If you crave a bold, shareable appetizer that’s crispy, saucy, and guaranteed to win fans at your table, Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites are about to become your new obsession. These golden, tender bites are double-dipped in a seasoned flour blend, fried to irresistible crunch, then tossed (or dipped!) in a creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce. With every bite, you get a perfect balance of juicy chicken, addictively crispy shell, and layers of flavor that hit both comfort and excitement in one mouthful. They’re just right for game night, a party snack, or whenever you want something a little extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling off amazing Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites honestly couldn’t be simpler — the ingredient list is straightforward, yet each item plays a key role in the final flavor, crunch, or creaminess. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and why it matters for this showstopper dish!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): Using breast meat ensures tender, bite-sized chunks that stay juicy after frying.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): This is the secret marinade for ultra-tender chicken and helps the coating stick beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the main crunch factor, turning golden and crispy in hot oil.
- Cornstarch (1 cup): Boosts the shattering crispiness, making every bite light rather than heavy.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For a savory base note that wakes up the coating.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a little sweetness to complement the chicken.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Imparts a hint of color and gentle smokiness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for brightening all the flavors in both the chicken and the coating.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Rounds out the seasoning with just a touch of warmth.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Go for a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or peanut, to get the perfect golden crust.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Forms the creamy base for the signature bang bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce (¼ cup): Brings the sweet heat that gives the sauce its addictive nature.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Adds the bold, tangy kick that makes these bites sing.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances out the heat with a whisper of sweetness.
- Chopped green onions & sesame seeds (optional): Perfect for a fresh finish and pop of color on top.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place your bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk, making sure every piece is coated. Slip the bowl into the fridge and let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for juicy, flavorful chicken — the buttermilk tenderizes the meat and starts that signature “fried chicken” flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned blend is the backbone of the crispy coating that makes Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites so irresistible. Give it a good whisk to evenly distribute the spices.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk bath, letting any excess drip off, then dredge each one in the flour mixture. Press lightly so the coating really sticks — this ensures each bite will be encased in that signature crunch. For maximum crisp factor, don’t be afraid to double-dip if you like!
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet or deep pan and heat over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (about 350 degrees F if you have a thermometer), fry the chicken in batches, turning if needed, until each piece is golden brown and perfectly cooked through — about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and stay extra crunchy.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken cools slightly, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This fiery, sweet, and ultra-creamy sauce is what transforms these chicken bites from basic to unforgettable.
Step 6: Toss or Serve
Decide your saucy destiny — toss the chicken bites in the bang bang sauce for a glossy coating, or pile them onto a platter and serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Either way, you’re in for a saucy, finger-licking good time. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy!
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way here — a scatter of chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds add not just visual appeal, but also a pop of freshness and a tiny bit of toasty crunch on top. If you want to go all out, a little extra drizzle of bang bang sauce never hurt anyone.
Side Dishes
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites make a stellar appetizer, but they also shine as part of a main meal. Serve them with a cool, crunchy Asian slaw, steamed jasmine rice, or fresh cucumber ribbons for balance. If you’re hosting, a platter alongside other small bites like egg rolls or simple edamame really amps up the party vibe!
Creative Ways to Present
Lean into the fun factor by popping each bite onto toothpicks for pass-around snacking, or arrange them on lettuce leaves for bang bang chicken lettuce wraps. For a bolder twist, pile the bites over a big salad and drizzle with extra sauce, or even slide them into small rolls for craveable mini sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (they vanish quickly!), stash any remaining Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll hold up well for up to 3 days, though the coating will soften a bit as they sit.
Freezing
To freeze, let the chicken bites cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag or container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and are perfect for quick snacks or party prep.
Reheating
Re-crisp your chicken by reheating in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes, or until sizzling and heated through. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make the coating soggy rather than crispy. Add sauce after reheating for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer an even juicier bite and work beautifully in this recipe. Just trim excess fat and follow the same steps for marinating and coating.
How spicy are Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites?
The heat is quite moderate as written, with a gentle tingle from the sriracha and sweet chili sauce. For more fire, simply add extra sriracha to your sauce or serve with sliced jalapeños on the side.
Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying?
Yes, definitely! For a lighter twist, arrange the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F until crisp, about 15–18 minutes. The air fryer works great too; just give them space and cook at 400°F until golden.
What type Appetizer
Any neutral, high-smoke-point oil is perfect for frying — canola, peanut, or sunflower oil are all solid choices. Avoid olive oil, as it can burn at high temperatures and affect the clean, crisp flavor.
Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the sauce up to three days in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using — perfect for prepping ahead for parties or busy nights.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bring out a platter of Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites at your next gathering or cozy night in; you’ll honestly be amazed at how quickly they disappear. There’s just something about the hot, crunchy chicken and that luscious, zingy sauce that keeps everyone coming back for more. Give them a try — they just might become a crowd favorite in your home too!
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites are the perfect combination of crunchy and saucy, with a spicy kick that will keep you coming back for more. Serve these as a delicious appetizer or snack at your next gathering!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in buttermilk and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Coating: Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Dredge the Chicken: Dredge marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss fried chicken in the sauce or serve sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add more sriracha to the sauce.
- These chicken bites can also be baked or air fried for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
