Bang Bang Chicken Pasta
A delightful fusion of crispy chicken and creamy Bang Bang sauce tossed with pasta, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or special meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set cooked pasta aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken pieces in the mixture until each piece is thoroughly coated.
Cooking
- Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F. Test readiness by dropping in a small pinch of coating mixture – it should sizzle immediately. Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar to create the Bang Bang sauce.
- Wipe the skillet clean and melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add cooked pasta and Bang Bang sauce to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency. Gently fold in crispy chicken pieces.
Serving
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while chicken is still crispy.
Notes
Ensure your oil is properly heated for crispy chicken. Consider marinating chicken in buttermilk for improved tenderness. Adjust the heat of the sauce based on your preference.