Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe
If you’re craving big flavor and crave-worthy crunch without a fussy process, Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites are about to become your new culinary obsession. These golden morsels are juicy inside, wildly crisp on the outside, and tossed (or dipped) in an irresistible tangy-spicy sauce that’ll have everyone swooning at first bite. Whether you’re prepping a fun family dinner, gearing up for game night, or hunting for an appetizer that sparks instant joy, this dish balances comfort, excitement, and a punch of Asian-inspired flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to deliver that signature snap and unforgettable flavor. Stock your kitchen with these basics, and you’ll find every single component brings essential taste, color, or texture magic to your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces create juicy, tender bites that anchor the dish.
- Buttermilk: This adds tang and helps keep the chicken ultra-moist while tenderizing each bite.
- Salt: Simple seasoning, but crucial for brightening up every flavor in both chicken and coating.
- Black pepper: A bold touch of heat that works beautifully in the marinade.
- Cornstarch: The not-so-secret weapon for that extra-crispy, shatteringly light crust.
- All-purpose flour: Gives body to the coating so it fries up satisfyingly golden and crunchy.
- Garlic powder: Subtle, savory undertones that make every bite sing.
- Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a gorgeous bronze color after frying.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil keeps things light and perfectly crisp when frying.
- Mayonnaise (for sauce): This creamy base is what makes the sauce cling so well to the chicken.
- Sweet chili sauce: Delivers a perfect blend of sweetness and gentle heat to the Bang Bang sauce.
- Sriracha: Just the right spicy kick—adjust to your heat preference!
- Honey: Balances heat with a touch of satisfying sweetness in the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity wakes up the sauce and brightens the flavors.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by adding your bite-sized chicken pieces to a medium bowl. Pour in the buttermilk, sprinkle the salt and black pepper, and give everything a gentle toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour if you want even more tenderness). This flavorful soak is key to juicy, flavorful bites once fried!
Step 2: Prep the Coating
While the chicken is soaking up all that buttermilk goodness, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl. This combo works wonders—cornstarch brings crunch, while flour adds body and golden color. Make sure everything is blended evenly so each piece gets the perfect crust!
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Take each marinated chicken piece and coat it thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to make sure every angle is covered. Don’t rush this step! The drier, well-packed coating is what gives Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites their signature snap.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high. Once the oil is shimmering (a small drop of water should sizzle and pop), carefully add chicken pieces in batches. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, until beautifully golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let the excess oil drain off.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the flavor bomb—the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Decide if you want to toss all your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites in the luscious sauce for maximum coverage, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping (both are superb options!). Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop—then dive in while they’re piping hot and crisp.
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! After you’ve sauced your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites, scatter over some finely chopped green onions for sharpness and color, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a little extra crunch. Even a few slices of fresh chili or a squeeze of lime lifts these bites to dazzling new heights.
Side Dishes
These bites shine all on their own, but pairing them wisely takes your meal to another level. Serve alongside perfectly steamed jasmine rice, a bed of crisp lettuce (for wraps!), or a refreshing cucumber salad. Roasted veggies or an Asian slaw are easy, vibrant companions for balancing out the rich, punchy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re in the mood for a little culinary flair, try skewering the bites with toothpicks for a party platter, nestling them into lettuce cups with extra sauce drizzle, or piling them into soft slider buns with crunchy slaw. However you present them, Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to 3 days. For the sauce, keep it separately in a small container in the fridge to maintain freshness and zing.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, let the cooked chicken bites cool completely before spreading on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Freeze sauce separately, or better yet, whip up a fresh batch when it’s time to enjoy!
Reheating
To restore their famous crunch, reheat leftover (or thawed) Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until hot and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. Once hot, toss or serve with your sauce—just like fresh!
FAQs
Can I make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites in the air fryer?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer and cook at 400°F for about 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway through. They’ll turn out golden and crisp—perfect for a healthier twist!
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Definitely—use your favorite plant-based buttermilk (like oat or almond-based) and a vegan mayonnaise for the sauce. These swaps keep your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites dairy-free without sacrificing taste or texture.
Can I control how spicy these bites are?
Yes! Simply adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to suit your preference. You can go bold with extra sriracha or scale it back for a more family-friendly kick without losing the essential flavor.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Opt for a neutral, high-heat oil such as vegetable oil or canola oil. These oils fry the chicken evenly and let the sauce flavors shine through without overpowering the dish.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer extra juiciness and flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the exact same instructions—the results are delectable either way.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a show-stopping appetizer or a weeknight treat that never fails to impress, make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites your go-to recipe. Bold, crispy, and utterly addictive, this dish turns any meal into a celebration. Trust me—one bite and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite. Don’t wait, give them a try and let your tastebuds revel in every crunchy, saucy mouthful!
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites are a delicious Asian-inspired appetizer featuring bite-sized pieces of tender chicken coated in a crispy, flavorful crust and tossed in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce. Perfect for parties or as a tasty snack!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour).
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Working in batches, fry the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the hot chicken bites in the Bang Bang sauce until coated or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, air-fry the chicken at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- You can also bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Adjust sriracha to make it milder or spicier.
- Great as an appetizer, party snack, or over rice for a meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
