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Crispy Baked Bang Bang Chicken Tenders drizzled with creamy sweet chili sauce
Richard Collins

Crispy Baked Bang Bang Chicken Tenders

Ultra-crunchy panko-crusted chicken tenders baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a signature creamy sweet chili bang bang sauce. An easy 30-minute wholesome dinner with zero deep frying.
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Fusion
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Crispy Chicken Tenders
  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins trimmed and patted dry with paper towels
  • 1.5 cups Japanese panko breadcrumbs for maximum airy crunch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour
  • 2 large eggs beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash
  • 1 tsp garlic powder for savory seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika adds warm color and smoky depth
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder for rounded flavor
  • 1 tsp kosher salt divided between flour and breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil tossed with panko or olive oil cooking spray
Creamy Bang Bang Sauce & Garnish
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise use quality whole egg mayo or avocado oil mayo
  • 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce for signature sweet-tangy body
  • 1.5 tbsp sriracha sauce adjust to taste for preferred heat level
  • 1 tbsp pure honey balances the gentle chili heat
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar or fresh lemon juice for brightness
  • 2 stalks green scallions finely sliced for garnish
  • 1 tsp toasted white sesame seeds for finishing crunch

Method
 

Prep & Breading Station
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Fit a large rimmed baking sheet with a wire cooling rack and lightly mist the rack with olive oil spray (or line the sheet with parchment paper).
  2. Set up 3 shallow bowls for the dredging station: Bowl 1: Flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper. Bowl 2: Eggs whisked with 1 tbsp water. Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs tossed with 2 tbsp olive oil and remaining 1/2 tsp salt until evenly coated and pale golden.
  3. Dredge each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour (shaking off excess), then dip into the egg wash until fully coated, and finally press firmly into the oiled panko mixture to ensure a thick, even crust adheres all around.
Baking to Golden Perfection
  1. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders onto the prepared wire rack on the baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each tender so hot air circulates evenly.
  2. Bake undisturbed at 425°F (220°C) for 16 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 10-minute mark, until deeply golden brown, ultra-crispy, and an internal thermometer registers 165°F (74°C).
Bang Bang Sauce & Plating
  1. While the chicken bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small mixing bowl until velvety smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust sriracha for your preferred heat.
  2. Transfer hot crispy tenders to a serving platter. Generously drizzle with the creamy bang bang sauce, scatter with sliced green scallions and toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 36gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 480IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2.4mg

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