Description
Crispy, tender chicken tenders are coated in a spicy and sweet Bang Bang sauce, making this dish irresistibly addictive. Perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s full of flavor and crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (plain)
- Canola oil (for frying)
- Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well and set aside.
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Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Add the chicken tenderloins and toss to coat evenly.
-
Coat the Chicken with Panko:
- Add the panko breadcrumbs to a shallow plate.
- Working one piece at a time, remove the chicken from the batter, gently shaking off any excess. Dredge the chicken in the panko, pressing slightly to ensure it adheres. Place on a clean plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
-
Fry the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, add about an inch of canola oil. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F.
- Working in batches, add the chicken to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until the chicken is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken, ensuring the oil stays at 365°F.
-
Drain and Coat with Sauce:
- Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain slightly.
- Add the chicken to a serving plate, then toss with the Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For Extra Spice: If you like your Bang Bang Chicken spicier, increase the amount of Sriracha in both the sauce and batter.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Coat the chicken and fry just before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish with a side of rice, noodles, or a simple salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, crispy chicken, spicy chicken, chicken tenders, appetizer