Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe
If you’re looking for the kind of appetizer that absolutely vanishes the second it hits the table, you have to try Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites. These golden, crunchy morsels are everything you love about fried chicken, tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce that’s totally irresistible. Whether you’re setting out a big party platter or just want a fun weeknight treat, each bite delivers a perfect contrast of texture and flavor. Trust me, you’ll be hooked from the first taste!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites is refreshingly straightforward, but each component plays a starring role. From the tender chicken to the tangy, zippy sauce, these basics combine to create a dish that’s anything but ordinary. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:
- Chicken breast or thighs: Go for boneless, skinless pieces cut into bite-size chunks for the juiciest results and easy eating.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your crunchy coating, giving the chicken its signature crispy crust.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch and lightens up the breading for that crave-worthy texture.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the coating with an aromatic, savory depth.
- Paprika: Brings a gentle warmth and gorgeous color to every bite.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the coating and the chicken itself.
- Black pepper: A subtle kick that rounds out the flavor.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading stick perfectly.
- Vegetable oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfectly crisp frying.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your irresistible Bang Bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a mild heat to the sauce.
- Sriracha sauce: Adjust to your spice preference for a bold kick.
- Honey: Balances out the heat and adds a touch of sticky sweetness.
- Rice vinegar: Brings brightness to the sauce, cutting through the richness.
- Chopped green onions: Lends a fresh, zesty finish to your platter.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a little extra crunch and a pretty garnish.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites
Step 1: Mix the Coating
Start by whisking together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This seasoned flour blend is the secret to those light, shatteringly crisp edges that make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites so addictive. Make sure everything is well-combined, so each piece of chicken gets an even hit of flavor.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk first, letting any excess drip off, and then toss it straight into your flour mixture. Press the coating on gently to help it adhere—this is what gives you that wonderfully thick, crunchy crust. It’s a little messy, but totally worth it!
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into a heavy skillet to shallow-fry the chicken (about 1 to 1½ inches deep). Heat the oil over medium-high until it shimmers—if you have a thermometer, aim for 350°F, but a pinch of flour should sizzle immediately when dropped in. Hot oil is key for locking in juiciness and getting that golden finish.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Working in batches, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re deeply golden and irresistibly crispy. As you finish each batch, transfer the bites to a wire rack or paper towels to drain—this keeps them crisp while you finish the rest.
Step 5: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. This is the magic that transforms simple fried chicken into show-stopping Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking!
Step 6: Toss and Coat
Once all your chicken bites are crispy and golden, pile them into a large mixing bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the top and toss quickly but gently to coat every piece. You want that sauce to cling to the nooks and crannies, delivering maximum flavor in each bite.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites with a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions and, if you like, a scattering of sesame seeds. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping—these are best enjoyed hot and fresh!
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped green onions and sesame seeds adds not just color, but a burst of flavor and crunch. For an extra pop, try a handful of fresh cilantro or even a squeeze of lime over the top. These little touches make your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites look as vibrant as they taste!
Side Dishes
These bites pair beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, a crisp Asian slaw, or even a fresh cucumber salad to cool the palate. For a party spread, set them out with a platter of crunchy veggies and extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping. It’s all about balancing those bold, creamy flavors!
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your serving game by threading Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites onto skewers for easy grab-and-go appetizers, or tuck them into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held treat. You can even pile them onto slider buns with a bit of slaw for an unforgettable mini sandwich. However you serve them, they’ll be the star of the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, store your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible, to preserve the crispness of the coating until you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked (but unsauced) chicken bites on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them straight from frozen—just add fresh sauce after warming.
Reheating
To keep that signature crunch, reheat your chicken bites in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the coating soggy. Once reheated, toss with fresh Bang Bang sauce and garnish before serving.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! While frying delivers the crunchiest results, you can bake the breaded chicken bites on a wire rack at 425°F for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Spritzing with a little cooking spray helps them crisp up beautifully.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for buttermilk?
Yes, you can use a mixture of non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, then use just as you would traditional buttermilk.
What’s the best way to make these less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the sriracha sauce in the Bang Bang sauce to dial back the heat, and consider using a milder sweet chili sauce. You’ll still get tons of flavor with a gentler kick!
Can I use chicken tenders or pre-cut pieces?
Definitely! Chicken tenders work great and save a little prep time. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly and stay juicy inside.
What else can I use the Bang Bang sauce for?
This creamy, spicy sauce is amazing drizzled over shrimp, tossed with roasted cauliflower, or as a dip for fries and veggies. Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll want to put it on everything!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites enough—whether you’re a spicy food fan or just love a good crispy snack, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch these bites disappear faster than you can say “second helping!” Enjoy every crunch and let your creativity shine with how you serve them.
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Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites are tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a flavorful, crunchy batter and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. This quick and easy appetizer or snack is perfect for sharing and bursting with bold flavors and delightful texture.
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: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each bite-sized piece of chicken into the buttermilk, ensuring it is fully moistened. Then, dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing gently to create an even and thorough coating on every piece.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth of about 1-2 inches and heat over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, around 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Chicken: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the coated chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes each batch until they turn golden brown and become crispy on the outside. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Place the crispy fried chicken pieces into a large bowl, pour the Bang Bang sauce over them, and toss gently but thoroughly so every piece is coated with the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds on top for freshness and crunch. Serve immediately with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat level to your preference.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F for optimal frying and crispiness.
- Leftover Bang Bang sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and verify that the sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 4-5 pieces)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
