You ever find yourself craving something crispy, tender, and oh-so-delicious? Well, let me share my absolute favorite chicken recipe with you—Easy Chicken Tenders with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce! These tenders are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game night. I mean, who doesn’t love crispy chicken with a kick?
I distinctly remember the first time I made these tenders; I was hosting a small movie night with friends. I whipped them up, and as soon as they hit the table, they were gone in a flash! We were all fighting over the last one (sorry, Jess!). And that spicy Bang Bang sauce? Let’s just say it took the whole dish over the top. It’s creamy, tangy, and has just the right amount of heat. So, are you ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
What’s in Easy Chicken Tenders with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce?
Chicken Breast Tenders: The star of the show! Tender, juicy chicken is perfect for a satisfying bite. I love using tenders because they cook quickly and are super easy to work with.
All-Purpose Flour: This will be our base for that crunchy coating that everyone craves. You could also use whole wheat flour for a healthier spin, if you like.
Paprika, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder: These spices add a wonderful depth of flavor to the chicken. Plus, who doesn’t love garlic and onion? Use smoked paprika for an extra twist!
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings, but they elevate everything. Don’t skip these, or your chicken might taste a little bland.
Eggs: These act as the glue that helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Be sure to beat them well!
Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret to an extra-crispy exterior! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but the crunch won’t be quite the same.
Oil for Frying: For that golden, crispy finish. Canola or vegetable oil works great here.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for our Bang Bang sauce. Feel free to use low-fat or even vegan mayo if you’re looking for alternatives.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This gives a lovely sweetness that balances the heat. You could also try making your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
Sriracha: My favorite hot sauce! Adjust to your taste; the more you add, the spicier the sauce will be.
Honey: Just a tablespoon will add an extra layer of sweetness to the sauce.
Lime Juice: A splash of freshness that brightens up the entire dish! It’s a tiny detail that makes a big difference.
Is Easy Chicken Tenders with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce Good for You?
Well, it depends on how you look at it! These chicken tenders are definitely a comfort food favorite, but let’s break this down:
Chicken Breast Tenders: Packed with protein, they’re a great source of lean meat. Just be sure to remove any skin if you’re really watching your fat intake.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are lighter than traditional breadcrumbs, but frying adds some calories. You can always bake them instead, as I’ll mention later!
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients: While the sauce is absolutely delicious, keep in mind that mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce can add up in calories and sugar. However, you can always customize and lighten it up by using Greek yogurt instead of mayo or reducing the amount of honey.
Ultimately, if you keep portion sizes in mind and balance it with some veggies on the side, you can totally enjoy these chicken tenders guilt-free!
How to Make Easy Chicken Tenders with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce?
1. **Prep the Chicken**: Pat those chicken tenders dry with some paper towels. This helps the oil to do its magic better later!
2. **Prepare the Breading Station**: In a bow,l combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they’re nice and frothy. In a third bowl, place your panko breadcrumbs.
3. **Bread the Chicken**: Now comes the fun part! Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour and shake off the excess. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it evenly with the panko breadcrumbs. Set them aside on a plate.
4. **Heat the Oil**: In a large skillet, heat enough oil over medium-high heat to cover the bottom—about 1/4 inch deep. You want it sizzling hot for that perfect fry!
5. **Fry the Chicken**: Carefully lay the breaded chicken tenders in the hot oil in batches, so you don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a wire rack or paper towels to drain the excess oil.
6. **Make the Bang Bang Sauce**: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the sriracha if you want more heat!
7. **Serve**: Arrange your crispy chicken tenders on a platter, and serve them with that spicy Bang Bang sauce on the side. Don’t forget the garnish—chopped parsley adds a lovely touch!
Delicious Tips for Chicken Tenders!
– **Baking Option**: For a healthier alternative, you can certainly bake these chicken tenders! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), lay the breaded tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still be delicious!
– **Serve With**: These tenders make an awesome snack, but you could pair them with a side salad for a wholesome meal or serve them with fries—a classic combo!
– **Storage**: Leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain some crispiness.
So there you have it! My go-to recipe for Easy Chicken Tenders with Spicy Bang Bang Sauce. I hope you give them a try and find a new favorite too. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, these tenders will definitely wow your taste buds! Feel free to let me know how they turn out. Happy cooking!
