I’ve got a treat that’s going to set your taste buds on fire (in the best way possible) – Bang Bang Chicken Tenders! This recipe is a fusion of crispy goodness and a kick of spice that will leave you craving more. But before we dive into the recipe, let me share the backstory that makes these chicken tenders so special.
THE STORY BEHIND THIS RECIPE
One summer evening, I found myself reminiscing about my college days with a group of old friends. We were sharing stories over a bonfire, and naturally, the topic of food came up. One of my friends, Elle, brought up this unforgettable dish we used to order from a local food truck. It was the perfect blend of spicy and sweet, with a crunch that could be heard from across the room. Unfortunately, the food truck had long since disappeared, but the memory of those delicious chicken tenders lingered.
Inspired by the nostalgia and a bit of friendly competition (because who doesn’t love a good cook-off?), I decided to recreate the magic of this at home. After a few experimental batches and a lot of taste testing (thanks to my very willing classmates), I perfected the recipe.
Now, I’m excited to share it with you!
QUESTIONS ABOUT BANG BANG CHICKEN
What is Bang Bang Chicken made of? Bang Bang Chicken is typically made of crispy fried chicken tenders coated in a sauce that combines mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and sometimes rice vinegar for extra tanginess.
Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tenders on a greased baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Is Bang Bang Chicken spicy? The level of spiciness in the chicken can be adjusted to your preference. The Sriracha in the sauce adds heat, so you can add more or less depending on how spicy you like it.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken? It pairs well with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. It also makes a great appetizer for parties.
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time? While the chicken is best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before serving. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
BANG BANG CHICKEN TENDERS
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken Tenders
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Cornflakes
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- Vegetable Oil For Frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 Tablespoons Sriracha depending on your spice preference
- 1 Tablespoons Honey
- 1 Teaspoon Rice Vinegar
- 1 Tablespoons Lime Juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken tenders and buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This step ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coat.
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken tenders in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each tender for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- While the chicken is frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Adjust the sriracha to your desired spice level.
- Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken tenders or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There you have it—crispy, tangy, and downright delicious. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to impress your friends and family. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite dipping sauces and sides for a complete meal experience. Happy cooking!
Enjoy your tenders, and let me know how they turned out in the comments below! Happy cooking! Make sure you pair this with one of my favorite cocktails! Also, like my Facebook page here.
