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To make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, you need these main ingredients: - 1 lb (450g) chicken tenderloins - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs - Vegetable oil for frying These ingredients create a crunchy and flavorful base. The chicken tenderloins cook quickly and stay juicy. The Bang Bang sauce adds a zesty kick. For this sauce, gather: - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha (use less for milder heat) - 1 teaspoon honey - 1 teaspoon lime juice This sauce combines creamy and spicy flavors. It perfectly complements the crispy chicken. For the crispy coating, you will need: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste These seasonings give the chicken a delicious flavor. They add warmth and depth to each bite. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. Mix in 1 tablespoon of sweet chili sauce. Then, add 1 tablespoon of sriracha. This can be spicy, so adjust it to your taste. Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of lime juice. Whisk everything until it blends well. Set this sauce aside. It will add a burst of flavor to your chicken. Now, let’s get the chicken ready. Take 1 lb of chicken tenderloins. In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In another dish, beat 2 large eggs. Then, place 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs in a third dish. To coat the chicken, dip each tenderloin into the flour first. Shake off any extra flour. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs. Let the excess egg drip off. Finally, roll the chicken in panko breadcrumbs. Press lightly to make sure the crumbs stick well. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Then, carefully add the breaded chicken in batches. Avoid crowding the pan. Fry each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. Use a meat thermometer to check if the inside reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil. Place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any extra oil. Now, your crispy chicken is ready! You can toss it in some Bang Bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. To make crispy chicken, start with the right coating. I use a mix of flour, spices, and panko breadcrumbs. The panko gives that extra crunch. First, dip the chicken in seasoned flour. Shake off the extra flour. Then, dip it in beaten eggs. Finally, roll it in panko. Press down gently to help it stick. Key steps for crispiness: - Use fresh panko breadcrumbs. - Ensure oil is hot enough before frying. - Don't overcrowd the pan. This keeps the temperature steady. The Bang Bang sauce can be mild or spicy, depending on your taste. Start with the base of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and honey. Add sriracha slowly. Taste as you go. If you want more heat, add more sriracha or cayenne pepper. Tips for spice control: - Use less cayenne for a milder sauce. - Add lime juice for a zesty kick. - Always mix well to blend the flavors. For perfectly fried chicken, keep a few tips in mind. Always check the oil temperature. It should shimmer but not smoke. Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The inside should reach 165°F (75°C). Best frying practices: - Fry in small batches to avoid steaming. - Let the chicken drain on paper towels after frying. - Serve immediately for the best texture and taste. These tips will help you achieve crispy, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken every time! Pro Tips Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to suit your heat preference for a personalized flavor. Double-Bread for Extra Crispiness: For an even crunchier texture, consider double-breading your chicken by repeating the flour and egg steps before coating with panko. Let the Oil Heat Properly: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; if it’s not hot enough, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy. {{image_2}} You can make your Bang Bang Chicken spicier. Add more cayenne pepper when you mix the flour. If you want a kick, increase the sriracha in the sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños to the coating for extra heat. Another option is to use hot chili oil in the sauce. This adds a great depth of flavor. If you need a gluten-free version, try using almond flour or coconut flour. Both work well as a breading. For a corn-free option, use crushed rice crackers instead of panko. This keeps the crunch while avoiding corn. You can also mix in some ground seeds for added texture and flavor. Crispy Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for balance. Rice or quinoa also make excellent choices. You can create a fun meal by adding some spring rolls or fried rice. Don't forget to drizzle some extra Bang Bang sauce on top for added flavor! After enjoying your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, let it cool. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. For best taste, eat it soon. To reheat, use an oven for crispiness. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use an air fryer. This method keeps the chicken crispy. For longer storage, freeze the chicken. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. To enjoy later, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Bang Bang Chicken is a tasty dish made with crispy chicken tenderloins. It gets its name from the spicy Bang Bang sauce that adds a kick. This sauce is creamy, sweet, and spicy. It mixes mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. You can enjoy it as an appetizer or a main dish. Yes, you can use other parts like chicken breasts or thighs. Just make sure to cut them into even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Thighs can add more flavor, while breasts are leaner. Adjust the cooking time if you use larger pieces. It takes about 20 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. Overall, you need about 40 minutes to make this dish. Fry each piece for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. You can serve Bang Bang Chicken with several sides. Rice or noodles are great options. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. You can also pair it with steamed veggies for color and taste. Don't forget to serve extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping! No, traditional Bang Bang sauce is not vegan-friendly. It contains mayonnaise, which is made from eggs. You can make a vegan version using plant-based mayo. This keeps the flavor but makes it suitable for a vegan diet. This blog post covered how to make tasty and crispy Bang Bang Chicken. We explored the key ingredients, from the chicken to the delicious Bang Bang sauce. I shared easy step-by-step instructions, plus tips for perfecting your dish. We looked at variations to suit different tastes and options for storing leftovers. Overall, the process is simple and fun. You'll impress yourself and others with this dish. Enjoy the cooking, and remember to get creative with flavors!

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Deliciously crispy chicken tenders served with a spicy and tangy Bang Bang sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • for frying vegetable oil

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until well combined. Set aside.
  • Bread the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
  • Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere well.
  • Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
  • Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the breaded chicken to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).
  • Drain the Chicken: Remove the crispy chicken from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  • Serve: Toss the crispy chicken tenders in a portion of the Bang Bang sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.

Notes

Serve the crispy chicken on a vibrant platter, drizzled with extra Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an added touch.
Keyword appetizer, bang bang, chicken, fried