Bang Bang Chicken Tenders

Name: Bang Bang Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken tenders; 2 tbsp all-purpose seasoning; 2 tbsp garlic butter seasoning; 2 tbsp yellow mustard; 1/4 cup hot sauce; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup pickle juice; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp cornstarch; vegetable oil, for frying; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp sriracha; chopped chives, for garnish

Bang Bang Chicken Tenders are crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce made with hot sauce and mayo-based ingredients. The key to restaurant-quality results is marinating the tenders in a buttermilk and pickle juice mixture before frying.

🌍American 🏷️Bang bang chicken 🏷️Chicken tenders 🏷️Fried chicken 🏷️Spicy Creamy

🏷️

🏷️Sweet chili

-0:00

cookingwithdestiny_onTikTok

Total

35 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$26–$43

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by cookingwithdestiny_

-0:00

cookingwithdestiny_onTikTok

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken tenders
2 tbsp all-purpose seasoning
2 tbsp garlic butter seasoning
2 tbsp yellow mustard
1/4 cup hot sauce
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup pickle juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp cornstarch
vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha
chopped chives, for garnishoptional

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Instructions

1
In a large bowl, season the chicken tenders with all-purpose seasoning and garlic butter seasoning.
2
Add mustard, hot sauce, buttermilk, and pickle juice to the chicken. Mix well to create a marinade and let it marinate.
3
In a separate shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and more all-purpose seasoning. Mix to combine.
4
Dredge each marinated chicken tender in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure it's fully coated.
5
Heat a few inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the hot oil.
6
Fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked. Remove from oil and drain on a wire rack.
7
To make the Bang Bang sauce, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl.
8
Whisk the sauce ingredients until smooth and fully combined.
9
Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the fried chicken tenders in a large bowl.
10
Toss the chicken tenders gently until they are evenly coated in the sauce.
11
Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Marinate chicken in buttermilk and pickle juice for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) to ensure tender, flavorful meat.
Keep oil at a consistent 350°F; use a thermometer to avoid greasy or undercooked tenders.
Mix cornstarch into the flour coating—it increases crispness and reduces sogginess when sauced.
Toss the fried tenders in Bang Bang sauce within 5 minutes of frying for the best texture balance between crispy exterior and creamy coating.

Substitutions

Buttermilk → plain yogurt or milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice (mimics buttermilk's acidity)
Hot sauce → sriracha or Frank's RedHot (adjust quantity to taste preference)
All-purpose flour → gluten-free flour blend (1:1 swap, may absorb slightly more oil)
Yellow mustard → Dijon mustard (use same amount for a sharper flavor)

Storage & make-ahead

Store fried tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Bang Bang sauce keeps refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Common Questions

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Tenders ahead of time?

Yes. Fry the tenders up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. Toss with the sauce just before serving for the best texture.

What is Bang Bang sauce made of?

Bang Bang sauce is typically made by combining mayo, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey or sugar. This recipe uses yellow mustard and hot sauce as the base for a slightly tangy version.

How do I keep fried chicken tenders crispy?

Let the oil reach 350°F before frying, don't overcrowd the pan, and drain on paper towels immediately after frying. Toss with sauce just before serving so the coating stays as crispy as possible.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes. Pound chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness before coating and frying. They'll take about 1–2 minutes longer to cook than tenders.

What oil should I use for frying?

Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These have high smoke points (350°F+) and neutral flavors that won't interfere with the Bang Bang sauce.