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- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenderloins - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs The chicken tenderloins give this dish its tender bite and juicy flavor. The all-purpose flour helps create a nice coating, while panko breadcrumbs add the perfect crunch. - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha The Bang Bang sauce is a fun mix of creamy and spicy. Mayonnaise is the base, making it smooth. Sweet chili sauce adds a hint of sweetness. Sriracha gives it a kick. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 large eggs - Vegetable oil for frying Garlic powder adds depth, while paprika gives warmth. Cayenne pepper is optional for heat, so you can adjust to your taste. Use salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors. The eggs help the coating stick, and vegetable oil is key for frying the chicken to perfection. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the Bang Bang sauce, start by mixing the ingredients. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon lime juice. Whisk these together until smooth. The smoothness is key for blending flavors. After mixing, let the sauce sit. This helps the flavors meld together, creating a rich taste that will elevate your dish. Next, let’s bread the chicken. In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste. In another dish, beat 2 large eggs until fully combined. For the final station, place 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. This setup makes it easy to coat each chicken tenderloin properly. Now, it’s time to cook the chicken. In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to reach about 1/2 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This shows it is hot enough for frying. Carefully add the breaded chicken tenderloins to the hot oil. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. To get your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken just right, use panko breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs are coarse and light, giving the chicken a nice crunch. They help the chicken stay crispy even after frying. Let the oil heat adequately before frying. If the oil isn't hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy. Wait until the oil shimmers to start frying. Check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches 165°F (75°C). This step is key for juicy chicken. Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. Fry the chicken in small batches. If you add too much at once, the temperature drops and the chicken can cook unevenly. For a great look, garnish your crispy chicken with thinly sliced green onions. They add color and flavor. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds for extra crunch. Use a bright serving platter to showcase your dish. Drizzle some of the Bang Bang sauce on top, or serve it on the side for dipping. This makes the dish look even more appealing and fun! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and spices to enhance the flavor of your Bang Bang Chicken. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper and sriracha in the sauce according to your heat preference. Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in small batches to ensure even cooking and maintain crispiness. Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, aiming for around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. {{image_4}} You can make your Bang Bang Chicken extra spicy. Just adjust the cayenne pepper. Start with a little and add more if you like heat. For sauces, try a spicy garlic sauce or a sweet chili sauce. These options give a fun twist to the classic flavor. If you want a healthier dish, bake the chicken instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Use parchment paper on a baking sheet. For breading, try whole wheat breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. These options add crunch without too much fat. For a vegetarian twist, swap chicken with tofu or cauliflower. If using tofu, press it first to remove excess moisture. Cauliflower needs to be cut into bite-sized pieces. The cooking time may change; bake or fry until golden and crispy. This way, you enjoy the same great flavors without meat. To keep your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken fresh, store it properly. - Refrigeration tips: Place the chicken in an airtight container. It can last for up to 3 days in the fridge. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. - Freezing options: If you want to store it longer, freeze the chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It stays good for about 2 months. Reheating is key to enjoying your leftovers. - Recommended methods for best results: The best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking tray. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy. - Avoiding sogginess: Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy. If you must use it, heat in short bursts and check often. You might wonder how long you can keep leftover Crispy Bang Bang Chicken. - How long can you keep leftover Crispy Bang Bang Chicken? In the fridge, it lasts up to 3 days. In the freezer, it can stay good for 2 months. After that, it may lose quality and taste. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. You can serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice: White or brown rice pairs well with the sauce. - Stir-fried vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas add color and nutrition. - Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw gives a nice contrast to the crispy chicken. - French fries: Everyone loves fries, especially dipped in the Bang Bang sauce. - Salad: A fresh side salad balances the flavors and adds crunch. Yes! You can make the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Make it a day early: This lets the flavors blend well. - Store in the fridge: Keep it in an airtight container. - Stir before serving: Mix the sauce well before you use it. To spice up your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, try these ideas: - Add more cayenne pepper: Increase the amount to your taste. - Use spicy panko breadcrumbs: Look for flavored options at the store. - Mix in hot sauce: Add more sriracha to the sauce for extra heat. These tips will help you create a spicier version that packs a punch! You learned how to make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken from scratch. We discussed the key ingredients and sauces. I shared tips to ensure a crispy texture and proper cooking. Variations let you explore different flavors, and I provided storage info to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe. You can easily adapt it to fit your taste. Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a fun dish for any meal. Happy cooking!

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

Deliciously crispy chicken tenderloins coated in panko breadcrumbs and served with a spicy Bang Bang sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • for frying amount vegetable oil
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  • Bread the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. In a second dish, beat the eggs until fully combined. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
  • Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken tenderloin and first dip it into the seasoned flour, ensuring to shake off any excess flour. Next, immerse it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the tenderloin in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well.
  • Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, pour in enough vegetable oil to reach about 1/2 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, indicating it's hot enough for frying.
  • Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the breaded chicken tenderloins to the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. To ensure safety, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).
  • Drain the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the crispy chicken from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  • Serve: Toss the crispy chicken tenders in a portion of the Bang Bang sauce for an extra kick, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

For extra flavor, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Keyword bang bang sauce, chicken, fried chicken