If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crunch, spice, and a touch of sweetness, then this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, crispy bites are bursting with flavor from a homemade bang bang sauce that combines creamy mayo, sweet chili, fiery sriracha, and a hint of honey. This recipe is all about transforming simple ingredients into an unforgettable appetizer or snack that everyone will rave about. Trust me, once you try these chicken bites, they’ll become your go-to for game day, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want a little burst of excitement on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward yet impactful ingredients is the key to nailing the texture and vibrant flavor of this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe. Each component plays a role—whether it’s creating that perfect crunchy coating or layering the sauce to keep every bite packed with irresistible zing and creaminess.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: Ideal for tender, juicy bites that soak up all the delicious coatings.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the crispy coating that gives the chicken its golden outside.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Adds extra crispness by absorbing moisture and lightening the batter texture.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses subtle warmth and an aromatic kick to the coating mix.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky depth that complements the spices.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring the chicken isn’t bland.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Brings a gentle heat to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick evenly.
- Vegetable oil: Needed for frying to get that crave-worthy crisp exterior.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the signature bang bang sauce.
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce: Injects just the right amount of sweetness and tang with a spicy note.
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce: Adds bold spicy heat; adjust to your preference.
- 1 tsp honey: Balances the heat with a natural sweetness that brightens the sauce.
- 1 tsp rice vinegar: Adds acidity to cut through the richness and round out flavors.
- Chopped green onions: Freshness and a mild onion crunch as garnish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Adds a nutty crunch and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating Mixture
Start by whisking together your flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This combination is crucial for creating the irresistible crunch and flavor base that makes these chicken bites stand out. Be sure the mixture is well combined so each piece of chicken is evenly coated.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dip each bite-sized piece of chicken into the buttermilk first. This step tenderizes the chicken while helping the dry mixture stick better. Then, press each piece firmly into the flour mixture until it’s thoroughly coated. Don’t rush this part because a well-coated bite is a crispy, flavorful bite every time.
Step 3: Fry to Perfection
Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a skillet, ensuring you have enough oil to cover the chicken pieces halfway. Fry the chicken in batches for about 4 to 5 minutes each, flipping as necessary, until the chicken is golden and crunchy on the outside and cooked through inside. Once finished, drain them on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil and keep that perfect texture.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken fries, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until you get a smooth, spicy-sweet sauce. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe, delivering a creamy yet spicy coating that’s impossible to resist.
Step 5: Toss and Coat
Place your crispy chicken bites into a large bowl and pour the bang bang sauce over them. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so every bite is generously coated with that luscious sauce. This ensures you get a flavorful pop in every mouthful.
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over your coated chicken bites just before serving. The green onions add a touch of freshness and crunch, while sesame seeds contribute a subtle nutty flavor and an inviting look. These simple garnishes elevate the dish instantly and make it look like it came from your favorite restaurant.
Side Dishes
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites pair perfectly with light sides that let them shine. Consider serving with crisp celery sticks or carrot sticks to add crunch and balance. A side of jasmine rice or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the bold flavors without competing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party idea, arrange the chicken bites on a platter with small bowls of extra bang bang sauce for dipping. You can also serve them over a bed of steamed rice or place them inside lettuce cups for a fresh and handheld option. These creative presentations make the dish both eye-catching and easy to enjoy in any setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from the Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps maintain their flavor and prevents the chicken from drying out, but note the coating may lose some crispness over time.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites before tossing them in sauce. Arrange cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen chicken bites keep well for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave to preserve texture. Instead, warm the chicken bites in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Add fresh bang bang sauce after reheating for the best flavor and experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, making them a fantastic choice for Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same process.
Is it okay to bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can bake the chicken bites for a healthier option, though they won’t be quite as crispy. Bake at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through. Toss in the bang bang sauce once done.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a gentle kick thanks to sriracha, balanced by sweet chili sauce and honey. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha according to your taste preference.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the bang bang sauce can be made up to two days in advance and kept refrigerated in a sealed container. This actually helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before using.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers to keep them crispy?
Reheat leftover chicken bites in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain their crispness, and toss with fresh bang bang sauce after warming up. This keeps them tasting fresh and crunchy.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like these Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe to bring excitement to your table. They combine an addictively crispy texture with a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce that’s bound to impress both family and friends. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick midweek treat or a lively gathering, these bites promise flavor-packed joy in every mouthful. Go ahead — give this recipe a try and let it become your new favorite crowd-pleaser!
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Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites are tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a flavorful crispy batter and fried to golden perfection. Tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, these chicken bites make a perfect appetizer or snack that’s quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 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 dry coating mix: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give the chicken its crispy texture and burst of flavor.
- Coat the chicken pieces: Dip each chicken bite into the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat them in the flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure an even, thick layer.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth suitable for frying and heat it over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, ideal for crisp frying.
- Fry the chicken: Fry the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook each batch for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through inside. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy, adjusting the sriracha to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- Toss chicken with sauce: Place the fried chicken bites in a large bowl, pour the Bang Bang sauce over them, and toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat each piece with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds over the coated chicken bites. Serve immediately with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping to enjoy the perfect crispy, creamy texture.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetable oil heated to the right temperature to ensure a crispy texture and avoid greasy chicken.
- Adjust the sriracha quantity to control the spiciness level of the Bang Bang sauce.
- For a lighter version, you could bake the coated chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, but frying gives the best crispiness.
- Serve these bites as a fun appetizer, game day snack, or paired with steamed rice and vegetables for a meal.
- Make sure to drain the chicken on a wire rack rather than paper towels for better crisp retention.
