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Bang Bang Chicken Pasta

Crispy chicken pieces tossed with pasta in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce for a restaurant-quality meal ready in 35 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Duke's or Hellmann's recommended
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp sriracha adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 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

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Cooking thermometer
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set cooked pasta aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken pieces in the mixture until every piece is thoroughly coated with no bare spots.
  3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F. Test by dropping in a pinch of coating — it should sizzle immediately. Fry chicken in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Taste and adjust heat level to your preference.
  5. Wipe the skillet clean and melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  6. Add cooked pasta and bang bang sauce to the skillet. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce is silky and coats every piece. Gently fold in the crispy chicken last to preserve crunch.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while chicken is still crispy.

Notes

Do not skip the cornstarch — it is essential for that crispy coating. Reserve pasta water before draining to help the sauce cling. Add chicken at the very end to keep it crunchy. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature. Adjust sriracha to match your heat preference.