At a family gathering, I thought about cooking with my grandmother. She made spicy chicken that everyone loved. I wanted to make a low-carb version of her Bang Bang Chicken.
This way, I could enjoy the taste without feeling guilty. So, I started making a low-carb Bang Bang Chicken. It’s a healthy dinner that’s also delicious.
This keto-friendly chicken recipe is easy to make and very tasty. It has the perfect mix of spice and creaminess. It’s a hit at dinner, making it great for any meal.
Let’s dive into the details of this tasty, low-carb Bang Bang Chicken.
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a tasty dish from Asian cooking. It has crispy chicken in a spicy sauce. The name “Bang Bang” means the flavors burst in your mouth.
This dish uses mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and hot sauce. My version, low-carb bang bang chicken, uses healthier ingredients. It’s a tasty Asian dish that’s good for you.
The chicken is cut into small pieces. This makes the sauce stick well. My version is low in carbs but full of flavor. It’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Marinating the chicken makes it even tastier. It’s great as an appetizer or main dish. The spices and crunchy chicken make it a hit in my kitchen.
Benefits of Low-Carb Eating
Starting a low-carb diet can really help your health. It’s good to eat less than 130 grams of carbs a day. This can help you lose weight, which is great for people with type 2 diabetes.
For example, losing 15 kilograms in three to five months can help you get better from diabetes. Eating low-carb meals, like Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken, is tasty and healthy. People on low-carb diets can lose up to 2 pounds a week.
They often lose a lot at first, like 5.5 kilograms in the first week. A low-carb diet also helps control blood sugar. A person’s HbA1c levels got much better in just three months.
This could lead to a healthier life in the long run. Foods high in carbs, like a big jacket potato or a liter of orange juice, raise blood sugar. Eating less of these foods can reduce sugar cravings.
Low-carb meals keep me full and focused all day. They make it easy and fun to follow a low-carb diet. My favorite dish, Bang Bang Chicken, is a big part of why I enjoy it.
Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
This low-carb bang bang chicken recipe is great for when you want something tasty and easy. It has tender chicken and a creamy sauce. Here’s what you need to make it.
Ingredients for the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- ½ cup crushed plantain or tortilla chips (optional)
- ½ tsp sea salt
Ingredients for the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Primal Kitchen recommended)
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey (omit for keto)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken
Making low-carb bang bang chicken is fun and easy. It takes about 30 minutes. This gluten-free chicken recipe is tasty and exciting for meals.
- Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for 10-15 minutes. This helps them not burn.
- While soaking, prepare the chicken. Cut 1 pound of chicken breast into small pieces.
- In a bowl, mix ⅓ cup of milk and 1 large egg for an egg wash.
- In another bowl, combine ¼ cup of potato starch and ¼ cup of almond flour. This makes the chicken crispy and low-carb.
- Dip each chicken piece in the egg wash, letting extra drip off. Then coat it in the flour mix well.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If frying, heat oil in a pan to 325°F (165°C).
- For air frying, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- If frying, cook the chicken for 90 seconds, flip, and then fry for another 90 seconds. It should be golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken cooks, make the bang bang sauce. Simmer ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, and 1 teaspoon gochujang in a saucepan for 10 minutes.
- After the chicken is done, brush it with the bang bang sauce. Return it to the air fryer for 5 more minutes for extra flavor.
- Serve on skewers and enjoy a tasty, spicy, low-carb meal.
This recipe makes about 5 skewers. Each skewer has about 175 calories, 5g of carbs, and 15g of protein. It’s easy to make and loved by many.
Cooking Methods: Air Fryer vs. Oven
Choosing the right cooking method is key for a great low-carb recipe. Both air fryers and ovens have their own benefits. They help make a tasty spicy chicken recipe that you’ll love.
How to Cook in an Air Fryer
Using an air fryer makes cooking fast and easy. Here’s how to cook Bang Bang chicken perfectly:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Spray the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for consistent results.
How to Bake in the Oven
For a traditional oven method, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Arrange the chicken on a greased sheet pan.
- Bake for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken over.
- Continue baking for an additional 10-12 minutes.
Both methods make the chicken tender and juicy. You’ll love the flavor, whether you choose the air fryer or oven.
Meal Prep Tips for Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken
Meal prepping makes low-carb meals like Bang Bang Chicken easy. It lets you have quick, healthy meals all week. Here are some tips to help you prep and store this tasty dish.
Preparation Ahead of Time
Make the Bang Bang sauce a week early. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. For the chicken, marinate it for up to 48 hours for extra taste.
Also, prep the breading ahead. This way, everything is ready to cook on the day.
Storage Instructions
After cooking, store the Bang Bang Chicken in the fridge for three days. Eat it within three days for the best taste and texture. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the microwave or oven.
For longer storage, freeze plain chicken without sauce. It can last a month. This makes it easy to have a quick, low-carb meal later.
Nutrition Facts of Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken
Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken is a great meal choice. It’s full of nutrients and fits a low-carb diet. This makes it a top pick for a healthy dinner.
A serving has about 567 calories. This makes it a filling meal. It has 32 to 55 grams of protein, which is a lot.
The fat in it is 30 to 32 grams. This fat makes the dish tasty and keeps it low-carb.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the nutrition facts:
| Nutritional Component | Value (per serving) |
|---|---|
| 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 recipe is low in carbs and doesn’t have gluten or dairy. It’s perfect for those on a low-carb diet. It’s tasty and healthy, making it a great choice for any meal.
Variations and Add-Ons for Your Recipe
I’m excited to share some tasty low-carb variations for my keto-friendly chicken recipe. This dish is easy to change to fit different tastes and diets. You can swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist that’s low in carbs.
Try different sauces to change the flavor. Use spicy Thai chili sauce or zesty lemon herb dressing instead of Bang Bang sauce. For a fun twist, use crushed pork rinds instead of almond flour. It adds crunch and flavor, perfect for a low-carb diet.
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Protein Swap | Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood alternative. |
| Alternative Sauces | Use spicy Thai chili sauce or lemon herb dressing for different flavors. |
| Coating Options | Substitute almond flour with crushed pork rinds for added crunch. |
| Vegetable Additions | Add bell peppers or zucchini to the skewers for a colorful presentation. |
These tasty options keep the meal’s core but let you add your own twist. Whether it’s for a dinner party or a family meal, these changes will wow everyone! Have fun in the kitchen!
Why This Recipe is Family-Friendly
Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken is a hit with families. It’s crunchy and has a creamy sauce that kids adore. Plus, it’s quick to make, perfect for busy families.
The mix of spices and creamy sauce pleases everyone. It’s low in carbs and calories, but full of protein. This makes it a healthy choice for dinner.
- Quick preparation time of less than 30 minutes.
- Packed with 29 grams of protein and only 5 grams of fat.
- Offers versatile serving options, including over salad, pasta, or in tacos.
- Great for meal prep; easy storage for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Nutritional values make it a guilt-free indulgence for the whole family.
Having this tasty low-carb chicken for dinner can make it special. It’s fun for everyone and promotes healthy eating. It’s a great way to make dinner time enjoyable.
More Low-Carb Meal Ideas to Try
If you like Low-Carb Bang Bang Chicken, you’ll find more tasty meals. Try a keto stir-fry with colorful veggies and protein like shrimp or tofu. It’s a quick, healthy dish perfect for busy nights.
Oven-baked chicken bites are another favorite. They’re simple to make and great for meal prep. Coat chicken in coconut flour and spices, then bake until golden. Serve with sauces like spicy mayo or tangy mustard. They’re good with greens or steamed veggies.
Don’t be afraid to try new sauces. A zesty peanut sauce can make grilled chicken or fish special. These ideas keep your meals interesting and healthy. So, get creative and enjoy every bite!
