Prepare the Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated.

Fry the Chicken

4. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F or 175°C).
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil and fry for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce

7. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Sandwiches

8. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns in the same skillet until golden brown.
9. Add Toppings: Spread a generous amount of bang bang sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a piece of crispy chicken, lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles if using.
10. Finish Assembly: Drizzle more bang bang sauce on top of the chicken, then place the top half of the bun over the sandwich.