Description

This crispy bang bang chicken recipe is loaded with flavor! Juicy chicken coated in crunchy panko, fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. A fast and easy dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp salt, divided

½ tsp black pepper, divided

½ cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1½ cups panko breadcrumbs

Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

1–2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)

1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice

Garnish:

Chopped green onions

Red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix chicken, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Set Up Breading Station:

Bowl 1: Flour + remaining salt and pepper

Bowl 2: Beaten eggs

Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs

Bread the Chicken:
Remove chicken from marinade. Dredge each piece in flour, dip into egg, then coat in panko. Press lightly to help crumbs stick.

Fry the Chicken:
Heat 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 4–6 minutes, until golden and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.

Make the Sauce:
Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar or lime juice until smooth.

Serve:
Toss crispy chicken with bang bang sauce or drizzle over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions and red pepper flakes.

Enjoy!
Serve immediately with rice, veggies, or as a party appetizer!

Notes

Don’t skip marinating — it helps flavor and tenderize the chicken.

Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F for even frying.

To bake: Bake breaded chicken at 425°F for 20–25 mins, flipping once.

To make gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

For leftovers: Store in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer and drizzle sauce fresh before serving.

Flavor tip: Add chopped cilantro or sesame seeds for a twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (+30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Fried (or Baked)
Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion