Description

There’s something magical about the combo of crispy fried chicken and a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce. That’s exactly what Bang Bang Chicken brings to the table—a seriously crave-worthy dish that’s easy to make at home. If you’re a fan of bold flavor, crunchy texture, and quick prep time, this recipe is calling your name.

Perfect for weeknights, game nights, or special occasions, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat.

Ingredients

Buttermilk substitute: Use plain Greek yogurt mixed with milk or add lemon juice to regular milk.
Breadcrumbs swap: Use crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes for a different texture.
Spicy upgrade: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the sauce.
Make it dairy-free: Use almond milk and a vegan mayo alternative.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and let it marinate for 20–30 minutes.
Set Up the Dredging Station
In a separate bowl, mix flour and cornstarch. Pour panko breadcrumbs into another shallow dish.
Coat the Chicken
Remove chicken from the marinade. Dredge in the flour mixture, then press firmly into the panko to coat both sides evenly.
Heat the Oil
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350–365°F.
Fry in Batches
Cook chicken pieces in batches, turning once, until golden brown and crispy—about 3–4 minutes per side.
Drain and Rest
Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Sauce It Up
Drizzle with bang bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Preheat Oil for Perfect Crisp
Ensure the oil reaches 365°F before frying. Too low, and the chicken absorbs oil; too high, and it burns before cooking through.
Double Dredge for Extra Crunch
For an extra crispy crust, dip chicken back into the buttermilk mixture and panko again before frying.

Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 6min
Category: Dinner, Appetizer
Method: Deep-Fried (optional Air Fryer or Baked)
Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 630kcal
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 29g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 41g
Cholesterol: 135mg