Bang Bang Chicken Bites
Bang Bang Chicken Bites are crispy, golden bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that delivers a perfect balance of crunch, spice, and tanginess. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients, this flavorful appetizer is perfect for sharing and customizable to suit your preferred heat level or dietary needs.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
Breading Seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Prep Your Chicken: Cut boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks, about 1 to 1.5 inches each, ensuring even cooking and easy eating.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: In one bowl, whisk the eggs for the binding layer. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs together with garlic powder and a pinch of salt to season the coating perfectly.
- Coat and Fry the Chicken: Dip each chicken chunk first into the egg mixture, then roll in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs until fully covered. Heat vegetable oil over medium heat to 350-375°F and fry the bites until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to keep them crunchy.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth and creamy, adjusting the spice level to your liking.
- Toss and Serve: Once the chicken bites are cool enough to handle, gently toss them in the sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately for the best flavor and crispiness.
Notes
- Double Coat: For extra crunch, dip the chicken in egg and panko twice before frying.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the frying oil between 350-375°F to ensure a crispy exterior without burning.
- Rest the Sauce: Chill the bang bang sauce for 10 minutes in the refrigerator to blend flavors fully.
- Use Fresh Chicken: Freshly cut chicken pieces cook evenly and stay tender inside.
- Drain Well: Place fried chicken on paper towels immediately to avoid sogginess from excess oil.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken bites in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers instead of panko.
- Oven-Baked Version: Bake coated chicken bites at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 5 pieces)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken Bites, crispy chicken bites, spicy chicken appetizer, creamy spicy sauce, easy party snacks, gluten-free chicken bites, quick chicken recipe