BANG BANG CHICKEN ULTIMATE BAKE

Craving a flavor explosion that’s both creamy and spicy, yet surprisingly easy to make at home? Forget takeout – this baked Bang Bang Chicken recipe delivers perfectly tender chicken coated in a dreamy, tangy sauce that will have your taste buds singing. Get ready for a weeknight dinner game-changer that’s about to become a new family favorite, I promise!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinating the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece gets coated!
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps the chicken stay super moist and tender when baked.

Step 2: Preparing the Chicken Coating

1. While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Trust me on this one!
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). This is your dry coating that will give the chicken its crispy exterior.

Step 3: Coating the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off.
2. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken for better adhesion. This is key to a good crispy bake.
3. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overcrowded.

Step 4: Baking the Chicken

1. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. Flip the chicken halfway through baking to ensure even browning. Keep a close eye on it – ovens can vary!

Step 5: Making the Bang Bang Sauce

1. While the chicken is baking, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust the sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness.

Step 6: Combining Chicken and Sauce

1. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, gently toss the baked chicken with the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the coating soggy.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer the Bang Bang Chicken to a serving platter.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
3. Serve immediately and enjoy! I like to serve it over rice or noodles, but it’s also delicious on its own.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

The Buttermilk Secret

Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade! It’s the key to super tender and juicy chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Crispy Coating Mastery

Cornstarch is your secret weapon for extra crispy chicken. It helps create a light and airy coating that browns beautifully in the oven. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing it on for better adhesion.

Spice It Your Way

The beauty of Bang Bang sauce is that you can customize the spice level to your liking. Start with a small amount of sriracha and add more until you reach your desired heat. You can also use other hot sauces or chili garlic sauce for a different flavor profile.

Baking Sheet Bliss

Using parchment paper on your baking sheet not only makes cleanup a breeze, but it also prevents the chicken from sticking and ensures even browning. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!

Serving Suggestions: More Than Just a Main Course

Rice and Noodles

Bang Bang Chicken is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles. The sauce soaks into the grains or noodles, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Salads and Wraps

Add Bang Bang Chicken to salads for a protein-packed and flavorful boost. It’s also delicious in wraps with lettuce, tomatoes, and other veggies. You can even try it in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Appetizers and Snacks

Serve Bang Bang Chicken as an appetizer or snack at your next party. Arrange the chicken on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Variations: Putting Your Own Spin on Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Shrimp

Swap the chicken for shrimp to create Bang Bang Shrimp. Follow the same recipe, but reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.

Bang Bang Cauliflower

For a vegetarian option, use cauliflower florets instead of chicken. Toss the cauliflower in the flour mixture and bake until tender and slightly browned. Then, toss with the Bang Bang sauce.

Bang Bang Tofu

Another great vegetarian option is using tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube it and follow the recipe for coating and baking. The crispy tofu with the bang bang sauce is delicious!

Pair It Up: Delicious Side Dishes

Steamed Broccoli

A simple and healthy side dish that complements the rich flavors of Bang Bang Chicken. The broccoli provides a nice contrast in texture and adds essential nutrients to your meal.

Asian Slaw

A refreshing and crunchy slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing. This side dish adds a burst of freshness and helps balance the spiciness of the Bang Bang Chicken.

Garlic Green Beans

Tender and flavorful green beans sautéed with garlic and a touch of soy sauce. This side dish is quick, easy, and adds a savory element to your meal.

Craving More Chicken Recipes?

If you loved this Bang Bang Chicken recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite chicken dishes. These are all tried-and-true recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen. For a lighter meal, try these Bang Salmon Bites Bowls. If you are looking for something that has a little bit of a kick, this Hot Honey Feta Chicken is the perfect recipe to try! Additionally, these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps are irresistible and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. For a more elegant dish, try Balsamic Baked Chicken With Melted Mozzarella, it is packed with flavor. And don’t forget about this Spicy Chicken Fillet In Creamy Garlic-parmesan, it is creamy and delicious. If you are feeling adventurous, try the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for a complete meal.

Why This Recipe Works: The Science Behind the Deliciousness

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together. There’s a bit of science behind why it tastes so good! The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken, while the cornstarch in the coating creates a super crispy texture. The combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce provides a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors that tantalize your taste buds. And the baking method ensures that the chicken is cooked through while staying moist and juicy.

Storing Leftovers: Keeping the Flavor Alive

If you happen to have any leftover Bang Bang Chicken (which is unlikely!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Keep in mind that the coating may lose some of its crispness upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious. You can also use leftover Bang Bang Chicken in salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a quick and easy meal.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Chicken Recipe

This baked Bang Bang Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. From the tender, juicy chicken to the creamy, spicy sauce, every bite is a taste sensation. So, ditch the takeout and get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredible dish. You’ve got this – now go make some magic in the kitchen!