If you are craving an irresistibly crunchy, flavorful snack that bursts with a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes, the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These golden, tender chicken morsels are coated in a delicate crispy crust and then drenched in a luscious, creamy Bang Bang sauce that dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re whipping up a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this dish is guaranteed to bring joy to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first secret to nailing the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe. Each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect crispy texture and the dynamic flavor punch you crave.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: Choose tender cuts for juicy bites that soak up all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides a light, crispy coating that crisps up perfectly.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Adds an extra crunch to the breading for ultimate crispiness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a savory depth to the coating to enhance the chicken.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a beautiful warm color to the crust.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Provides a hint of heat and complexity in the breading mix.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating adhere beautifully.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for crispy chicken every time.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the signature Bang Bang sauce.
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce: Adds irresistible sweet heat that balances the sauce.
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste): Kickstarts the spicy punch in the sauce for that addictive zing.
- 1 tsp honey: Rounds out the flavor with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 tsp rice vinegar: Brings an acidic lift to brighten and balance the sauce’s flavors.
- Chopped green onions: Adds fresh color and a mild bite as the perfect garnish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for extra texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating Mix
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This simple but flavorful mixture is the foundation for that addictive crispy crust that gives the chicken bites their signature crunch.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Pieces
Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk first—it tenderizes the meat and ensures the coating sticks well. Then, dredge each bite in the flour mixture, pressing gently so every inch is covered with a thick, even layer of that crispy magic.
Step 3: Heat Your Oil
Fill a skillet with vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. This temperature is crucial for frying the chicken to golden-brown perfection without absorbing excess oil.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the chicken bites for 4 to 5 minutes. They should develop a gorgeous golden crust and cook through to juicy perfection. Transfer them to a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil—this keeps them wonderfully crispy.
Step 5: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken fries, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk together until silky smooth; this sauce is the heart and soul of the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe, delivering a luscious blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken with Sauce
Place the crispy chicken bites in a large bowl and generously toss them with the Bang Bang sauce until every piece is luxuriously coated. This step transforms simple fried chicken into a finger-licking masterpiece.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the coated chicken bites with chopped green onions and, if you like, a scattering of sesame seeds. These garnishes add freshness and a delicate crunch, making the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, crunchy garnishes like chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds elevate the dish by adding contrasting textures and a pop of color, making every bite exciting and vibrant. You might also try a light drizzle of extra Bang Bang sauce on top for more flavor bursts.
Side Dishes
These chicken bites shine alongside simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, crisp Asian slaw, or even a crunchy cucumber salad. Each option complements the rich, saucy chicken with refreshing or mild flavor contrasts perfect for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe on a large platter with dipping sauce bowls to encourage sharing. They’re equally fantastic tucked into slider buns with lettuce for a party appetizer or stacked atop greens for a casual, flavorful salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the chicken bites in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, though try to enjoy them sooner for the best crispiness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe by laying them out on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 1 month and make a quick, tasty meal when reheated properly.
Reheating
To reheat and maintain that satisfying crunch, warm the chicken bites in an air fryer or a hot oven (around 375°F) instead of the microwave. This will refresh the texture without drying out the meat, so every bite stays crispy and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more forgiving and juicier than breast, making them a great choice if you prefer a richer, more tender bite.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use a gluten-free cornstarch or alternative like rice flour. Just ensure your chili sauce and other condiments are certified gluten-free too.
How spicy is this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe?
The heat level can be easily adjusted by varying the amount of sriracha sauce. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice and add more until it suits your taste buds perfectly.
Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
You can bake the chicken at a high temperature for crispiness, but frying delivers the signature crunch and golden color that makes this recipe special. For baked versions, coat well and bake on a wire rack.
What can I do with leftover Bang Bang sauce?
The Bang Bang sauce is fantastic as a dip for veggies, shrimp, or even drizzled over grilled meats. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container.
Final Thoughts
The Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe is a joyful blend of textures and flavors that will turn any meal into an occasion. Once you try these crispy, saucy bites, they’ll earn a permanent spot on your recipe rotation. So, gather your ingredients and dive into this fun, finger-licking dish—you won’t regret it.
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites are golden fried chicken pieces coated in a crunchy coating and tossed in a creamy, spicy, and sweet Bang Bang sauce. This flavorful appetizer or snack is quick to make and perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 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
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
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the coating mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful coating for the chicken bites.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk to moisten, then dredge it in the prepared flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating that will crisp up when fried.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches the proper frying temperature, around 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying the chicken to a crispy golden brown.
- Fry the chicken: Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and well combined, creating the signature creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce.
- Toss chicken with sauce: Place the crispy fried chicken bites into a large bowl, pour the Bang Bang sauce over them, and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the coated chicken bites for added flavor and a pop of color. Serve immediately with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating.
- Adjust the spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce by varying the amount of sriracha according to your taste preference.
- Use a wire rack to drain the fried chicken for crispier results instead of paper towels if possible.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and verify cornstarch is gluten-free.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
