Name: Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sweet chili sauce (e.g., Frank’s); 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha); 2 tablespoons honey; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 1 cup buttermilk (add more if batter is too thick); 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste); 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha); 1 large egg; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; Vegetable oil for frying

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 86 reviews

If you’re craving something that delivers a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and crunchy all in one bite, you have to try the Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken breasts coated in a delightfully crispy panko crust, then smothered in a luscious homemade spicy mayo sauce that packs just the right amount of heat and sweetness. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level of fun and flavor, guaranteed to become a fast favorite for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface. The bowl on the left has several colorful layers: a white creamy base with a dollop of orange sauce or paste on the right side, a sprinkle of black pepper or seeds toward the top left, and a light yellow liquid pooling mostly around the creamy part. The bowl on the right has a smooth orange liquid mixture, evenly blended with tiny dark specks throughout. Both bowls are clean and simple, with no extra garnish or decoration, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe, you’ll be working with simple yet essential ingredients that come together to build complex layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the spice-kissed breadcrumbs to the tangy honey-sweetened sauce.

Mayonnaise: Creates a rich and creamy base for the spicy mayo that beautifully coats the chicken.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds a mild sweetness and vibrant color that complements the heat from hot sauce.
Hot sauce: Introduces a kick of spice that wakes up the palate and balances the other flavors.
Honey: Provides a natural sweetness that smooths out the spice and adds depth to the sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the sauce and the chicken, enhancing all flavors.
Chicken breasts: The star protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for maximum crispiness and ease of eating.
All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Combined for coating the chicken, they ensure an ultra-crispy exterior.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick for that perfect crunch.
Garlic powder and smoked paprika: Infuse aromatic and smoky notes into the coating mix, elevating the flavor profile.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the panko coating on the chicken pieces.
Panko breadcrumbs: The key to that light, airy, and crispy crust that takes this dish over the top.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the chicken to a golden brown perfection.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Sauce

Begin by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce will be the luscious, spicy, and slightly sweet glaze that coats your chicken, so feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your preference.

Step 2: Cut and Season the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix this dry coating well as it will create the flavorful crust when fried.

Step 3: Create the Batter

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until fully blended. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, while the hot sauce adds a subtle heat underneath the crispy coating.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken first into the dry flour mixture, then into the wet buttermilk batter, and finally press it into the panko breadcrumbs until completely coated. This triple-layered coating is what delivers the irresistible crunch every bite needs.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan, until they are golden brown and cooked through—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Transfer the crispy chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Finally, toss the crispy chicken with the spicy mayo sauce until evenly coated and glossy. This step transforms the dish, making every morsel flavorful and deliciously sticky.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe

The image shows three glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface in a horizontal line. The first bowl on the left contains a mixture of white flour and an egg yolk sitting in the middle of the flour. The middle bowl is filled with small raw chicken pieces soaked in a light beige liquid. The third bowl, on the right, shows the same chicken pieces fully mixed and coated in the creamy beige liquid, giving it a moist and smooth texture. The bowls are clear, showing the ingredients inside clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or freshly chopped cilantro over the top. A wedge of lime on the side can offer a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, crunchy slaw, or even a crisp cucumber salad. These lighter accompaniments balance the bold flavors and add refreshing textures to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or casual gatherings, serve the Bang Bang Chicken skewered on bamboo sticks or as sliders with crisp lettuce and tomato. You can also pile the chicken high over a bed of leafy greens to turn it into a vibrant and satisfying salad. No matter how you present it, this recipe is sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. For optimum texture, consume within 2 days, as the crispy coating can soften over time but the flavors will remain delicious.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze the chicken pieces before tossing them in the spicy mayo sauce. This preserves the crispy texture better. Store them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the chicken pieces on a baking sheet. Warm for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe. They tend to be juicier and have a richer flavor, which complements the spicy mayo beautifully.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade substitute will help tenderize the chicken just as well.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, for a lighter version, bake the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. It may not be as crispy as fried, but still delicious!

How spicy is the sauce?

The spicy mayo sauce has a medium heat level due to the combination of hot sauce and sweet chili sauce. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less hot sauce to suit your taste.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling over the chicken to refresh its creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying this Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Mayo and Crispy Panko Coating Recipe enough if you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. The crispy texture combined with the sweet, spicy sauce is simply addictive. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a flavorful, satisfying meal. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!