If you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy, Sweet Heat Easy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders are a must-try! These tenders are perfectly fried to a golden crisp, then tossed in a mouthwatering combination of creamy sweetness and a spicy kick. They’re a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, game nights, or whenever you’re in the mood for bold flavor with a little zing. Get ready to elevate your chicken tender game with this simple, addictive recipe!
WHY BANG BANG CHICKEN FINGERS WILL BE A FAMILY FAVORITE?
- Crispy and Tasty: The crunchy outside and sweet, spicy sauce make these chicken tenders a hit with everyone in the family.
- Lots of Ways to Serve: You can enjoy these tenders as a main dish, in wraps, or as fun finger food for parties and gatherings.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and quick cooking, making Bang Bang Chicken is super easy, and perfect for busy nights.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 Cup Mayo: Creamy base for the sauce that adds richness.
- ½ Cup Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings a balance of sweetness and mild heat.
- 1 Tsp Sriracha: Adds a bit of spice and tangy flavor.
- 2 Tbsp Honey: Sweetens and rounds out the sauce, balancing the heat.
Chicken Marinade Ingredients:
- 3 lbs. Chicken Tenderloin: Tender and juicy chicken, or use chicken breasts cut into strips.
- 1 Cup Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and keeps it moist.
- ¾ Cup Flour: Thickens the marinade and helps the breading stick.
- ½ Cup Cornstarch: Gives the chicken a light, crispy coating.
- 1 Egg (beaten): Helps bind the marinade ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 Tbsp Hot Sauce (or Sriracha): Adds heat to the marinade for extra flavor.
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder: Adds savory garlic flavor.
- ½ Tsp Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the marinade.
- ¼ Tsp Black Pepper: Adds a mild peppery kick.
Breading Ingredients:
- 2 Cups Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds a light, crispy texture to the chicken.
- 1 Cup Flour: Forms a base layer for the breading.
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder: Infuses the breading with garlic flavor.
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder: Adds a subtle oniony taste to the breading.
- ½ Tsp Salt: Enhances the flavor of the breading.
- ¼ Tsp Black Ground Pepper: Adds a bit of spice to the breading.
Other Ingredients:
- ½ Cup Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken if you choose the oil fry method.
- Parsley or Green Onion (optional): For garnish, add fresh flavor and a pop of color.
HOW TO PREPARE BANG BANG CHICKEN TENDERS?
Time needed: 3 hours and 25 minutes
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayo, ½ cup sweet chili sauce, 1 tsp sriracha, and 2 tbsp honey until smooth. Set aside for later.
- Chicken Marinade: Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup buttermilk, ¾ cup flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 beaten egg, 1 tbsp hot sauce (or sriracha), 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Fill and zip top bag with 3 lbs. of chicken tenderloins (or breast strips) into the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors. - Prepare Breading:
In a shallow dish, mix 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black ground pepper. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure the breading sticks well. - Air Fryer Instructions:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer. Lightly spray the top of the tenders with more cooking spray. - Cook:
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - Brush on Sauce:
Once cooked, brush or dip the tenders in the Bang Bang sauce or serve with sauce on the side for dipping. - Optional Garnish:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for added flavor and a pop of color before serving.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Tenders!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the buttermilk mixture and pressed into the breading. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before cooking to help the coating adhere.
Yes, you can prepare and bread the chicken a few hours ahead, then refrigerate until ready to cook. Fry or air fry just before serving.
For a lighter version, oven-bake the tenders at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. If you have an air fryer, cook them at 400°F for 10–12 minutes. For the ultimate golden crust, deep-fry them in 350°F oil for 3–4 minutes per side until crisp and cooked through.
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), or when the juices run clear when pierced.
Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to use. Just give it a good stir before serving.
SWEET AND SAVORY CHICKEN TENDERS RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Greek Yogurt for Mayo: Swap the mayo in the Bang Bang sauce for Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of the sauce.
- Spicy Alternative: Add more Sriracha or hot sauce to the marinade and sauce for extra heat, or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the breading.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs to make the chicken tenders gluten-free without losing any crunch.
- Chicken Thighs or Shrimp: Substitute chicken tenderloins with chicken thighs or shrimp for a different take on the dish.
- Baked Option: Instead of frying, bake the chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier option.
- Coconut Crust: Add shredded coconut to the panko breadcrumbs for a tropical twist and extra flavor in the breading.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH BANG BANG CHICKEN TENDERS?
Bang Bang Chicken Tenders go great with lots of different sides. A simple salad, coleslaw, or some steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans make a nice balance to the spicy, sweet flavor. For a more filling meal, you can serve them with rice, french fries, or mashed potatoes. If you want to keep it light, try pairing them with a dipping sauce and some fresh cucumber or carrot sticks. They work well as a main dish or even as a fun appetizer.
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER Hot & Sweet Chicken Fingers?
To store leftover chicken tenders, let them cool completely and then put them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Just preheat it to 375°F (190°C), place the tenders on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warm and crispy. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but it might make them a little softer. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
CAN LEFTOVER FLAVOR BOMB CHICKEN FINGERS BE FROZEN FOR LATER?
To freeze leftover chicken fingers, let them cool completely first. Then, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until they’re firm. After that, transfer the chicken fingers to a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date, and they’ll stay good for about three months. When you’re ready to eat them, just reheat them directly from the freezer in the oven or air fryer for the best results!
LOOKING FOR MORE CHICKEN RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Simply Irresistible Parmesan-Crusted Chicken: With a perfectly golden crust and juicy, tender chicken inside, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and sure to impress. The secret is in the Parmesan coating that adds a deliciously savory crunch to every bite.
Marinated Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks: With just a simple marinade and a short time in the oven, you’ll have tender, juicy drumsticks with crispy skin that everyone will love.
Sticky Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe: Combining the irresistible sweetness of honey with the rich depth of garlic, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to satisfy.
Sweet Heat Easy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 Cup Mayo
- ½ Cup Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 Tsp Sriracha
- 2 Tbsp Honey
Chicken Marinate Ingredients:
- 3 lbs. Chicken Tenderloin (chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 Cup Buttermilk
- ¾ Cup Flour
- ½ Cup Cornstarch
- 1 Egg (beaten)
- 1 Tbsp Hot Sauce (or Sriracha)
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ Tsp Kosher Salt
- ¼ Tsp Black Pepper
Breading Ingredients:
- 2 Cups Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 Cup Flour
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- ½ Tsp Salt
- ¼ Tsp Black Ground Pepper
- ½ Cup Vegetable Oil (for frying)
- Parsley or Green Onion (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayo, ½ cup sweet chili sauce, 1 tsp sriracha, and 2 tbsp honey until smooth. Set aside for later.
- Chicken Marinade: Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup buttermilk, ¾ cup flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 beaten egg, 1 tbsp hot sauce (or sriracha), 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Fill and zip top bag with 3 lbs. of chicken tenderloins (or breast strips) into the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Breading: In a shallow dish, mix 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black ground pepper. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure the breading sticks well.
Air Fryer Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer. Lightly spray the top of the tenders with more cooking spray.
- Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Brush on Sauce: Once cooked, brush or dip the tenders in the Bang Bang sauce or serve with sauce on the side for dipping.
Oil Frying Instructions:
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat ½ cup vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy, ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
- Drain: Once fried, remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Brush on Sauce: Brush or dip the crispy chicken in the Bang Bang sauce, or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for added flavor and a pop of color before serving.Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Bang Bang Chicken Tenders!
Oven-Baked Instructions:
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Bread the Chicken: Combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in one shallow bowl. Place panko breadcrumbs in another. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, dip back into the marinade, then coat with panko, pressing gently so crumbs adhere. Arrange coated chicken on the prepared rack.
- Bake and Sauce: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to make the Bang Bang sauce. Toss baked chicken in the sauce or drizzle over the top before serving.
