1. Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have time. This tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick better. I often do this step in the morning to save time later.
2. While the chicken marinates, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth. Taste and adjust the spiciness or sweetness to your liking. Set aside.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour is the secret to that crave-worthy crispy crust.
4. Heat about 1 ½ inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a pinch of flour into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
5. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge them thoroughly in the seasoned flour. For extra crunch, you can double dredge by dipping back into the buttermilk and flour again, but I usually keep it single for a lighter bite.
6. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. I always keep a close eye here—nothing beats that perfect golden crunch!
7. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This step is key to keeping the chicken crispy and not greasy.
8. Once all the chicken is cooked, toss the pieces gently in the Bang Bang sauce until each bite is coated. Serve immediately to enjoy that irresistible combo of crispy and creamy.

I remember one evening when my husband came home exhausted after a long day. I threw this together on a whim, and watching his face light up as he took that first bite reminded me exactly why I love cooking for my family. It’s those little moments, those shared smiles, that make the effort so worthwhile.