Delight in the mouthwatering flavors of Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken—a dish bursting with flavor yet low on carbs! With tender chicken chunks cloaked in a luscious, spicy sauce, this recipe reinvents a classic for health-conscious palates, making it perfect for dinner or entertaining.
Budget Information
The total cost for this Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken recipe is approximately $12.50, translating to about $2.50 per serving for five servings. Here’s the breakdown of costs:
- 1 lb chicken breast – $3.50
- 1 egg – $0.25
- 1 tbsp lime juice – $0.15
- 1 cup blanched almond flour – $3.00
- ½ cup crushed plantain or tortilla chips (optional) – $0.50
- ½ tsp sea salt – $0.05
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Primal Kitchen recommended) – $1.75
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce – $0.50
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar – $0.10
- 1 tbsp honey (omit for keto) – $0.25
Why This Recipe Works
This Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken is not just a healthy version of a beloved dish; it’s a flavor explosion in every bite! By using lighter ingredients like almond flour and a homemade sauce, we preserve the taste without the guilt. Plus, marinating the chicken ensures that every piece is infused with deliciousness, guaranteeing rave reviews from family and friends!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Gather these ingredients to whip up your Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks ($3.50)
- 1 egg ($0.25)
- 1 tbsp lime juice ($0.15)
- 1 cup blanched almond flour ($3.00)
- ½ cup crushed plantain or tortilla chips (optional) – ($0.50)
- ½ tsp sea salt ($0.05)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Primal Kitchen recommended) ($1.75)
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce ($0.50)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar ($0.10)
- 1 tbsp honey (omit for keto) – ($0.25)
Substitutions: You can replace almond flour with crushed pork rinds for a crunchier texture, or use coconut flour to give it a different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Making this Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken is as fun as it is delicious—let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Begin by soaking your wooden skewers in water for about 10-15 minutes. This little trick helps you avoid burned sticks when you grill the chicken later on, ensuring everything cooks beautifully without mishaps.
Step 2: While your skewers soak, it’s time to prepare your chicken. Cut 1 pound of chicken breast into small, bite-sized chunks. This not only helps the chicken cook evenly but also allows the delicious sauce to cling perfectly, giving you a burst of flavor in each bite.
Step 3: Whip up the egg wash by mixing the egg with 1 tablespoon of lime juice in a bowl. This mixture will help your chicken maintain juiciness while also allowing the breadcrumbs to stick, creating thatSignature crispy exterior we all love!
Step 4: In another bowl, combine 1 cup of blanched almond flour and ½ cup of crushed plantain or tortilla chips (if using). This blend is your magic mixture that will provide an amazing crunchy coating to the chicken—perfect for keeping it low-carb and delish!
Step 5: Now comes the fun part—dipping! Take each chicken piece, dunk it in the egg wash, ensuring it’s coated, then roll it in the flour mixture until each piece is well-coated and ready for cooking. This is where the flavor starts to build, so make sure to coat each piece generously!
Step 6: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for that perfect crunch! If you’re opting for pan-frying instead, heat some oil in a pan to about 325°F (165°C) so that they crisp up beautifully.
Step 7: For air frying, lightly spray the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking, and place the coated chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even crispiness on all sides—no soggy chicken here!
Step 8: If frying, carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil. Cook for about 90 seconds on each side, keeping an eye out for that golden brown color indicating they’re done and gorgeous!
Step 9: While your chicken is cooking, it’s time to whip up the Bang Bang sauce. In a saucepan, combine the mayo, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Simmer for about 10 minutes while stirring gently. This will marry the flavors beautifully and create that signature creamy sauce we all adore.
Step 10: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, brush on a hearty helping of the Bang Bang sauce, ensuring each piece is coated with that spicy goodness. If you want to take it a step further, pop them back into the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes to really let that sauce meld.
Step 11: Serve your succulent chicken on skewers, and watch your friends and family dive in with joy! This Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken is ready for everyone to enjoy.
Nutritional Facts
Each delicious serving of this Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken is as nutritious as it is satisfying:
- Calories: 567
- Protein: 32-55g
- Total Fat: 30-32g
- Saturated Fat: 5-6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 119mg
- Sodium: 612-619mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 5-12g
- Total Sugars: 7-9g
This guidance helps you keep track of your intake while still savoring an incredible meal!
Storage and Reheating Tips
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This savory dish makes for amazing leftovers! To reheat, enjoy it in the microwave, or for extra crispiness, pop it back into the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If you want to keep it for an extended period, consider freezing the plain chicken without sauce, where it can last for up to a month!
Serving Suggestions
This flavorful Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken can shine in various settings! Serve it over a fresh salad for a light meal or tuck it inside taco shells for an exciting fusion dish. Pair it with steamed veggies or cauliflower rice for a fulfilling dinner, or enjoy it as an appetizer on skewers during game night. The possibilities are endless, and each bite is packed with flavor!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Keep things fun in the kitchen! Experiment with different spices and sauces to make this dish your own. Consider using garlic powder, paprika, or even a sprinkle of cayenne for an extra kick! Additionally, don’t shy away from adding veggies to your skewers—bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini could add color and nutrition to your meal. Remember, cooking is about creativity and enjoyment, so embrace that energy while making this delightful dish!
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the Bang Bang sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Marinate the chicken for up to 48 hours for enhanced flavor.
2. Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower can work as delicious low-carb alternatives.
3. What dipping sauces pair well with this recipe?
A zesty tahini, ranch dressing, or even a spicy peanut sauce can complement the flavors beautifully!
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
5. Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
For a higher carb content, yes! However, it will no longer be low-carb. Stick to almond flour for that nutritious, guilt-free indulgence.
