bowl with the Bang Bang sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- **For Tacos:** Warm your tortillas according to package instructions. Fill each tortilla with Bang Bang Chicken, shredded cabbage or lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- **For Bowls:** Fill a bowl with cooked rice. Top with Bang Bang Chicken, steamed broccoli or other vegetables, shredded carrots, edamame, sesame seeds, and green onions.
