Bang Bang Chicken

Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Bang Bang Chicken recipe! Crispy chicken tenders coated in a creamy, spicy sauce will leave you wanting more. Perfect for dinner or a cozy night in!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Essential Ingredients

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe features some key ingredients that make it truly special. You’ll need 1 cup (232 g) of mayonnaise for creaminess, ½ cup (132 g) of Thai sweet chili sauce for sweetness, and 1 teaspoon of Sriracha to kick things up a notch. You’ll also require 1 ½ pounds of boneless skinless chicken tenderloins, which are juicy and tender. Additionally, 1 cup (245 g) of buttermilk, ¾ cup (94 g) of all-purpose flour, and ½ cup (64 g) of cornstarch create a perfect batter. The crispy exterior comes from using 2 cups (216 g) of panko breadcrumbs.

Possible Substitutions

If you are looking for alternatives, you can easily substitute. For a lighter option, use chicken breasts cut into strips instead of tenderloins. Instead of panko, regular breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes work well. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can create a homemade version by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Keep in mind, these adjustments may slightly alter the taste and texture, but they still promise a delicious result!

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken in the Air Fryer

Preparing the Chicken

Start by making the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon of Sriracha, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Set this delicious mixture aside. Next, prepare your chicken. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk, ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cornstarch, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of Sriracha, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and an optional ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Coat the chicken tenderloins well in this mixture.

Cooking Instructions

On a shallow plate, spread out 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs. Take each chicken piece from the batter, shake off the excess, and coat it well in the panko. Place the breaded chicken pieces in your air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown. Once done, toss the cooked chicken in the prepared Bang Bang sauce, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm! Enjoy your crispy, flavorful dish!

Can I Bake the Chicken in the Oven?

Oven Baking Instructions

Absolutely! If you’d like to bake the chicken instead, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Follow the same steps for preparing and coating the chicken. Place the coated chicken tenders on a greased baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and crispy. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Tips for Best Results

To achieve the best results, make sure the chicken is evenly coated in the panko breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet or air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. If you want extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the chicken with oil before baking. Additionally, using full-fat buttermilk enhances the flavor and moisture of the chicken.

How to Store Fried Chicken

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store your delicious Bang Bang Chicken, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 5 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

Freezing Instructions

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Just place it in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and it will keep well for up to 6 months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat from frozen in the oven until heated through.

FAQ About Bang Bang Chicken

Conclusion

Now that you have the recipe for Bang Bang Chicken, it’s time to bring some excitement to your dinner table! This dish is not only easy to make but also delivers incredible flavors your family will love. Don’t forget to explore variations and pairings to make it your own. Whether you choose to fry, bake, or air fry, each bite will be a crispy, spicy delight. Enjoy your cooking adventure and cozy up with this delightful dish!

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Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy chicken tenders tossed in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• skillet
• mixing bowls
• shallow plate

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup buttermilk full-fat recommended
• 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 panko breadcrumbs plain

Instructions

 

• Mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper, then coat the chicken tenders.
• Coat each chicken piece in panko breadcrumbs and set aside.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 365°F and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
• Toss cooked chicken with the bang bang sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Bang bang sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.