Bang Bang Chicken

The aroma of crispy, golden-brown chicken fills the kitchen as you serve up a steaming plate of Bang Bang Chicken. This delightful dish, ready in about 30 minutes, features tender chicken coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, all drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser, combining textures and flavors that keep everyone coming back for more.

This recipe is ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a movie night in. You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time, making it easier to whip up this delicious meal on a busy day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The crispy panko crust offers an irresistible crunch.
• Quick cooking time means dinner is ready in just 30 minutes.
• Customizable spice levels in the bang bang sauce cater to all tastes.
• The succulent chicken tenderloins guarantee a moist, flavorful bite.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken tenderloins can be replaced with chicken breasts.
• Panko breadcrumbs can be swapped with regular breadcrumbs.
• Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt.
• Sweet chili sauce can be exchanged for a homemade version.

How to Make It

Get ready to create a flavorful dish with these simple steps:

Preheat

Preheat oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil reaches the right temperature for frying.

Set Up Breading Station

Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.

Season Chicken

Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Dredge Chicken

Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip in the egg, and then coat in panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even layer.

Fry Chicken

Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the oil is hot enough to avoid sogginess.

Mix Bang Bang Sauce

Mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a separate bowl to create the bang bang sauce.

Serve Chicken

Drizzle the homemade bang bang sauce over the fried chicken before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve crispiness.
• Do not overcrowd the pot while frying; work in batches if necessary.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken tenderloins in a little garlic and ginger beforehand.
• Keep the sauce refrigerated for up to a week to use with other dishes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a fresh salad for a light meal.
• Pair with sticky rice or noodles for a complete dinner.
• Set up a dipping station for game day or gatherings.