
Bang Bang Chicken Bites: A Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistibly Delicious Recipe
Bang Bang Chicken Bites are the ultimate appetizer or snack, offering an explosion of flavor and texture in every bite. Imagine crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce that will leave you craving more. This recipe is a simplified and bite-sized take on the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, making it perfect for parties, game nights, or simply a satisfying weeknight treat. Forget take-out; with this recipe, you can create restaurant-quality Bang Bang Chicken Bites in the comfort of your own kitchen.
## What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken gets its name from the signature ‘bang’ of flavor that comes from the combination of sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, and sriracha. The original Bang Bang Shrimp, popularized by Bonefish Grill, is the inspiration for this chicken version. The contrast of the crispy chicken with the creamy, spicy sauce is what makes this dish so addictive.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
* **Quick:** From start to finish, you can have these delicious bites ready in under 30 minutes.
* **Versatile:** Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main course with rice and vegetables.
* **Customizable:** Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level to your liking.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Bang Bang Chicken Bites are always a hit at parties and gatherings.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
### For the Chicken:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3-4 cups)
### For the Bang Bang Sauce:
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
* 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
### For Garnish (Optional):
* Chopped green onions
* Sesame seeds
* Red pepper flakes (for extra heat)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large bowl (for marinating chicken)
* Medium bowl (for dredging chicken)
* Deep skillet or pot (for frying)
* Wire rack (for draining excess oil)
* Whisk (for making the sauce)
* Large bowl (for tossing chicken in sauce)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with buttermilk, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize it and adds flavor.
### Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Mixture
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. The cornstarch helps to create a crispier coating.
### Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
1. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off.
2. One piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Place the dredged chicken on a clean plate or baking sheet.
### Step 4: Fry the Chicken
1. Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot, filling it about 2-3 inches deep.
2. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.
3. Carefully add the dredged chicken to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
4. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove the fried chicken from the oil using a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
### Step 5: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and honey (if using).
2. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your desired spice level.
3. Taste and adjust the sauce as needed.
### Step 6: Toss and Serve
1. In a large bowl, gently toss the fried chicken with the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!
## Tips for the Best Bang Bang Chicken Bites
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When frying the chicken, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken.
* **Use a Thermometer:** Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350-375°F). This will help the chicken cook evenly and become crispy.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to your desired spice level. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount and add more to taste.
* **Serve Immediately:** Bang Bang Chicken Bites are best served immediately while the chicken is still crispy and the sauce is warm.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Air Fryer Option:** For a healthier alternative, you can air fry the chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the dredged chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Toss with the Bang Bang sauce as directed.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to fry the chicken just before serving for the crispiest results.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Bang Bang Shrimp:** Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a classic Bang Bang Shrimp recipe.
* **Bang Bang Cauliflower:** For a vegetarian option, use cauliflower florets instead of chicken. Dredge and fry the cauliflower as directed in the recipe.
* **Spicy Mayo:** If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can use a combination of mayonnaise and your favorite hot sauce.
* **Honey Garlic Sauce:** For a sweeter sauce, add more honey or substitute the sweet chili sauce with a honey garlic sauce.
* **Soy Sauce:** Add a teaspoon of soy sauce to the Bang Bang sauce for an extra umami flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Chicken Bites can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Appetizer:** Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
* **Main Course:** Serve them over rice with steamed vegetables or a side salad.
* **Tacos or Wraps:** Use them as a filling for tacos or wraps with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and other toppings.
* **Salad Topping:** Add them to a salad for a protein boost and a burst of flavor.
* **Party Food:** These are the perfect party food that disappears quickly.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per Serving, based on 6 servings)
* Calories: 450-500
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 25-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
*Please note that nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The chicken may lose some of its crispiness when refrigerated.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to restore some of its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the chicken soggy.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce can separate and the chicken can become soggy when thawed.
## Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe Card
**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes
### Ingredients:
#### For the Chicken:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Vegetable oil, for frying
#### For the Bang Bang Sauce:
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
* 1-2 tablespoons sriracha
* 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
#### For Garnish (Optional):
* Chopped green onions
* Sesame seeds
* Red pepper flakes
### Instructions:
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a large bowl, combine chicken, buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Prepare Dredging Mixture:** In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. **Dredge the Chicken:** Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture.
4. **Fry the Chicken:** Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350-375°F. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through.
5. **Prepare Bang Bang Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and honey (if using).
6. **Toss and Serve:** Toss the fried chicken with the Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.
## Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. With crispy chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. So, ditch the takeout and whip up a batch of these irresistible bites today! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations with us in the comments below. Happy cooking!