Bang Bang Chicken Nuggets: A Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistible Delight!

Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish, known for its crispy coating, tender chicken, and sweet and spicy sauce. While traditionally made with larger pieces of chicken or shrimp, transforming it into bite-sized nuggets takes the deliciousness to a whole new level. These Bang Bang Chicken Nuggets are perfect as an appetizer, a snack, or even a main course served with your favorite sides. This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating these irresistible nuggets at home.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Kid-Friendly:** The bite-sized shape and slightly sweet sauce make these nuggets a hit with kids.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Perfect for parties, game nights, or any gathering where you need a delicious and easy-to-eat snack.
* **Customizable Spice Level:** You can adjust the amount of sriracha and chili garlic sauce to control the heat.
* **Easy to Make:** While there are a few steps involved, the recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment.
* **Incredibly Flavorful:** The combination of crispy chicken, creamy mayonnaise-based sauce, and a hint of sweetness is simply addictive.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Chicken Nuggets:

* **1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts:** Cut into 1-inch cubes.
* **1 cup Buttermilk:** Helps tenderize the chicken and adhere the breading.
* **1 tablespoon Hot Sauce:** Adds a touch of heat to the chicken.
* **1 teaspoon Salt:** Seasons the chicken and breading.
* **1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Adds a bit of spice.
* **1 cup All-Purpose Flour:** Forms the first layer of the breading.
* **1 cup Cornstarch:** Contributes to the crispy texture.
* **1 teaspoon Garlic Powder:** Adds savory flavor.
* **1 teaspoon Onion Powder:** Enhances the overall taste.
* **1/2 teaspoon Paprika:** Provides color and a hint of smokiness.
* **Vegetable Oil, for frying:** Enough to fill your pot or deep fryer to a depth of 2-3 inches.

### For the Bang Bang Sauce:

* **1 cup Mayonnaise:** The base of the creamy sauce. Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie) is often preferred for its richer flavor, but regular mayonnaise works fine.
* **1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce:** Adds sweetness and a mild chili flavor.
* **2 tablespoons Sriracha:** Contributes significant heat. Adjust to your liking.
* **1 tablespoon Honey:** Adds a touch of sweetness and helps balance the flavors.
* **1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar:** Provides acidity and cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise.
* **1 teaspoon Chili Garlic Sauce:** Adds another layer of heat and garlic flavor (optional, but recommended for those who like it spicy).

### For Garnish (Optional):

* **Chopped Green Onions:** Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and visual appeal.
* **Sesame Seeds:** Provides a nutty flavor and textural contrast.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Bowl:** For marinating the chicken.
* **Medium Bowl:** For mixing the dry ingredients.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the bang bang sauce.
* **Whisk:** For mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
* **Tongs or Slotted Spoon:** For transferring the nuggets from the oil.
* **Deep Fryer or Large Pot:** For frying the chicken.
* **Wire Rack:** To drain the fried nuggets and keep them crispy.
* **Paper Towels:** To absorb excess oil.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This marinating time allows the chicken to become more tender and absorb the flavors.

### Step 2: Prepare the Breading

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
2. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

### Step 3: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce (if using).
2. Taste and adjust the ingredients to your preference. If you want it spicier, add more sriracha or chili garlic sauce. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more honey.
3. Set the sauce aside.

### Step 4: Bread the Chicken Nuggets

1. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and discard the marinade.
2. Working in batches, dredge each chicken cube in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
3. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Place the breaded chicken nuggets on a clean plate or baking sheet.

### Step 5: Fry the Chicken Nuggets

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.
2. Carefully add the breaded chicken nuggets to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy nuggets.
3. Fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the nuggets from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

### Step 6: Toss with Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a large bowl, combine the fried chicken nuggets and the prepared Bang Bang sauce.
2. Gently toss the nuggets until they are evenly coated with the sauce.

### Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer the Bang Bang Chicken Nuggets to a serving plate.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Nuggets

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer:** Fry the nuggets in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
* **Use a Thermometer:** A thermometer is your best friend when frying. It ensures the oil is at the correct temperature and that the chicken is cooked through.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook the nuggets until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** The amount of sriracha and chili garlic sauce can be adjusted to your liking. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
* **Make the Sauce Ahead of Time:** The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will save you time when you’re ready to make the nuggets.
* **Keep the Nuggets Crispy:** To keep the nuggets crispy, place them on a wire rack while they drain and avoid covering them tightly.
* **Experiment with Different Sauces:** While the classic Bang Bang sauce is delicious, feel free to experiment with other sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or even a simple honey-mustard sauce.
* **Use an Air Fryer:** For a healthier option, you can air fry the chicken nuggets. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the breaded nuggets for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to spray them with a bit of oil to help them crisp up.
* **Double Dip for Extra Crispy Nuggets:** For an extra crispy coating, you can double dip the chicken nuggets in the flour mixture. After the first dredging, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk, then back into the flour mixture.

## Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Chicken Nuggets are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Appetizer:** Serve them as a standalone appetizer with toothpicks or small skewers.
* **Main Course:** Serve them with a side of rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or your favorite vegetables.
* **Tacos or Wraps:** Use them as a filling for tacos or wraps with lettuce, tomatoes, and other toppings.
* **Salad Topping:** Add them to a salad for a protein-packed and flavorful boost.
* **Game Day Snack:** Perfect for watching sports or hosting a party.

## Variations

* **Bang Bang Shrimp Nuggets:** Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
* **Bang Bang Tofu Nuggets:** Use firm or extra-firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Press the tofu to remove excess water before breading.
* **Spicier Bang Bang Sauce:** Add more sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
* **Sweeter Bang Bang Sauce:** Add more honey or a touch of maple syrup to the sauce.
* **Garlic Bang Bang Sauce:** Add a clove of minced garlic to the sauce for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
* **Ginger Bang Bang Sauce:** Add a teaspoon of grated ginger to the sauce for a warm and aromatic flavor.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

* **Chicken:** The chicken can be marinated in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Breading:** The flour mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
* **Sauce:** The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Frying:** For best results, it’s recommended to fry the chicken nuggets just before serving. However, you can fry them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the nuggets in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until heated through. The oven or air fryer will help to maintain the crispy texture.

## Nutrition Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

These Bang Bang Chicken Nuggets are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of Bang Bang Chicken in a fun and convenient form. With their crispy coating, tender chicken, and sweet and spicy sauce, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these irresistible nuggets! This recipe is easily adaptable to your spice and sweetness preferences, making it a family favorite. Enjoy the process, and savor the delicious results. You’ll find that these nuggets disappear quickly, so consider making a double batch!