Bang Bang Chicken is one of those unforgettable dishes that transform a simple meal into a culinary delight. Imagine tender, juicy chicken tenderloins coated in a crispy layer of panko breadcrumbs, all drizzled with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings with friends, or even a casual family brunch. The flavors hit just the right balance of sweet and spicy, making it a crowd-pleaser for both adult and younger taste buds alike.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of Bang Bang Chicken. For starters, it’s incredibly quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. With just a handful of ingredients that most home cooks already have on hand, it’s also budget-friendly. The children will love the crispiness of the chicken, and the delightful sauce adds an exciting twist that keeps them asking for more.
But don’t just take my word for it! Here’s what one fan had to say:
“I made Bang Bang Chicken for dinner last night, and it was an instant hit! My kids usually turn their noses up at new meals, but they devoured every bite. I’ll be making this regularly!”
How this recipe comes together
Creating this mouthwatering dish is easier than you might think. The process begins by preparing the chicken tenderloins, followed by coating them in a refreshing combination of flour, eggs, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. As the chicken fries to golden perfection, you’ll whip up a simple yet flavorful bang bang sauce that will elevate your meal.
Get ready for a delicious homemade experience that will impress your family and friends!
What you’ll need
Making Bang Bang Chicken requires just a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this fantastic dish:
- Chicken tenderloins
- Panko breadcrumbs
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha sauce
If you’re looking for some variations, you can substitute chicken breast or thighs for the tenderloins, and you can adjust the level of sriracha in the sauce to suit your spice preference.
Step-by-step instructions
Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the cooking process.
- In a bowl, mix the flour with salt and pepper until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dip each chicken tenderloin into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Follow this by dipping it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Carefully place the coated chicken tenderloins in the hot oil. Fry them until they are golden brown and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- For the bang bang sauce, simply mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha sauce in a bowl until well blended.
- Drizzle the sauce generously over the fried chicken and serve warm.
Best ways to enjoy it
Bang Bang Chicken can be served in a variety of ways. For a casual dinner, pair it with a side of steamed rice and a fresh cucumber salad. If you’re feeling fancy, create a beautiful platter with a drizzle of bang bang sauce, garnished with fresh herbs for presentation. You could even use the chicken in wraps with lettuce, tomatoes, and more sauce for a delightful lunchtime treat.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your Bang Bang Chicken fresh, make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically stay good for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating in an oven or air fryer will help restore some of that crispy texture. Just avoid microwaving for best results!
Helpful cooking tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for a couple of hours before breading.
- If you want to reduce the calories, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Just spray the breaded tenderloins lightly with cooking oil and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Don’t rush the frying process! Ensure that the oil is adequately heated before adding the chicken, as this will prevent the coating from absorbing too much oil and becoming soggy.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you could try:
- Substitute the mayonnaise in the sauce with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add minced garlic or lime juice to the sauce for additional flavor.
- For a spicy kick, toss in some chopped jalapeños or chili flakes into your panko before coating the chicken.
Common questions
How long will it take to prepare this dish?
The preparation and cooking time for Bang Bang Chicken is approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick option for dinner.
Can I freeze leftover Bang Bang Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it will stay good for about 2 months.
Are there any recommended side dishes to serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Absolutely! Consider serving it with a side of Asian slaw, coconut rice, or steamed broccoli to round out your meal.
With this Bang Bang Chicken recipe, you’ll have a hit on your hands that’s sure to tantalize taste buds and add a burst of flavor to your dining experience. Enjoy!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Crispy chicken tenderloins drizzled with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce – a perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the flour with salt and pepper until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dip each chicken tenderloin into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Follow this by dipping it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Carefully place the coated chicken tenderloins in the hot oil. Fry them until they are golden brown and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha sauce until well blended for the bang bang sauce.
- Drizzle the sauce generously over the fried chicken and serve warm.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt in the sauce. You can also bake the chicken for a healthier option.