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Bang Bang Chicken Sauce

Bang Bang Chicken Sauce

Crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful batter and drizzled with a spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk for marinating, or make your own with 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika recommended
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying enough to fill pan 1/2 inch deep
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise full-fat recommended
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha adjust to taste - use 2 teaspoons for mild heat
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice fresh
  • 1 teaspoon honey optional
  • Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • Medium bowl for marinating
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for sauce
  • Wire rack
  • Large skillet or deep frying pan
  • Cooking thermometer
  • Paper towels
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch pieces. Place them in a medium bowl, cover completely with buttermilk, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for extra tender results).
  2. While the chicken marinates, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until well combined.
  3. In a separate small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust sriracha to your preference. Set sauce aside.
  4. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to help coating stick. Place coated pieces on a wire rack and let rest for 10 minutes - this helps the coating bond to the chicken.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy and adjust heat as needed to maintain this temperature throughout cooking.
  6. Carefully add 4-5 chicken pieces at a time (don't overcrowd), and fry for 4-5 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Transfer to paper towel-lined plates to drain excess oil and repeat with remaining chicken.
  7. Arrange the crispy chicken on a serving platter and drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Adjust the spiciness by varying sriracha amount (2 teaspoons for mild, 1 tablespoon for medium, 2 tablespoons for spicy). Store cooked chicken in airtight container for up to 3 days. Store sauce separately for up to 1 week. Reheat chicken in 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Don't microwave as it will make the coating soggy.