Description
These Sweet & Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and coated in a delicious honey sesame sauce! Perfectly served with steamed rice and veggies, they’re a quick 30-minute meal that combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors for the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Honey Sesame Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp regular soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white/apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3/4 cup water
Chicken:
- 1 1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic salt
- 2 large eggs (whisked)
- 1/2 cup canola oil (or avocado oil, divided)
For Serving:
- Steamed rice
- Steamed broccoli and/or carrots
- Sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
Make the Honey Sesame Sauce:
- Combine ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Coat the chicken:
- In a large zip-top bag, combine cornstarch, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic salt. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake until evenly coated.
- Fry the chicken:
- Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large wok or nonstick frying pan over medium heat.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the whisked eggs, then place it in the pan. Fry the chicken in batches for 6–8 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Dispose of the used oil and repeat the process with the remaining 1/4 cup oil and chicken.
Combine and Serve:
- Thicken the sauce:
- Wipe out the wok or pan and pour in the prepared honey sesame sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until it begins to thicken.
- Coat the chicken:
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Serve the chicken over steamed rice with broccoli and/or carrots. Sprinkle with sliced green onions for garnish if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness or spice level by adding more honey or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- For a lighter option, bake the chicken instead of frying. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
