Description
Bang Bang Chicken features crispy, panko-crusted chicken tenderloins drizzled with a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce. Whether deep-fried, air-fried, or baked, this dish delivers bold flavors and satisfying crunch, making it perfect as an appetizer or main course!
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil (for frying)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Set aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, whisk buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
- Add the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
3. Coat with Panko:
- Place panko breadcrumbs on a plate.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and coat in panko.
4. Choose Cooking Method:
Deep Frying:
- Heat 1 inch of canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 365°F (185°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temp).
Air Frying:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray chicken with cooking spray and air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Baking:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Place chicken on a lined baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Serve:
- Drizzle cooked chicken with bang bang sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust Sriracha to control heat.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and flour.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-15 minutes (varies by method)
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Deep Fry, Air Fry, Bake
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
