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+ servings
overhead view of Bang Bang Chicken on a plate
Olga

BANG BANG CHICKEN

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Bang bang chicken is crispy, golden fried chicken bites tossed in a sweet, spicy, and creamy bang bang sauce. Perfect for game day or a fun appetizer!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 774

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk with 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs whisked
  • Avocado oil or neutral oil for frying
  • Ingredients for the Bang Bang Sauce
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp sriracha adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp honey optional, for extra sweetness
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar

Equipment

  • 1 Large bowl
  • 1 3 shallow bowls
  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Tongs or slotted spoon
  • 1 Wire Rack
  • 1 Whisk

Method
 

  1. Prep the Chicken: Trim 1½ lbs of chicken tenders, then cut each tender in half crosswise to create bite-sized pieces.
  2. Marinate: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Coat each piece in flour, dip it into whisked egg, and press it into panko breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is fully coated.
  4. Fry the Chicken: Heat 1 inch of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F). Fry the chicken bites in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Drain on a wire rack.
  5. Toss in Sauce or Drizzle: Toss the fried chicken bites in bang bang sauce for a saucy finish, or drizzle the sauce over them for a crispier texture.
  6. Serve: Garnish with parsley or cilantro, and serve warm with extra bang bang sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 774kcalCarbohydrates: 61.5gProtein: 52gFat: 37.5g

Notes

Why Cut the Tenders Into Bites?

  • Perfect Portions: Cutting the tenders into halves ensures uniform, bite-sized pieces that are easy to handle and enjoy.
  • Faster Cooking: The smaller pieces cook more quickly and evenly, keeping them juicy inside.
  • Great Sauce Coverage: Bite-sized pieces are easier to coat fully in the bang bang sauce, giving every bite the perfect flavor.

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