Name: Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup buttermilk; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon hot sauce; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (for garnish); ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons Frank’s Hot Sauce

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 68 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, crunchy texture, and a little kick of sweetness, the Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This sensational recipe combines perfectly crisp chicken bites with a luscious, creamy sweet chili mayo that elevates every mouthful. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or impressing friends, this dish offers a delightful balance of heat, sweet, and savoriness that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass jar filled with creamy, light orange sauce speckled with tiny red and green bits, giving it a textured look. A small silver spoon rests inside the jar, its handle showing slight wear. The jar sits on a white marbled surface with bits of herbs around it, and the blurred jar lid is visible in the background, creating a simple and clean setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient contributes a crucial element—whether it’s texture, flavor, or color—to the final masterpiece. Let’s break down what makes this dish irresistible:

Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tanginess for depth of flavor.
All-purpose flour: Creates a light base for the crispy coating to stick to.
Cornstarch: Boosts the crunch factor, making each bite satisfyingly crisp.
Large egg: Binds the batter together for even coating.
Hot sauce: Adds a warm, spicy undertone that wakes up the palate.
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Perfectly tender and quick-cooking protein.
Panko breadcrumbs: For that irresistible, airy crunch that sets this recipe apart.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying to golden perfection without overpowering flavors.
Fresh parsley: Adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbal note as garnish.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the sweet chili mayo sauce, lending richness.
Sweet chili sauce: The heart of the sauce, delivering sweet heat in every drizzle.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the spice in the sauce.
Frank’s Hot Sauce: A little extra heat and tang for the perfect sauce finish.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, the egg, hot sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper until fully combined. This mixture not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also creates the perfect sticky coating for the Panko to cling to, guaranteeing maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Working one piece at a time, dip each chicken chunk into the buttermilk mixture and then dredge it thoroughly in the Panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks evenly, which is key for that irresistible crunchy outer layer.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a thermometer here is a game changer—it ensures your oil is hot enough to cook the chicken perfectly without absorbing excess grease.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

In small batches, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry them for about 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crispy all over. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to keep them light and juicy inside with a satisfying crunch outside.

Step 5: Make the Sweet Chili Mayo

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and Frank’s Hot Sauce until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This luscious condiment brings a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that defines the Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe.

Step 6: Drizzle and Garnish

Drizzle the sweet chili mayo generously over the crisp chicken bites and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh contrast. Serve them hot and watch everyone dive in enthusiastically!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe

A close-up shows a pair of wooden chopsticks holding a small, crispy golden-brown fried ball covered with a light drizzle of creamy sauce and sprinkled with green herbs. Below, a white bowl filled with many similar golden fried balls also topped with green herbs sits on a white marbled surface. The texture of the fried balls is crunchy and crunchy with small crumbs visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like finely chopped parsley or cilantro not only enhances the visual appeal but injects a light herbal freshness that perfectly balances the rich, spicy mayo. For an extra pop, a squeeze of fresh lime juice can add a delightful zing.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides such as a crunchy slaw, steamed jasmine rice, or roasted vegetables. These sides provide refreshing texture and neutral flavors that let the bold Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe shine front and center.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving the chicken bites skewered on colorful toothpicks alongside a small ramekin of the sweet chili mayo for dipping. Alternatively, use the chicken as a topping for crunchy lettuce wraps or crunchy tacos for a fun and delicious twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for a tasty snack or addition to lunches.

Freezing

While fresh is best for maximum crispiness, you can freeze cooked chicken bites in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. Just be sure to cool them completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat and keep the chicken crispy, use an air fryer or a hot oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. Reheat the sweet chili mayo separately if needed to keep sauces fresh.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.

Is there a non-fried version of this recipe?

You can bake the coated chicken at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While it won’t be quite as crispy, it’s a lighter alternative that still tastes fantastic.

What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?

Mix together equal parts honey and a mild chili sauce or sriracha with a splash of rice vinegar as a substitute. This replicates the balance of sweet and spicy nicely.

Can I make the sweet chili mayo ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated. Just give it a quick stir before serving to recombine any separated ingredients.

How spicy is this Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe?

The heat level is moderate and depends on your choice of hot sauces. Feel free to adjust the amount of Frank’s Hot Sauce or hot sauce in the batter to suit your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet Chili Mayo Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time you make it. The crispy chicken paired with that creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce? Pure magic on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become a star in your recipe rotation!