Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites are the perfect combination of crunchy, golden-brown fried chicken and a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. With a balance of heat and sweetness, these bite-sized delights make for an irresistible appetizer, snack, or even a main course. Quick and easy to prepare, they are perfect for game nights, parties, or whenever you’re craving something crispy and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection – The chicken is coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried until golden and crunchy.
- Deliciously Spicy & Sweet – The Bang Bang sauce brings the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile – Serve as an appetizer, snack, or even pair with rice or salad for a full meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk, then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure the coating sticks well.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and well combined.
Toss & Serve:
- In a large bowl, toss the crispy chicken with the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Baked Version – Instead of frying, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for an evenly crispy texture.
- Air Fryer Option – Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Extra Spicy – Add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Dipping Sauce – Serve with a side of ranch, blue cheese dressing, or extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor to the bites.
2. How do I keep the chicken crispy after frying?
Place the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.
3. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
4. Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
You can mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.
5. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use a mix of all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
6. What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best for deep frying.
7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.
8. How can I make this dish lower in calories?
Opt for baking or air frying instead of deep frying, and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce.
9. Can I freeze the chicken bites?
Yes, freeze the cooked chicken bites on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
10. What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Bites?
They pair well with rice, a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or fries for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites are an addictive combination of crunchy, golden-fried chicken and a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Quick to prepare and incredibly flavorful, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Try them today and enjoy every crispy, saucy bite!
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Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites are the perfect balance of crunch and flavor, featuring golden-fried chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. Quick and easy to make, this dish is great as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying game night, or craving something deliciously crispy, these chicken bites will hit the spot!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure an even coating.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.
Toss & Serve:
- In a large bowl, toss crispy chicken with Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side!
Notes
- Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Extra Spicy: Add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and ensure sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
