If you’re looking for the perfect mix of crunch, spice, and creaminess, these Crispy Chicken Tenders with Bang Bang Sauce are exactly what your dinner menu needs. Juicy chicken tenderloins are breaded until perfectly golden, then drizzled or tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce made with mayo, sweet chili, and a hint of Sriracha.
This recipe takes restaurant-style chicken and makes it simple enough for a weeknight meal — all with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-crispy coating that stays crunchy even after saucing
- The iconic creamy-spicy Bang Bang flavor
- Kid-friendly, but easy to spice up for adults
- Great for meal prep, parties, or quick dinners
- Ready in under 30 minutes!
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
1 lb chicken tenderloins
½ cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup regular breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil, for frying or baking
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for spice)
1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
1 teaspoon lime juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken. Pat chicken dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Bread the chicken. Dredge each piece in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Cook until crispy.
- Pan fry: Heat oil in a skillet and fry each piece 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Oven bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–22 minutes until crisp.
- Air fry: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce. Mix mayo, chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
5. Toss or drizzle. Coat the crispy tenders in the sauce or drizzle on top just before serving.
Pro Tips & FAQs
Can I make this recipe lighter? Yes — bake or air fry the tenders instead of frying.
What can I serve with these? They pair perfectly with jasmine rice, fries, or a simple cabbage slaw.
Is Bang Bang Sauce spicy? It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding or reducing Sriracha.
Nutrition Summary
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 470 | 34g | 28g | 24g | 1g | 7g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary by ingredients used.
