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Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders

crispy bang bang chicken tenders - featured image

Crispy chicken tenders coated in a crunchy panko breading and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken tenders, trimmed of excess fat
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (150g), preferably Japanese-style
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or avocado oil, for brushing
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (60ml)
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha or favorite chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet.
  2. Prepare dredging stations: In one bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. Spread panko breadcrumbs on a third plate or shallow bowl.
  3. Season chicken tenders lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
  5. Dip floured tenders into beaten eggs, coating fully and letting excess drip off.
  6. Press each tender firmly into the panko breadcrumbs and place on the wire rack.
  7. Lightly brush or spray tenders with oil.
  8. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispness.
  9. While baking, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder to make the bang bang sauce. Adjust heat and sweetness to taste.
  10. Once tenders are out of the oven, toss gently in the sauce or serve sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before breading for best crispness. Press panko firmly to ensure coating sticks. Use a wire rack to keep tenders crispy. Brush with oil before baking. For reheating, avoid microwaving; use oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored refrigerated.

Nutrition

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