Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites

If you love crispy chicken with a creamy, flavorful twist, these Bang Bang Chicken Bites will win you over instantly. Juicy, golden bites of chicken coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a sweet-spicy sauce, they’re the perfect appetizer, game-day snack, or quick weeknight dinner. These bites deliver restaurant-style flavor in every crunchy, saucy mouthful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce.
• Simple ingredients and quick to make in under 30 minutes.
• Great for parties, family dinners, or meal prep.
• The sauce is creamy, flavorful, and customizable to your spice level.
• Air fryer or oven options make it easy to suit your preference.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken and buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
2. Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4. Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Shake off excess coating.
5. Fry Until Golden: Fry the chicken bites in batches for 4–5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
6. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy.
7. Toss & Serve: Gently toss the warm chicken bites in the sauce until coated evenly. Serve immediately, topped with green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

• Air Fryer Option: Spray the coated chicken lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Make It Lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce.
• Spice Control: Add or reduce sriracha based on your preferred heat level.
• Crunch Upgrade: Mix crushed panko breadcrumbs into the coating for extra crispiness.
• Serving Idea: Serve on skewers for party-style bites or in lettuce cups for a lighter twist.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crispy again.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
• Sauce Storage: Keep sauce refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days and stir before using.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks and a drizzle of extra sauce.
• Pair with steamed jasmine rice or crispy fries for a filling meal.
• Serve alongside fresh coleslaw or cucumber salad for balance.
• Add extra sauce for dipping, it’s addictive!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can fry the chicken ahead, refrigerate, and reheat it in the oven or air fryer. Add the sauce only before serving to keep it crispy.

What type of chili sauce works best?

Sweet Thai chili sauce is ideal — it adds sweetness, tang, and a mild spice that balances the creamy mayo.

Can I bake instead of frying?

Yes. Bake coated chicken on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Then toss in sauce before serving.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch, and ensure your chili sauce is gluten-free.

Ready to Make It?

These Bang Bang Chicken Bites are crisp, creamy, and completely irresistible, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Try them once, and they’ll become your go-to appetizer or quick dinner favorite.

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