Description
Bang Bang Chicken features crispy panko-crusted chicken tenderloins paired with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, creating a deliciously addictive dish perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, thoroughly combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside for serving.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Allow to soak for at least 10 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with the flour mixture (combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using), the second with a beaten egg mixed with a splash of Sriracha, and the third with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove each chicken tenderloin from the buttermilk. Dredge it first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs to fully coat each piece.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat canola oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through, totaling approximately 6 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
- Drain and Serve: Place the fried chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil. Drizzle generously with prepared bang bang sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is medium to avoid burning the breading or undercooking the chicken.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to control the spice level to your preference.
- Use room temperature eggs for easier mixing and better coating.
- For crispier chicken, double coat with panko by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or rice to complement the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, crispy chicken, panko chicken, spicy chicken, Asian chicken recipe, fried chicken tenderloins, bang bang sauce
