There’s something incredibly satisfying about crispy, homemade chicken tenders that can rival your favorite takeout—especially when they’re tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce that dances on your taste buds. I discovered this recipe for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders one evening when I wanted to shake off the monotony of fast food and impress my family with something special.
The moment I took my first bite, the crunchy panko coating cracked just right to reveal juicy, tender chicken beneath, all enveloped in an irresistible sauce I whipped up in minutes. It’s the ideal comfort food that’s not just easy to prepare but customizable to accommodate everyone’s spice level.
Whether you’re tackling a weeknight dinner or elevating your next gathering, these tenders promise to deliver not just flavor but a delightful crunch—perfect for dipping or devouring straight from the plate. Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone eagerly asking for a second helping!
Why are Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders a must-try?
Irresistible crunch: Each tender boasts a crispy panko exterior that keeps you reaching for more.
Flavor explosion: Quick, delightful sauce combines sweetness with just the right kick of heat, tailored to your liking.
Family-friendly: Perfect for dinner! You can easily adjust spice levels to suit every palate, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Meal prep-friendly: You can whip these up in advance—the leftovers maintain their delicious texture and taste.
Impressive presentation: Serve them at gatherings and watch your guests rave about this elevated comfort food!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders Ingredients
Perfect for memorable meals!
For the Bang Bang Sauce
• Mayonnaise – The creamy base that gives the sauce its luscious texture.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds the perfect balance of sweetness and heat; it’s the star of this irresistible sauce.
• Sriracha – Spice it up! Adjust according to your heat preference for your crispy Bang Bang chicken tenders.
• Honey – A touch of sweetness to round out the flavors beautifully.
For the Chicken Tenders
• Chicken Tenderloins – Tender, juicy protein; boneless, skinless chicken breast can be used instead.
• Buttermilk – Tenderizes and flavors the chicken; use a lactose-free mix of milk and vinegar for a lighter version.
• All-Purpose Flour – The coating’s foundation; ensures a solid structure without substitutions.
• Cornstarch – Essential for crunch! It enhances the crispiness of the tenders.
• Egg – Acts as a binder for the coating; can be omitted for an egg-free option.
• Garlic Powder – Adds flavor depth; swap for fresh garlic if preferred.
• Kosher Salt – A must for seasoning throughout; regular salt will do in a pinch.
• Black Pepper – Adds a slight kick—adjust for personal taste!
• Cayenne Pepper – For those who like it hot; adjust the amount for your desired spiciness.
• Panko Breadcrumbs – For that unbeatable crunch; avoid regular breadcrumbs for the best results.
• Canola Oil – Ideal for frying; substitute with vegetable oil if necessary.
For Garnish
• Chopped Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness; entirely optional, but highly recommended!
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders
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Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. This sweet and spicy mixture will elevate your tenders and should be set aside for later.
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Whisk the Batter: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne until well combined. You want a smooth batter that’ll adhere beautifully to the chicken.
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Coat the Chicken: Thoroughly dip the chicken tenderloins into the batter mixture, ensuring they’re completely coated for maximum flavor and moisture.
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Dredge in Panko: Take each piece of batter-coated chicken and dredge it in panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to help them stick, giving you that irresistible crunch.
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Heat the Oil: Pour about an inch of canola oil into a skillet and heat it to 365°F—medium-high heat. This temperature is crucial for achieving a golden brown exterior.
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Fry the Chicken: Working in small batches to prevent overcrowding, fry the tenders for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on the oil temperature during this process.
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Serve and Enjoy: Drain the cooked chicken on paper towels, then toss them in the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy your crispy tenders while they’re hot!
Optional: Serve with lime wedges for a zesty touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders Customization
There’s so much fun to be had with these tenders—let your creativity shine and make this recipe truly yours!
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Sauce Swap: Try substituting the Thai sweet chili sauce with honey mustard for a tangy twist that delights the taste buds. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the chicken!
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Heat Level Adjustments: Scale back the spicy kick by omitting cayenne pepper altogether. For an extra subtle heat, simply reduce the amount of Sriracha.
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Nut-Free: Swap out the flour and breadcrumbs for almond flour and ground nuts for a gluten-free, nut-free option. It gives a lovely nutty flavor and crunch!
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Herb-Crusted: Enhance the flavor further by incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or oregano into the breading. This will add an aromatic freshness with each bite.
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Cheesy Delight: Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the panko breadcrumbs for an enhanced cheesy crunch. It’ll take these tenders to the next level!
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Veggie Bites: For a vegetarian twist, exchange chicken with thick slices of eggplant or zucchini. Follow the same coating and frying instructions for a satisfying plant-based option.
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Crispy Texture Variations: Instead of panko, try using crushed cornflakes for a different texture and taste that pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy sauce.
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Citrus Zing: A splash of lime or lemon zest added to the batter brings a bright, zesty flavor that complements the sweetness of the Bang Bang sauce. Enjoy the burst of freshness!
Expert Tips for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders
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Perfect Temperature: Maintain oil at 365°F for that enviable crunch. Use a thermometer to ensure your tenders fry properly and turn golden brown.
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Batch Frying: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to soggy tenders. Fry in small batches, giving each piece enough space to brown beautifully.
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Coating Check: If your chicken isn’t turning out crispy, double-check that the coating adheres well by ensuring the batter is smooth and thoroughly covering the chicken tenderloins.
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Spice Adjustments: Customize the heat level in your Bang Bang sauce by adjusting the Sriracha and cayenne pepper quantities to match your family’s taste preferences.
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Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the chopped parsley! It adds a vibrant touch that elevates your dish, both in taste and appearance.
What to Serve with Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders with Irresistible Sauce?
Elevate your meal experience with delightful sides that perfectly complement the crispy tenders!
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Creamy Coleslaw: This refreshing side adds a crunchy, creamy contrast that balances out the spicy tenders wonderfully. It’s a classic pairing that can cool your palate.
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Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of these fries pairs beautifully with the savory heat of the chicken. A deliciously crunchy texture keeps every bite interesting!
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Garlic Butter Rice: Fluffy rice infused with garlic butter brings a rich, comforting element to the table, soaking up extra sauce for those who love a heartier meal.
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Fresh Garden Salad: A colorful mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness and lightness, harmonizing the flavors while providing a nutritious option.
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Zesty Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty, wholesome grain dish enhances the meal, adding an aromatic and lemony twist that contrasts with the spice of the tenders.
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Tangy Dipping Sauce: Serve extra Bang Bang Sauce or a creamy ranch dip on the side for guests who enjoy additional flavor. These sauces are versatile enough for an extra zing!
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Iced Lemonade: A refreshing drink that cuts through the richness of the chicken and adds a sweet and tart note, perfectly complementing the meal.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light and airy chocolate mousse rounds out your feast with a touch of indulgence, delighting both kids and adults alike!
Storage Tips for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders
Fridge: Store leftover Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps them juicy but may slightly soften their crunch.
Freezer: For extended freshness, freeze the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 6 months.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat tenders in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they regain their crispy exterior.
Wrapping: If storing in the fridge or freezer, wrap tenders separately with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicious flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders are fantastic for meal prep and can help save you time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance by coating them in the batter and dredging them in panko breadcrumbs. To maintain their signature crunch, refrigerate them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The Bang Bang sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just mix together your ingredients and keep it tightly sealed. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry the tenders and toss them in the homemade sauce for that fresh, irresistible flavor that feels just like takeout, but better!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders with Irresistible Sauce Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chicken tenderloins?
Absolutely! Look for chicken Tenderloins that are pink and moist with no dark spots or a slimy texture. For the best flavor, ensure they’re fresh, ideally from a reputable source. If tenderloins aren’t available, boneless, skinless chicken breasts make a great substitute!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very easy! Store your leftover Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To maintain their crunch, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any moisture. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I freeze the chicken tenders?
Yes, you can! To freeze your crispy tenders, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them directly from the freezer at 375°F until heated through and crispy, usually about 15-20 minutes.
What if my chicken tenders aren’t crispy?
The more the merrier when it comes to frying techniques! Start by checking the oil temperature—it should be around 365°F. If you notice sogginess, it may be that the batter wasn’t thick enough or the chicken wasn’t fully coated. Ensure a thorough dredge in both the batter and the panko breadcrumbs; this will help achieve that perfect crunch.
Are there any dietary considerations?
Absolutely! For those with lactose intolerances, you can easily replace the buttermilk with a mix of lactose-free milk and vinegar. Additionally, the egg in the batter can be omitted for an egg-free option without compromising the flavor. Make sure to check any store-bought sauces for allergens if you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions.
How can I adjust the heat level in the Bang Bang sauce?
Very simply! You can customize the spiciness of your sauce by adjusting the amount of Sriracha or cayenne pepper. Start with less and taste as you go—you can always add more spice later. For a milder flavor, omit the cayenne altogether or replace it with a mild sauce!
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders with Irresistible Sauce Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne until well combined.
- Dip the chicken tenderloins into the batter mixture, ensuring they're completely coated.
- Dredge in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them stick.
- Heat about an inch of canola oil in a skillet to 365°F.
- Fry the tenders for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels and toss in the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with parsley.