Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a tasty yet low-carb meal, the Bang Bang Chicken recipe is a great choice. It’s quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes, and uses an air fryer for easy cooking. The chicken is marinated with flavorful spices and coated in a zesty sauce that packs a punch. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with options like cauliflower rice or slaw. Let’s explore how to make this dish and why it fits perfectly into your meal plan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious meal that fits your low carb lifestyle, you’ll love this Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken recipe.

It’s perfect for keeping you on track with your diet, as it’s low in carbohydrates and diabetic-friendly. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes using an air fryer, making it a quick and easy option for busy days.

The combination of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors makes each bite enjoyable. Plus, it’s a healthy choice, packed with protein and made from wholesome ingredients. This recipe is also ideal for low carb diets, ensuring you can enjoy flavorful meals while maintaining your dietary goals.

You can also customize the sauce and adjust the spice level to suit your taste. With its versatility and practicality, this recipe fits perfectly into meal planning and leftover storage.

Enjoy!

History

Bang Bang Chicken has a rich history that traces back to the small Sichuan town of Hang Yang Ba, where it first emerged as a popular street food.

Locals sold it piece by piece, and the dish gained significance due to its practicality. Traditionally, cooks pounded cooked chicken with a handheld wooden club to break down the fibers, enhancing its flavor and texture. This method was essential, as it exposed the chicken’s fibers, making it tender. The pounding process transforms chicken into a soft sponge, allowing for better sauce absorption.

By the 1920s, Bang Bang Chicken spread to restaurants in Chengdu and eventually around the world.

While many Western adaptations diverge from the original recipe, the dish remains a beloved staple in Sichuan cuisine, evolving with various interpretations globally.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 450 g chicken breast or 600 g boneless chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon Sriracha
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon keto maple flavored syrup
– 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger powder
– 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
– Extra virgin olive oil or cooking spray

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by preparing the chicken. If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness to guarantee even cooking. If using thighs, they can be used as they are. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, and any remaining spices to create a marinade. Add the seasoned chicken to the marinade, making sure it’s well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, keto maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, and ground ginger. Reserve some sauce for brushing and serving later.
Choose your cooking method: For grilling, heat a grill pan over medium heat, brush with olive oil, and cook the chicken for about 4 minutes per side. For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 400°F, cook the chicken for 10 minutes, then brush with bang bang sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes. For baking, preheat the oven to 425°F and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through. It’s important to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to maintain its keto-friendliness.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and brush with additional bang bang sauce. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve the sliced chicken with garnishes like fresh cilantro, spring onions, and sliced avocado. Drizzle extra bang bang sauce on top and pair it with steamed rice, shredded red cabbage, or grated carrots.

Extra Tips:

When preparing Bang Bang Chicken, feel free to adjust the level of spiciness in the sauce according to your preference. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of Sriracha or substitute it with a milder sauce.

Additionally, marinating the chicken longer will result in even more flavor, so plan ahead if you can. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and reheat them in the microwave for a quick meal. Enjoy your delicious low-carb creation!

Final Thoughts

After preparing the delicious low-carb Bang Bang Chicken, it’s important to contemplate how this dish fits into your overall meal planning and dietary goals.

This recipe not only provides a tasty option but also aligns well with low-carb and high-fat diets. With only about 5.7g of net carbs per serving, it’s a smart choice for managing carbohydrate intake. The high protein content supports muscle maintenance, making it a nutritious meal. Additionally, the sauce can be refrigerated for up to 10-14 days, allowing you to enjoy it multiple times throughout the week.

You can easily adapt the cooking method, using an air fryer for a healthier option. Plus, with quick preparation times, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Consider pairing it with cauliflower rice or Asian slaw for a complete meal that satisfies without compromising your dietary objectives.

FAQ

Have you ever wondered what makes Bang Bang Chicken so appealing? This dish comes from Sichuan cuisine, featuring crispy chicken pieces paired with a sweet and spicy sauce.

To make a low-carb version, start by cutting chicken breast into cubes and marinating them. For the sauce, mix mayonnaise, low-carb sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and a low-carb sweetener. Chicken breasts or thighs can be used for the best results, depending on your macro preferences.

You can grill or bake the chicken for a healthier option. The nutrition facts show that low-carb variations can have as little as 10g net carbs per serving.

Feel free to customize your Bang Bang sauce by adjusting the spiciness and sweetness to suit your taste. Serve with low-carb veggies or cauliflower rice for a balanced meal.