Bang Bang Chicken Tenders

Crispy, tender chicken wrapped in golden-brown panko coating and drizzled with sweet-spicy bang bang sauce creates an irresistible combination that'll make your taste buds dance. This recipe transforms simple chicken tenders into a crave-worthy dish that balances crunch, creaminess, and a perfect kick of heat.

My family discovered this recipe during our quest to recreate our favorite restaurant appetizer. After several attempts, this version won everyone over - even my picky teenager asks for seconds!

Key Ingredients & Selection Tips

• Chicken tenderloins: Choose fresh, uniform-sized pieces for even cooking. Look for pieces without white tendons
• Buttermilk: Full-fat buttermilk creates the most tender chicken. Fresh is best, but you can make your own in a pinch
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style panko creates the crispiest coating. Look for boxes without any seasoning added
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Choose a quality brand; it's the backbone of the bang bang sauce
• Sriracha: Fresh, bright-red sriracha offers the best flavor. Check the expiration date
• Oil for frying: Choose oils with high smoke points like canola or vegetable oil

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Detailed Cooking Instructions

Here are the detailed cooking instructions:

Preparing the Signature Sauce

Combine:

Ingredients at room temperature for the smoothest blending

Whisk:

Thoroughly until the honey is completely incorporated

Rest:

The sauce for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld

Taste and adjust:

Heat level by adding more sriracha gradually

Preparing the Chicken

Pat:

Tenderloins completely dry before starting

Remove:

Any visible tendons to prevent tough bites

Let:

Chicken come to room temperature for 15 minutes

Check:

For uniform sizes, cutting larger pieces if needed

Creating the Perfect Coating

Whisk:

Buttermilk mixture until completely smooth

Season:

Generously - the flavors will mellow during cooking

Let:

Chicken marinate in mixture for at least 5 minutes

Keep:

One hand dry and one wet during breading process

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Mastering the Fry

Heat:

Oil gradually to maintain steady temperature

Test:

Oil with a few panko crumbs - they should sizzle gently

Avoid:

Overcrowding the pan - leave space between pieces

Let:

Pieces cook undisturbed for proper crust formation

I discovered that letting the breaded chicken rest before frying makes a huge difference in the coating's adherence. One evening when my kids distracted me mid-cooking, I accidentally left the breaded pieces sitting for a few minutes - it turned out to be a happy accident that improved the recipe!

The versatility of this chicken never ceases to amaze me. While traditional bang bang sauce is incredible, I've experimented with variations that have become family favorites. During summer cookouts, I'll add a touch of lime zest to the sauce, giving it a fresh twist that pairs perfectly with outdoor dining.

Temperature management is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust. Through countless batches, I've learned that maintaining consistent oil temperature is key. Keep a cooking thermometer handy and adjust your heat as needed - this small detail makes the difference between good and great results.

Making this dish brings back memories of discovering bang bang shrimp at a seaside restaurant. Recreating those flavors at home took some trial and error, but this version captures that same magical combination of crispy, spicy, and sweet that made us fall in love with the original.

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. When serving guests with different spice preferences, I often make two versions of the sauce - one with extra Sriracha for heat lovers, and a milder version for those who prefer less kick. The base recipe serves as a perfect starting point for customization.

The preparation method can be adjusted based on your kitchen setup. While deep-frying gives the crispiest results, I've found success using both air-fryer and oven-baked methods. Each brings its own character to the dish while maintaining that signature bang bang flavor.

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Professional Chef Tips

Create:

A station setup: wet ingredients, dry coating, and a clean plate for breaded chicken

Don't discard:

The frying oil - strain and save it for future use

For extra:

Crunch, chill the breaded chicken for 15 minutes before frying

After years of making this recipe, I can confidently say it's one of the most versatile chicken dishes in my repertoire. The combination of crispy coating and creamy, spicy sauce creates a dish that's both comforting and exciting. While it requires some attention to detail, the results are always worth the effort.

The joy of cooking lies in taking familiar ingredients and transforming them into something extraordinary. This bang bang chicken does exactly that - it elevates simple chicken tenders into a dish that people remember and crave. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe promises to deliver both comfort and excitement to your table.