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Best Dairy-Free Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 125 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 31 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Dairy Free

Description

This Best Dairy Free Bang Bang Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in flavorful spices, coated in cornstarch for a crispy finish, and air fried to perfection. Tossed in a creamy, spicy dairy-free bang bang sauce made with vegan mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce, this dish delivers a delightful balance of heat and sweetness without any dairy. Perfect for those seeking a crunchy, spicy chicken dish that’s both delicious and allergy-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade

  • 4 chicken thighs (boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch chunks)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1.5 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp avocado oil
  • 1.5 tbsp corn starch
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger

For the Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, lemon juice, and avocado oil to create the marinade. Add the chicken thigh chunks and toss until evenly coated. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken marinates, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and toasted sesame oil in a separate bowl. Adjust sriracha to desired heat. Set aside two-thirds of the sauce for tossing and reserve one-third for drizzling at the end.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dust the marinated chicken chunks with cornstarch and toss gently to coat evenly, creating a light, crispy exterior when cooked.
  4. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 4 minutes while you prepare the chicken.
  5. First Air Fry: Place the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes to begin crisping the exterior and rendering fat.
  6. Toss with Sauce: Remove chicken from the air fryer and toss with two-thirds of the bang bang sauce, coating each piece thoroughly.
  7. Second Air Fry: Return the sauced chicken to the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 2 to 4 minutes more, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and the sauce has caramelized slightly.
  8. Serve: Transfer the cooked bang bang chicken to a serving plate. Drizzle the reserved sauce on top. Serve immediately while crispy and warm.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
  • Ensure the chicken pieces are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer to promote even cooking and crispiness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • For gluten-free preparation, confirm that the sweet chili sauce and other condiments are certified gluten-free.
  • This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner and pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh salad.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: dairy free bang bang chicken, vegan mayonnaise chicken, air fryer chicken, crispy bang bang chicken, spicy chicken recipe, dairy free chicken recipe

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/best-dairy-free-bang-bang-chicken-recipe/