Bang Bang Chicken (Printable Version)

Crispy panko chicken tenders served with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce for the perfect flavor-texture combination.

# Ingredients:

→ Sauce

01 - 1 cup mayonnaise
02 - ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
03 - 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
04 - 2 tablespoons honey

→ Chicken

05 - 1½ pounds chicken tenderloins
06 - 1 cup buttermilk
07 - ¾ cup all-purpose flour
08 - ½ cup cornstarch
09 - 1 large egg, room temperature
10 - 1 tablespoon Sriracha
11 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
12 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
13 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
14 - ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
15 - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
16 - Canola oil for frying
17 - Chopped parsley for garnish

# Steps:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix thoroughly until smooth and set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Add chicken tenderloins and ensure each piece is well coated.
03 - Spread panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Remove each chicken tender from the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then press into panko breadcrumbs firmly to create an even coating.
04 - Pour canola oil to a depth of 2.5 cm (1 inch) in a large skillet and heat to 185°C (365°F).
05 - Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry chicken tenders for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
06 - Toss the warm chicken tenders in the prepared Bang Bang sauce and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Keep oil at a steady 185°C (365°F) for optimal crispiness
02 - Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature
03 - Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F)