Bang Bang Chicken

Category: Family Dinner Ideas

Crispy chicken tenders coated in panko and drizzled with a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce made from mayo, Thai chili sauce, and Sriracha.

Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:06:09 GMT
A plate of crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces drizzled with sauce and garnished with parsley, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce. Pin
A plate of crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces drizzled with sauce and garnished with parsley, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce. | zestplate.com

These chicken tenders are crazy good! I came up with this recipe after trying to copy my takeout favorite and now my family asks for it all the time. The chicken comes out so crunchy on the outside juicy inside with this amazing sweet and spicy sauce that'll have you licking your fingers!

Why You'll Love This

There's something about that crunchy chicken with the sweet spicy sauce that just hits different. You can fry it bake it or throw it in the air fryer whatever works for you! That sauce though you'll want to put it on everything we sure do!

What You Need

  • Chicken: Get those tender strips they cook up better than cut chicken.
  • For The Sauce: Sweet chili sauce mayo and hot sauce.
  • Buttermilk: Makes the chicken super tender.
  • Bread Crumbs: The crunchy kind from the Asian aisle.
  • Oil: Just regular cooking oil works fine.

Time To Cook

Ready Set Go
Fry em up in hot oil if you want them super crunchy. Got an air fryer? 10 minutes at 400. Oven works too crank it to 425!
Getting That Crunch
Dip in buttermilk then roll in those crumbs. Really press them on you want them coated good!
Making The Sauce
Mix up your sauce start with a little heat you can always add more later.
Almost Done
When they're nice and brown pour that sauce all over. Extra on the side cause trust me you'll want more!

Some Tips

Don't skip soaking in buttermilk it really makes a difference! Watch your heat whether you're frying or baking. Want them extra crunchy? Double dip em! And give them space to cook they don't like being crowded.

A platter of crispy fried chicken wings garnished with parsley, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce.
A platter of crispy fried chicken wings garnished with parsley, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce. | zestplate.com

Saving Some

Got leftovers? Lucky you! They'll stay good in the fridge about 5 days. You can freeze them too just wrap them up tight. Heat them in the oven when you want them crispy again microwave makes them soggy.

Ways To Eat It

We love these over rice with lots of sauce. They're great with slaw too or cucumber salad if you want something fresh. My kids take them in wraps for lunch. Whatever you do make sure you've got extra sauce for dipping!

Recipe FAQs

→ What oil temperature for frying?

365°F for optimal crispiness.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness?

Yes, modify Sriracha amount to taste.

→ Why use buttermilk?

Tenderizes chicken and helps coating stick.

→ Can I make sauce ahead?

Yes, store in fridge up to 3 days.

→ Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, but won't be as crispy.

Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy panko-crusted chicken tenderloins served with a creamy, sweet and spicy bang bang sauce. A popular restaurant copycat recipe.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
6 min
Total Duration
26 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian-American

Output: 4 Servings (1)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

01 1 cup mayonnaise.
02 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce.
03 1 teaspoon Sriracha.
04 2 tablespoons honey.
05 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins.
06 1 cup buttermilk.
07 3/4 cup all-purpose flour.
08 1/2 cup cornstarch.
09 1 large egg.
10 1 tablespoon Sriracha.
11 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
12 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
13 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
14 1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional).
15 2 cups panko breadcrumbs.
16 Canola oil for frying.
17 Parsley for garnish.

Directions

Step 01

Mix sauce ingredients, set aside.

Step 02

Whisk buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, seasonings.

Step 03

Coat chicken in batter mixture.

Step 04

Dredge in panko breadcrumbs.

Step 05

Heat oil to 365°F.

Step 06

Fry 2-3 minutes per side until 165°F internal.

Step 07

Drain on paper towels.

Step 08

Toss with sauce, garnish with parsley.

Notes

  1. Maintain oil temperature.
  2. Work in batches when frying.
  3. Can adjust sauce spiciness.
  4. Serve immediately while crispy.

Required Equipment

  • Large skillet.
  • Paper towels.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Thermometer.

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Eggs (mayo).
  • Wheat (flour, panko).
  • Dairy (buttermilk).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 1415
  • Fat: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Protein: ~