Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites are tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a flavorful seasoned batter, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. This quick and easy appetizer or snack serves 4 and delivers a perfect balance of crispy texture and zesty flavor, ideal for game days, parties, or a tasty weeknight treat.
Ingredients
Scale
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 to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
- Coat the chicken pieces: Dip each bite-sized chicken piece into the buttermilk to moisten it, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, thick coating all around.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth sufficient for frying and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches the ideal frying temperature.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, frying for 4-5 minutes per batch until the exterior is golden brown and crispy and the chicken is fully cooked inside. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Place the crispy chicken bites into a large bowl and pour the Bang Bang sauce over them. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the coated chicken bites. Serve immediately with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the oil is around 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying results.
- Chicken thighs will yield juicier bites, while chicken breasts offer leaner options.
- Adjust sriracha amount to control spice level.
- For a healthier twist, baked or air-fried versions can be used, though texture will vary.
- These bites are best enjoyed fresh to maintain crispiness.
- Make sure to drain well after frying to avoid soggy chicken.
