Crispy Juicy Bang Bang Chicken with Sweet Chili Sauce (Print version)

Crispy panko chicken bites tossed in creamy sweet chili bang bang sauce, with a juicy center and a crunchy golden crust.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 3/4 cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
07 - 1/3 cup (40 g) cornstarch
08 - 1 1/2 cups (85 g) panko breadcrumbs
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 2 cups (480 ml) neutral oil, for shallow frying

For the bang bang sauce

12 - 1/2 cup (120 g) mayonnaise
13 - 1/3 cup (80 ml) Thai sweet chili sauce
14 - 1 1/2 tablespoons sriracha, plus more to taste
15 - 1 tablespoon honey
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
17 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For serving

18 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
19 - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
20 - Cooked rice or crisp lettuce, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder in a bowl until smooth. Set half aside for dipping.
02 - In a separate bowl, combine chicken, buttermilk, egg, salt, and black pepper. Let stand for 10 minutes while you prepare the coating.
03 - In a shallow dish, stir together flour, cornstarch, panko, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
04 - Lift chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off. Press each piece firmly into the panko mixture until coated all over.
05 - Heat 1/2 inch oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning once, until golden and the center reaches 165°F.
06 - Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack. Let it rest for 2 minutes so the crust sets and excess oil drains away.
07 - Toss hot chicken with a few spoonfuls of bang bang sauce. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, then serve with reserved sauce for dipping.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served immediately after saucing.
02 - Use chicken breast if preferred, but reduce the cooking time slightly.
03 - Keep sauce separate for leftovers to preserve the crust.

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