If you’re craving a playful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s absolutely bursting with flavor, look no further than Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites! Imagine juicy pieces of chicken, perfectly coated in a shatteringly crisp crust, then doused (or dipped!) in that signature creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. These bites are ideal for game days, parties, or simply those nights when you want to jazz up your dinner routine. Kids, adults, and everyone in between will be reaching for seconds and asking for the recipe, I promise!

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites is how accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays an important role, from creating that unbeatable crunch to layering the irresistible zing of the sauce. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few insider tips along the way:

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces ensures each bite is tender and juicy.
Buttermilk: The secret marinade ingredient that adds incredible tenderness and subtle tang, while helping the coating stick.
All-purpose flour: This is your crispy coating’s main base—essential for that golden crunch.
Cornstarch: A game-changer that adds extra lightness and keeps the crust delightfully crisp.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure each layer sings.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle bit of warmth and balance to the coating.
Paprika: For a touch of color and a subtle smokiness that lifts every bite.
Vegetable oil: Pick an oil with a high smoke point for frying, like canola or peanut, to help keep things safe and crisp.
Mayonnaise: The base of your luscious Bang Bang sauce—creamy, tangy, and perfectly rich.
Sweet chili sauce: This ingredient brings the sweet, garlicky sparkle to the sauce.
Sriracha: Adjust to taste for that signature Bang Bang heat—just enough to tingle but not overpower.
Honey: A drizzle softens the spice and adds a glossy finish to the sauce.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces with buttermilk in a bowl, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—if you have time, you can let it hang out for up to 4 hours. This soak works wonders, making each bite even juicier and helping the flour coating cling beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow dish or pie plate, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika. Give everything a quick whisk so the seasonings are evenly distributed. This dry mix is the key to that irresistible, crunchy shell we all love in Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Take each piece out of the buttermilk and let any excess drip off, then dredge it in your flour mixture, turning to coat fully. Gently shake off any extra flour—this helps the coating stick and fry up evenly.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, and heat over medium-high until it hits 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, carefully add the coated chicken, frying for about 4–5 minutes per side or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Adjust your heat as you go to keep things sizzling but not smoking!

Step 5: Drain and Rest

When the chicken bites are beautifully crisp and golden, use tongs to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This simple step keeps the bites extra crispy by soaking up any excess oil—no sad, soggy bites allowed!

Step 6: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken is cooling ever so slightly, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. The flavor is bold, creamy, and a little addictive. Adjust the sriracha to match your spice preference! Once your sauce is ready, you can toss the hot chicken in it for full coverage or simply serve it on the side as a dip.

Step 7: Make It Your Own

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites are incredible right out of the fryer, but the beauty is in how you finish them. Go classic, shake things up with your favorite garnishes, or serve with a spread of sides—the possibilities are endless!

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can really make your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites pop. Scatter sliced green onions or fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and herby freshness. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle nutty flavor, and if you love a little extra heat, sprinkle on some thinly sliced red chili for drama and zest.

Side Dishes

These bites are incredibly versatile—pair them with anything from a zippy Asian slaw, fluffy steamed rice, or crisp lettuce leaves for wrapping. For a heartier meal, try serving with roasted sweet potatoes, or go classic with fries and a crunchy cucumber salad. Every option compliments the bold flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful and pile your Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites onto a platter for sharing, or skewer them on toothpicks for party-style finger food. Mini tortillas and lettuce cups work well for DIY wraps, and those indulgent bites even turn into an unforgettable salad topper. Presentation can be as fun as the flavors themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which honestly doesn’t happen too often), let the chicken bites cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bang Bang sauce is best kept separate in a sealed jar or bowl, ready for dipping or drizzling when those cravings strike again.

Freezing

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled, unsauced chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. The sauce, on the other hand, is best enjoyed fresh, so mix it up when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat your chicken bites in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 7–10 minutes, or until hot and crunchy again. Avoid the microwave if possible—it tends to soften the coating. Warm the sauce gently and toss or dip your revived bites for that just-made magic.

FAQs

Can I make Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket, lightly mist with oil, and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result? Bites that are still deliciously crispy but a bit lighter—perfect for guilt-free snacking!

How spicy are these bites?

The Bang Bang sauce has a gentle kick, but you’re in total control. Adjust the sriracha for more or less heat, or leave it out entirely if you’re cooking for little ones or spice-sensitive friends. It’s all about finding your perfect balance!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work deliciously here! They tend to be even more succulent and flavorful when fried, just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Absolutely. Swap the buttermilk for dairy-free milk (like almond or soy) with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tang and tenderizing power. Use a vegan mayo in the Bang Bang sauce, and everyone can join the feast!

How far in advance can I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. The longer soak tenderizes the meat and helps the coating stick just right—but try not to leave it much longer or the texture could get a bit too soft.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites, you might just find yourself making them on repeat. The combination of juicy chicken, crave-worthy crunch, and that unforgettable sauce delivers pure comfort and plenty of fun in every bite. Gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and get ready for food that’s too good not to share!

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delight your taste buds with these Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bites, featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful buttermilk batter, fried to crispy perfection, and tossed in a sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Bites:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon honey

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in buttermilk, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Coating: Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika in a dish.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil, dredge chicken in flour mixture, fry until golden brown.
Make Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey.
Coat and Serve: Toss fried chicken in sauce or serve on the side for dipping.