Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders 

By Destiny Symone

Updated: April 16, 2026

By: Destiny Symone

Updated: April 16, 2026

Every bite of these crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders has the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and creamy sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.

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These Bang Bang Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and coated in the most irresistible sweet and spicy sauce.

A few years ago, my Bang Bang Shrimp went viral, so I had to recreate that same bold flavor for my non-seafood lovers. And let’s be real…you can never go wrong with chicken tenders, especially when they’re tossed in bang bang sauce.

Every bite has the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and creamy sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.

The marinade makes the chicken super flavorful and tender, while the crispy coating fries up golden and crunchy every single time. Then it all gets finished with that signature bang bang sauce that takes it completely over the top.

Whether you’re making these for a quick dinner, game day, or just because you’re craving something fried and flavorful, this recipe delivers every time.

It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit, this one is definitely a must-try!

Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Chicken Tenders

  • Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender, juicy on the inside
  • Packed with sweet, spicy, and creamy flavor in every single bite
  • Easy to make at home with simple, everyday ingredients
  • Tastes just like your favorite restaurant version, if not better!
  • Perfect for dinner, game day, or when you want something that really hits.

Ingredients

Chicken Tenderloins – These are naturally tender and cook quickly, making them perfect for frying. You can also use sliced chicken breasts if needed.

Buttermilk + Pickle Juice – This combo is key! It tenderizes the chicken while adding flavor and moisture. The pickle juice gives it that subtle tang that makes people say “what is that?!”

Mustard + Hot Sauce – Adds depth and a slight kick to the marinade without overpowering the dish.

Zestiny’s All-Purpose & Garlic Butter Seasoning – Brings bold, savory flavor throughout every layer, from marinade to coating.

Flour + Cornstarch – The secret to that crispy texture. Cornstarch helps create a light, crunchy coating that fries up beautifully.

Vegetable Oil – Perfect for frying because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Bang Bang Sauce (Mayo, Sweet Chili, Sriracha) – Creamy, sweet, and spicy, this is what takes the chicken over the top and makes it addictive.

How To Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders

1. Combine wet ingredients and Marinate

In a large bowl, add the chicken tenderloins and pour in the buttermilk, pickle juice, mustard, hot sauce, and seasonings. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated, then cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for best flavor)..

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and seasoning. Mix until evenly combined.

3. Assemble

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge each tender in the flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well for that crispy texture

4. Heat oil and Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F. Carefully add the chicken tenders in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Fry for about 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

5. Make Bang Bang Sauce

In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth and creamy.

6. Toss and Enjoy!!!

Toss the fried chicken tenders in the bang bang sauce or drizzle it over the top, depending on your preference.

Garnish with parsley, serve hot, and enjoy!

FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?

Yes! Just slice into strips and follow the same steps.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and fry when ready.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Internal temp should reach 165°F and the outside should be golden brown.

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil all work great.

Destiny’s Tips for Success

  • Marinate longer if you can – 30 minutes is good, but a few hours or overnight = even more flavor
  • Don’t skip the cornstarch – It makes a huge difference in crispiness
  • Press the flour into the chicken – Helps create that thick, crunchy coating
  • Fry in batches – Overcrowding lowers the oil temp and makes the chicken less crispy
  • Use a thermometer – Keep oil around 350°F for perfect frying
  • Let chicken rest on a rack – Not on paper towels, so it stays crispy

Storage and Reheating

How to Store

1. Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

2. Freezer

Freeze cooked (unsauced) tenders for up to 2 months

Tips for Reheating

In The Air Fryer:

  • 350°F for 4–6 minutes (best method)

In the Oven:

  • 375°F for 8–10 minutes

In the Microwave:

  •  Microwave in increments of 30 secs. It’s quick, but won’t stay crispy.

Variations

  • Air Fryer Option – Spray coated chicken with oil and air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway
  • Baked Version – Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes on a wire rack for a lighter option
  • Extra Spicy – Add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce
  • Milder Version – Reduce the sriracha and add a little more sweet chili sauce
  • Make it a Sandwich – Toss in sauce and serve on a brioche bun with lettuce and pickles.

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders

Every bite of these crispy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders has the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and creamy sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.
Print Pin Rate
Servings 4
Author: Destiny Symone
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins

Marinade

  • 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning
  • 1 tbsp garlic butter seasoning
  • 1/4 cup mustard
  • 1/8 cup hot sauce
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup pickle juice

For Frying

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning
  • 48 oz vegetable oil

Big Bang Sauce

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1/8 cup sriracha sauce

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, add the chicken tenderloins and pour in the buttermilk, pickle juice, mustard, hot sauce, and seasonings. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated, then cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for best flavor).
  • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and seasoning. Mix until evenly combined.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge each tender in the flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well for that crispy texture.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F. Carefully add the chicken tenders in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
  • Fry for about 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
  • In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth and creamy.
  • Toss the fried chicken tenders in the bang bang sauce or drizzle it over the top, depending on your preference.
  • Garnish with parsley, serve hot, and enjoy!

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