Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Baked in Air Fryer: Meal Prep and Side Dishes

Last Updated on: 24th March 2024, 12:33 pm

I absolutely love finding new recipes that are easy to make and delicious to eat. One of my recent favorites is the bang bang chicken recipe baked in an air fryer. It’s a healthier alternative to fried chicken that doesn’t sacrifice any of the flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep and can be paired with a variety of side dishes for a complete meal.

A whole chicken breast sizzling in the air fryer, surrounded by colorful meal prep containers and an array of side dishes

To make this recipe, you’ll need chicken breasts, a mixture of spices, bread crumbs, and an air fryer. The chicken is scored and seasoned with the spice mixture before being coated in bread crumbs and air fried until crispy and golden brown. The bang bang sauce is made separately and can be drizzled over the chicken or served on the side for dipping.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also great for meal prep. You can make a big batch of the chicken at the beginning of the week and pair it with different side dishes throughout the week to keep things interesting. Plus, the air fryer makes it easy to cook the chicken without any added oil or fat.

Key Takeaways

  • The bang bang chicken recipe baked in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to fried chicken that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
  • This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be paired with a variety of side dishes for a complete meal.
  • The air fryer makes it easy to cook the chicken without any added oil or fat, making it a healthier option.

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Crispy chicken thighs sizzling in the air fryer, surrounded by colorful meal prep containers and an array of vibrant side dishes

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal prep option, look no further than this bang bang chicken recipe baked in an air fryer. With a crispy exterior and a spicy-sweet sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray

For the bang bang sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce

Air Fryer Preparation

To prepare the chicken for the air fryer, you’ll need to cut it into bite-sized pieces. I like to use kitchen shears for this, as it makes the process quick and easy. Once the chicken is cut, season it with salt and pepper.

Next, set up three shallow bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and water. In the third bowl, add the bang bang sauce.

Cooking Instructions

To cook the chicken, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Dip each piece of chicken into the breading mixture, then into the egg mixture, and then back into the breading mixture. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it.

Spray the chicken with cooking spray and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Serve with additional bang bang sauce for dipping.

Overall, this bang bang chicken recipe is a delicious and easy option for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. With the help of an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or rice.

Meal Prep & Side Dishes

Bang Bang chicken baking in air fryer, surrounded by meal prep containers and various side dishes

Meal Prep Tips

When it comes to meal prep, I always recommend making more than you need for the week. That way, you can have leftovers for lunch or dinner on those days when you don’t have time to cook. Bang bang chicken is perfect for meal prep because it reheats well and stays delicious for several days.

To make meal prep even easier, I suggest cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking. This will not only speed up the cooking process but also make it easier to portion out for meals. You can also make the bang bang sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Another tip for meal prep is to cook any side dishes at the same time as the chicken. This will save you time and make clean-up easier. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Suggested Side Dishes

When it comes to side dishes, I like to keep it simple and fresh. Here are a few of my favorite suggestions to serve with bang bang chicken:

  • Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are all great options. Just steam them until they are tender-crisp and season with salt and pepper.
  • Rice: White or brown rice is a great way to soak up the delicious sauce from the chicken. You can also add some chopped scallions or cilantro for extra flavor.
  • Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance out the richness of the chicken. You can also add some sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or avocado for extra crunch.
  • Roasted Vegetables: If you prefer roasted vegetables, try roasting some sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts in the oven. Just toss them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

No matter what side dishes you choose, make sure to balance out the flavors and textures of the meal. With these suggestions, you’ll have a delicious and well-rounded meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Bang Bang Chicken Pasta

I absolutely love this Bang Bang Chicken Pasta recipe! It’s a perfect combination of spicy and creamy, and the best part is that it’s so easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious meal in no time.

To start, you’ll need to cook your pasta according to the package directions. While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt some butter and whisk in the bang bang sauce. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, whisking every 2 minutes.

For the chicken, heat a skillet over high heat and add some olive oil. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes on each side, until fully cooked.

Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the saucepan with the bang bang sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Then, add the cooked chicken to the saucepan and stir to combine.

To serve, you can top the pasta with some chopped scallions and sesame seeds for a little extra flavor and crunch. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, as it reheats really well. You can also serve it with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Overall, this Bang Bang Chicken Pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a great addition to any meal plan. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Jakob miller