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- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha - 1 teaspoon honey - 1 teaspoon lime juice Bang Bang Chicken Tenders shine with a mix of crispy coating and a creamy sauce. First, gather your main ingredients. The chicken tenders provide a juicy base. Buttermilk helps in marinating, giving flavor and tenderness. Panko breadcrumbs create a crunchy texture. Next, you need seasoning. Salt and pepper enhance the taste. Paprika adds a nice color and mild heat. Garlic powder and onion powder bring depth to the flavor. For the Bang Bang sauce, the mix of mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce gives creaminess and sweetness. Sriracha brings a kick, while honey and lime juice balance the flavors. This sauce is the star of the dish. With these ingredients, you prepare for a fun cooking experience. Each element works together to create a memorable meal. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a bowl. In this bowl, mix 1 cup of buttermilk with: - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder This mix will add flavor to your chicken. Make sure you stir it well. Next, take your 1 pound of chicken tenders and add them to the buttermilk blend. Coat them fully. Cover this bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit for 2 hours will give even better flavor. Now, let’s set up our breading stations. In one shallow dish, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another dish, pour 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. When ready, take a marinated chicken tender from the buttermilk. First, dredge it in the flour mix. Shake off any extra flour. Then dip it back into the buttermilk. Finally, coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure it’s fully covered. Repeat this for all chicken tenders. Time to fry! Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking. Carefully place the chicken tenders in the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; this helps them cook evenly. Fry each tender for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side. Then flip and fry for another 3 to 4 minutes. They should turn golden brown. Once done, move them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any extra oil. To achieve the best Bang Bang Chicken Tenders, the oil temperature matters. Heat your oil to around 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures a crispy coating without burning. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become soggy. Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. Place only a few tenders in the oil at once. This keeps the oil temperature stable, allowing for even cooking. If you crowd the pan, the tenders will steam instead of fry. Fry them in batches for the best results. Marination is key for juicy flavor. Use buttermilk and spices to coat the chicken. Allow the chicken to soak for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better. Marinating for up to two hours will make your tenders even tastier. Adjust the spice levels in the Bang Bang sauce to suit your taste. If you want more heat, add extra sriracha. For a milder sauce, reduce the sriracha amount. Taste as you mix to find your perfect balance. Serving your chicken tenders beautifully will impress everyone. Arrange them on a nice platter for a great look. You can drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the tenders or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for color and crunch. These little touches make your dish pop and invite people to dig in. Pro Tips Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be. Aim for at least 1 hour for the best results. Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. A temperature of around 350°F (175°C) is ideal for achieving a crispy outer layer without absorbing too much oil. Panko Perfection: For extra crunch, try using seasoned panko breadcrumbs or mix in some grated parmesan cheese with the panko for added flavor. Sauce Variation: Feel free to customize the Bang Bang sauce by adding more or less sriracha based on your spice preference, or try adding a touch of garlic or ginger for a different twist. {{image_2}} You can make Bang Bang Chicken Tenders lighter. Try baking instead of frying. Baking cuts down on oil and makes them crisp. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll turn golden and stay juicy! If you need to swap some ingredients, there are options. Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free choice. For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with a mix of almond milk and vinegar. This keeps the flavor while meeting your dietary needs. Get creative with the breading. You can add spices like cayenne pepper or cumin for a kick. Mix in herbs like oregano or thyme for a fresh taste. This can change the whole dish! Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite. You can also modify the Bang Bang sauce. Try adding more sriracha for extra heat. Or, mix in garlic or ginger for added depth. You can even swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. These small changes can make your dish unique! For side dishes, I recommend a fresh salad or crispy fries. A light coleslaw complements the chicken well, adding crunch and freshness. You can also serve steamed veggies for a healthy touch. When it comes to drinks, pair these tenders with a cold soda or iced tea. A light beer works nicely too. These pairings will enhance your meal and satisfy your taste buds! To keep your Bang Bang chicken tenders fresh, seal them well. Use airtight containers or plastic wrap. This method helps to keep their flavors. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you wait longer, they may lose taste and texture. When reheating, use the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method helps keep them crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. To freeze, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can reheat them straight from the freezer, but it may take longer. Enjoy your tasty tenders anytime! To add more heat, use extra sriracha in the sauce. You can also try adding cayenne pepper to the flour mix. For a bold kick, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes. If you like spicy foods, these changes will make the tenders exciting. Yes, you can! Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. For the breading, try gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Make sure to check labels to avoid hidden gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty chicken tenders. If you don't have buttermilk, mix milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. You can also use plain yogurt thinned with a bit of water. These options work well for marinating the chicken. You now have all the tools to create delicious Bang Bang Chicken Tenders. We covered the main ingredients, the marinating process, and the frying method. You learned handy tips and tricks to perfect your dish. There are also tasty variations and storage info to help you. Enjoy making these chicken tenders for any occasion. They are sure to impress everyone. Embrace the process and have fun with flavors as you cook!

Bang Bang Chicken Tenders

Crispy chicken tenders coated in panko breadcrumbs served with a spicy Bang Bang sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken tenders to the mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for extra flavor).
  • In a shallow dish, combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  • Take each marinated chicken tender from the buttermilk mixture and dredge it in the flour, shaking off excess. Then, dip it back in the buttermilk before rolling it in the panko breadcrumbs to coat.
  • Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place chicken tenders in the oil (do not overcrowd). Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • For the Bang Bang sauce, in a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
  • Serve the crispy chicken tenders with a drizzle of Bang Bang sauce on top or on the side for dipping.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken tenders for up to 2 hours.
Keyword bang bang sauce, chicken, fried chicken, tenders