The chicken is then drizzled with a homemade bang bang sauce, creating a tangy and flavorful delight. If you prefer, you can also serve the chicken tenders without the coating for a simpler option. It's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a main dish.
Here are the ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts cut into strips
- Homemade mayonnaise or store-bought
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha sauce
- Full-fat buttermilk
- Panko breadcrumbs (plain)
- Canola or vegetable oil for frying
To make the bang bang sauce, simply combine the homemade mayonnaise with the sweet chili sauce and Sriracha sauce. Adjust the amount of Sriracha sauce based on your preferred level of spiciness. You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For the coating, dip the chicken tenders into the full-fat buttermilk mixture, which can be made spicier by adding more cayenne pepper and Sriracha sauce. Then, coat the chicken tenders with the panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for their light and crispy texture, but you can use regular breadcrumbs or cornflakes as alternatives.
Once the chicken tenders are coated, deep-fry them in canola or vegetable oil until they are golden brown and cooked through. After frying, you can clarify the used cooking oil so that it can be reused.
If you prefer to use an air fryer, you can still achieve crispy chicken by following a slightly modified cooking method. After coating the chicken tenders, instead of deep-frying, spray each coated tender with cooking spray. Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, and then drizzle with the bang bang sauce.
Alternatively, you can bake the chicken tenders in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F and place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them with cooking spray and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked. While the oven-baked chicken tenders won't be as crispy as the fried or air-fried versions, they will still be delicious.
If you have leftovers, you can easily store the cooked chicken in the refrigerator or freezer. After allowing the chicken to cool, wrap it in aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For freezer storage, place the chicken in a freezer bag and store it for up to 6 months.
This recipe is a versatile and flavorful way to enjoy chicken. For more chicken recipes, please check out our other offerings.
