If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy texture with a rich, spicy-sweet kick, you have to try this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe. These bite-sized pieces of chicken are coated in a golden, crunchy crust and then tossed in a luscious homemade Bang Bang sauce that sings with flavor. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting friends or simply want a tasty treat to brighten up your weeknight dinner. The combination of crispy chicken and that creamy, tangy sauce is seriously addictive and incredibly satisfying every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe starts with a handful of simple, straightforward ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one plays a key role — from creating the perfect crunchy coating to delivering that vibrant, flavorful sauce.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy frying and perfect dipping portions.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base for the crispy coating that holds on tight to each chicken bite.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Adds extra crunch and lightness to the chicken crust.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlicky warmth within the crispy coating.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings a touch of smoky flavor and gorgeous color.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every bite.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds just enough kick to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Keeps the chicken tender while helping the coating stick perfectly.
- Vegetable oil: For frying until the chicken bites turn irresistibly golden and crispy.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy backbone of the Bang Bang sauce.
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce: Offers a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that brightens the sauce.
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce: Adds heat — adjust this depending on your spice preference.
- 1 tsp honey: A hint of sweetness that balances the spice and tang.
- 1 tsp rice vinegar: Provides a pop of acidity to make the flavors really shine.
- Chopped green onions: Fresh color and a mild onion bite for garnish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a toasty crunch and a little visual flair.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crispy coating mixture
Start by whisking together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This dry mixture will create that iconic crunchy crust that makes these chicken bites so irresistible.
Step 2: Coat the chicken pieces
Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk to keep them juicy and help the coating stick, then dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken well — you want every bite to be packed with crispy goodness.
Step 3: Fry the chicken until golden
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the chicken pieces in batches so they’re not crowded, which helps them crisp evenly. Cook each batch for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and satisfyingly crunchy. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels to keep that crispiness intact.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang sauce
While the chicken is frying, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and bursting with flavor — the perfect partner to the crispy chicken bites.
Step 5: Toss and coat the chicken
Transfer all the fried chicken bites into a large bowl and pour the Bang Bang sauce over them. Toss gently but thoroughly so every piece gets coated in that luscious sauce. The sauce clings beautifully, enhancing each bite with a delightful balance of heat, sweetness, and tang.
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions and a handful of toasted sesame seeds over the top to add freshness and a touch of crunch. These simple garnishes not only make the dish pop visually but boost the flavor profile with a slight earthiness and sharpness.
Side Dishes
Serve these Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites alongside cooling cucumber slices or a crisp Asian slaw for contrast. Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice also make excellent companions, soaking up any extra sauce and rounding out the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present the chicken bites on skewers as an appetizer at your next party or pile them high on lettuce leaves for a finger-food style lettuce wrap. You can even turn this into a bang bang chicken salad by mixing in fresh greens and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain as much crispiness as possible, keep the sauce separate and toss just before serving.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, place cooked and cooled chicken bites on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Remember to freeze the sauce separately or make fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven works best to preserve crunchiness — spread the chicken bites on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the crispy coating soggy. Add the Bang Bang sauce fresh after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and a bit more flavorful, which works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to cut them into evenly sized bite pieces for consistent cooking.
How spicy is this Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe?
The dish carries a balanced spicy kick thanks to sriracha, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha according to your taste preferences.
Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
While frying gives the crispiest texture, baking is a healthier alternative. To bake, coat the chicken pieces and place them on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using—it works great for tenderizing the chicken.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Just give it a good stir before tossing it with the chicken bites for maximum flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe is the kind of dish that turns every bite into a celebration of flavor and texture. Its crunchy exterior paired with that dreamy, spicy-sweet sauce makes it impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, these chicken bites always steal the show. So grab your ingredients, get frying, and treat yourself to some deliciously crispy happiness tonight!
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites are golden fried, tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy flour and cornstarch mixture, then tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or snack, these chicken bites are quick to make and sure to please any crowd.
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 dry coating mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the crispy coating.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each bite-sized chicken piece into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, then fully coat the chicken in the flour mixture by pressing gently so the coating adheres evenly.
- Heat the oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a skillet to cover the bottom by about 1/2 inch and heat over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking—ideal frying temperature is about 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken: Working in batches to avoid crowding, fry the coated chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes per batch until they turn golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and well combined, adjusting sriracha to your preferred spice level.
- Toss chicken with sauce: Transfer the crispy chicken to a large bowl and pour the Bang Bang sauce over it. Gently toss until each piece is evenly coated with the creamy 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.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier bites or chicken breasts for leaner texture.
- Frying in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping, ensuring crispy chicken.
- You can substitute sweet chili sauce with honey or a mild chili sauce for a different flavor profile.
- For less spicy sauce, reduce or omit the sriracha.
- Make sure chicken pieces are uniformly sized for even cooking.
- Storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator is best eaten within 2 days; reheat in an air fryer or oven to retain crispiness.
