Description
Sichuan-style Bang Bang Chicken Tenders deliver a spicy, crispy sensation that dances between crunchy coating and juicy meat. Saucy sesame and chili notes create an irresistible flavor profile you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 2 eggs (beaten with 2 tablespoons water)
Dry Coating:
- 0.75 cup (90 grams) all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup (60 grams) cornstarch
- 0.5 cup (50 grams) Japanese panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce and Wet Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Craft the zesty sauce by whisking mayonnaise, hot sauce, sweet chili sauce, and rice vinegar in a compact mixing vessel. Seal and chill in the refrigerator for flavor melding.
- Calibrate the oven to 425°F (220°C) and delicately coat a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
- Establish three distinct coating stations: one with cornstarch, another with eggs whisked with water, and the final station combining flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Transform each chicken tender into a crispy masterpiece by first rolling in cornstarch, then submerging in the egg wash, allowing excess liquid to cascade off, and finally enrobing in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture with a gentle press to secure the crust.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining a strategic distance between each tender to ensure optimal crispiness and even browning.
- Roast the tenders in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, verifying doneness through golden exterior and internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C).
- Complete the culinary journey by either drizzling the chilled sauce over the hot tenders, serving it alongside as a dipping companion, or thoroughly coating the crisp morsels in the vibrant sauce for maximum flavor immersion.
Notes
- Crispy exterior meets spicy-sweet sauce for a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary chicken tenders into a crave-worthy dish.
- Prepping the sauce ahead lets flavors meld, intensifying the tangy and creamy profile before coating the chicken.
- Layering coatings creates unbeatable crunch: cornstarch for adhesion, eggs for binding, and seasoned breadcrumbs for maximum texture.
- Baking instead of frying reduces oil while maintaining a golden, crispy finish that’s healthier and easier to clean up.
- Serving with extra sauce allows personalized dipping, letting each bite be as saucy or light as desired.
- Restaurant-quality results achieved at home with simple ingredients and straightforward technique.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying, Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 140mg