Bang Bang Chicken

Featured in Tasty Appetizers.

Crunchy outside, tender inside, these delightful chicken strips are next-level with their crispy panko coating. The juicy meat pairs perfectly with the zingy mayo sauce, blending just the right touch of heat and sweetness. This combo of flavors and textures will remind you of your favorite diner bites—only better, made fresh at home. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
punchofyummy
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:04:44 GMT
A serving plate with crispy fried chicken strips, drizzled in sauce and sprinkled with parsley, next to dipping sauces. Pin it
A serving plate with crispy fried chicken strips, drizzled in sauce and sprinkled with parsley, next to dipping sauces. | pinchofyummy.com

I dreamed up this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken when I was longing for something crunchy with a bit of heat. These days, it's what everyone asks for at our place. Those crisp golden strips with their panko shell and the sweet-spicy sauce combo make every mouthful absolutely incredible.

Why This Dish Rocks

What makes it stand out is the airy crunchy outside and our scratch-made bang bang sauce. I'm all about how flexible it is – you can deep fry, pop it in the air fryer, or stick it in the oven. They all turn out fantastic with that satisfying crunch everybody wants.

Round Up These Items

  • Chicken Tenderloins: A pound of these juicy cuts.
  • Bang Bang Sauce: Combine mayo, sweet chili sauce and some Sriracha.
  • Buttermilk: A cup of the full-fat stuff really does the trick.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: About two cups to get that amazing crunch.
  • Oil: Just use canola or vegetable oil, whichever you have handy.

Time To Cook

Begin With Marinating
Let your chicken sit in buttermilk for half an hour to get super tender.
Apply The Breading
Toss in those panko crumbs and lightly press to make sure they stick well.
Get To Frying
Warm oil to 350° and cook until they're golden brown, roughly 4 minutes per side.
Whip Up Your Sauce
Mix together mayo, sweet chili sauce and Sriracha until it's all blended.
Time To Eat
Pour that sauce right on top or put it in a bowl on the side for dipping.

Other Cooking Methods

Need something healthier? Try the air fryer at 400° for about 10 minutes and flip them halfway through. Or you can bake them on some parchment at 425° for around 15 minutes. Just remember to spray them lightly first – both ways get you that wonderful crispiness.

Storage Tips

It'll last about 5 days in your fridge if you keep it in an airtight container. You can freeze them for up to 6 months too if you wrap them properly. Just warm them back up at 375° in your oven or air fryer and they'll get nice and crunchy again.

What Makes It Amazing

Nobody can resist these crunchy pieces with their perfectly balanced sauce. You can tweak how hot you want it and really make it yours. I always go for this whether we've got company coming or I'm just in the mood for something comforting.

Look At That Crunch

A group of tasty fried chicken chunks topped with glossy sauce, next to a small sauce bowl and some cauliflower rice sprinkled with herbs.

Great Side Dishes

Try it on top of some jasmine rice or with a simple cucumber salad. The leftovers taste amazing too, if there are any! It's also fantastic with some spring rolls or dumplings for a complete meal.

Customize It

Try changing up the sauce spiciness, throw in some sesame seeds or fresh herbs. You can switch the coating to crushed cornflakes or use almond flour if you can't have gluten. It's always fun to play around and find what you like best.

Great For Get-Togethers

These are what I always make for parties. Just put out some small bowls with sauce and watch how fast they vanish. Always cook extra – you'll thank me later!

Health Notes

They've got plenty of protein and aren't too heavy, especially if you go with the air fryer or oven. You can use light mayo in the sauce if you're counting calories. It still tastes great, just a bit lighter overall.

Homemade Beats Restaurant

When you make these at home, you get to decide everything from how spicy they are to how thick the coating is. It's cheaper than ordering out and tastes much fresher. And there's something really satisfying about making them yourself.

A dish of crunchy, sauce-covered chicken wings topped with parsley bits, sitting next to a small container of dipping sauce. Pin it
A dish of crunchy, sauce-covered chicken wings topped with parsley bits, sitting next to a small container of dipping sauce. | pinchofyummy.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Could I cook this in the oven?
Sure, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes and flip once. Spray with oil to help browning happen.
→ Is this dish really spicy?
The heat's adjustable, mostly mild. Add more Sriracha or cayenne if you like it hotter.
→ Can I prepare the sauce beforehand?
Absolutely, make it up to three days in advance and keep it in the fridge. Bring it to room temp to serve.
→ What's the best frying oil temp?
Set oil to 365°F to keep the chicken crisp yet juicy. Too low or high changes both texture and doneness.
→ How can I keep them crunchy?
Lay the cooked chicken on paper towels and avoid stacking. Only sauce them right before eating.

Conclusion

Learn the steps to make fried chicken tenders with a perfect crispy crust and an addictive, sweet-spicy dipping mayo. Great as a party appetizer or hearty meal!

Bang Bang Chicken

Golden and crispy chicken strips tossed in panko crumbs, paired with a creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang mayo that’s irresistible.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
6 Minutes
Total Time
26 Minutes
By: Amelia

Category: Tasty Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion-Style Asian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders.
02 1 cup mayonnaise.
03 1 cup buttermilk.
04 1/2 cup corn starch.
05 1/2 cup Thai-style sweet chili sauce.
06 3/4 cup plain flour.
07 2 tablespoons honey.
08 2 cups plain panko crumbs.
09 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Sriracha.
10 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
11 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
12 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
13 1/8 teaspoon cayenne spice.
14 1 egg, large.
15 Chopped parsley for garnish.
16 Canola oil for frying.

Instructions

Step 01

Stir the mayo, chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha in a bowl. Set it aside.

Step 02

Blend buttermilk, egg, Sriracha, cornstarch, flour, and seasonings in a bowl. Dunk chicken into the mixture.

Step 03

Lift chicken from batter, shake it off a bit, and coat in panko until it’s nicely covered.

Step 04

Pour about an inch of oil into a big pan. Heat to 365°F.

Step 05

Fry your chicken a few at a time for around 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through (165°F).

Step 06

Drain on a towel, coat in sauce, and sprinkle some parsley on top.

Notes

  1. Baking is a good alternative to frying.
  2. Adjust the spice amount however you like.
  3. You can prep the sauce early.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big frying pan.
  • Several mixing bowls.
  • Thermometer for cooking.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Contains wheat.
  • Contains dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 1415
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~