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Bang Bang Chicken: A Crispy, Spicy Delight

Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a popular Chinese dish that has taken the culinary world by storm. Known for its crispy exterior, tender juicy interior, and addictive Bang Bang sauce, it's a dish that promises a burst of flavors in every bite. This recipe offers a simplified yet delicious version that can be easily made at home.

Understanding Bang Bang Chicken

Before diving into the recipe, let's explore what makes Bang Bang Chicken so special. The name "Bang Bang" is derived from the sound of the crispy chicken skin when bitten into. The dish typically involves deep-frying chicken for maximum crispiness, but this recipe offers a healthier air fryer alternative without compromising on taste. The Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy concoction that perfectly complements the chicken.

Course: Main Course Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes Total Time: 40-45 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • ½ teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Dab away the excess moisture with a paper towel.
  2. Mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper together in a flat dish.
  3. Beat eggs and water together in a separate shallow dish.
  4. Dip each piece of chicken in the cornstarch mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally back into the cornstarch. Coating the food twice contributes to a crunchy outer layer.

Air Frying the Chicken:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
  2. Give the air fryer basket a light coating of cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap.
  3. Spray the chicken with cooking spray once more.
  4. Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip the chicken and spray again.
  5. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Making the Bang Bang Sauce:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
  2. Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred level of spiciness.

Assembling the Dish:

  1. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the cooked chicken.
  2. Serve the chicken hot and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

  • Pat the chicken dry: Excess moisture can prevent the chicken from getting crispy.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket as it can result in inconsistent cooking.
  • Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sriracha.
  • Serve immediately: The chicken is best enjoyed while hot and crispy.
  • Experiment with flavors: You can add other ingredients to the Bang Bang sauce, such as lime juice, garlic powder, or sesame oil, to create your own unique flavor profile.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

  • Calories: 571kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Protein: 39g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 202mg
  • Sodium: 1163mg
  • Potassium: 670mg
  • Fiber: 0.4g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Vitamin A: 190IU
  • Vitamin C: 2mg
  • Calcium: 25mg
  • Iron: 1mg

Note: Nutritional information is based on the provided ingredients and may vary depending on specific brands used.

By following these steps and incorporating the tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying Bang Bang Chicken dish that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy!

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