Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe: Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistibly Delicious
Meta Description: Craving something crispy and flavorful? Try this easy Bang Bang Chicken Bites recipe! Perfectly fried chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. Perfect for parties or snacks!
Introduction to Bang Bang Chicken Bites
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crispy textures, you’re going to love this Bang Bang Chicken Bites recipe! These bite-sized pieces of tender chicken are coated in a crunchy layer, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Inspired by the famous Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game day, parties, or even a quick weeknight snack. Plus, it’s so easy to make at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Perfectly Crispy: A golden, crunchy coating with juicy chicken inside.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Bites
(Serves 4-6)
For the Chicken Bites
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1-2 tsp Sriracha (adjust for heat)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken cubes in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them marinate for 15 minutes to tenderize the meat.
2. Prepare the Coating
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
4. Fry to Perfection
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha, lime juice, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust the spice level to your preference.
6. Toss and Serve
- Gently toss the crispy chicken bites in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for an extra touch. Serve immediately!
Tips for Success
- Extra Crispy: For an even crunchier coating, double-dip the chicken by returning it to the buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.
- Baking Option: For a healthier version, bake the chicken bites at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes on a greased rack.
- Sauce Variations: Add a dash of smoked paprika or swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Dips: Serve with extra Bang Bang sauce, ranch dressing, or sriracha mayo.
- Sides: Pair with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
- Presentation: Serve over a bed of lettuce for a Bang Bang Chicken salad or in tacos for a fun twist.
- Drinks Pairing: Enjoy with a cold beer, iced tea, or a citrusy margarita.
FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Bites
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store sauced chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: You can make it gluten-free by using almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular flour and panko.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Calories: 320 | Protein: 22g | Carbs: 28g | Fat: 14g
Why This Recipe Ranks
- Keyword-Optimized: Targets popular search terms like “Bang Bang Chicken Bites recipe,” “easy spicy chicken appetizer,” and “how to make Bang Bang sauce.”
- User-Friendly: Clear instructions, tips, and FAQs address common questions and concerns.
- Visual Appeal: High-quality images of golden chicken bites drizzled with sauce will attract readers.
Final Thoughts
These Bang Bang Chicken Bites are the ultimate combination of crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a delicious snack, this recipe is sure to impress. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household.
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