Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe

If you’re craving something crispy, saucy, and downright addictive, these Bang Bang Chicken Bites are about to become your new obsession. Juicy chunks of chicken are smothered in a tangy-sweet, slightly spicy sauce and finished with the perfect pop of fresh chives and red pepper flakes. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer or want to jazz up dinnertime with minimal effort, this dish is pure fun with maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Bang Bang Chicken Bites is how they call for kitchen staples but deliver over-the-top taste! Each ingredient has a role—tenderizing the chicken, infusing bold flavor, or bringing that signature sweet heat. They work together to make every bite crave-worthy.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all that bold seasoning and sauce. Cut into even bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
• Salt & Pepper: The essential flavor builders—season all the way for flavorful bites from the inside out.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: A dynamic duo that adds subtle savory undertones without dominating the flavor.
• Cajun Seasoning: The secret behind that gentle heat and smoky depth. Feel free to adjust for your spice preference!
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet, sticky, and packed with a mild chili punch—this classic Asian condiment is the backbone of the bang bang sauce.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness to the sauce and helps it cling to every morsel of chicken.
• Sriracha: For that irresistible tickle of heat—use more or less depending on how fiery you want your chicken bites.
• Chives: Freshly chopped for garnish—herbaceous, a little oniony, and oh-so-pretty on top.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A final sprinkle for pops of color and spicy flair, if you love a little extra zing.
• Rice (optional): The classic serving partner, perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce.

Variations

One of the beauties of Bang Bang Chicken Bites is their flexibility! Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or dialing up the drama for spice lovers, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your mood, ingredients, or dietary needs.

• Swap the Protein: Try this recipe with shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower for a delicious twist that’s still packed with bang bang flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: All the seasonings and sauce are gluten-free—just double-check your packaged brands and serve with rice or veggies instead of bread.
• Dairy-Free Makeover: Swap traditional mayo for a vegan or dairy-free version without sacrificing creaminess.
• Extra Crispy: Toss the chicken pieces in a light dusting of cornstarch before saucing and baking or air frying for even more crunch.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bites

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer or Oven

First things first: get your air fryer or oven hot and ready at 400°F. A preheated environment ensures your chicken cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully (no sad, soggy bites here!).

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Trim away any visible fat or tendons from your chicken breasts, then cut them into even, bite-sized pieces. Uniform pieces mean perfect cooking and easier snacking!

Step 3: Season Like a Pro

Add your chopped chicken to a large bowl and toss in the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning. Mix everything so each piece is well coated with flavor—no shortcuts!

Step 4: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate bowl, stir together the sweet chili sauce, mayo, and sriracha until smooth and dreamy. Taste and adjust the sriracha if you want a bigger kick—this sauce is where the “bang” happens!

Step 5: Marinate and Coat

Pour half of your bang bang sauce onto the seasoned chicken and gently fold to coat every piece. This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy while it cooks.

Step 6: Bake or Air Fry to Perfection

Arrange your chicken bites in a single layer on a lined sheet pan or air fryer basket. Bake (or air fry) for 12–15 minutes, until golden and cooked through. The edges should caramelize just a little for ultimate yum!

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once the chicken is ready, serve it hot on rice or your favorite side, drizzle generously with the rest of your bang bang sauce, and shower with lots of chives and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Dig in while it’s warm and saucy!

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bites

Garnishes

For that finishing touch, shower your Bang Bang Chicken Bites with plenty of chopped chives and a pinch of red pepper flakes. The chives add a pop of freshness and color, while the red pepper gives an extra spark that looks as lively as it tastes.

Side Dishes

I absolutely love piling these bites over a bowl of fluffy steamed rice, but they’re equally tasty alongside jasmine rice, buttery noodles, or even as lettuce wraps for a fresher spin. Add a crunchy Asian slaw or roasted veggies to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Bang Bang Chicken Bites on a big party platter with cocktail picks for game day or as a crowd-friendly potluck dish—they’re perfect nibbles! For a playful twist, tuck them into slider buns or crisp tacos, then top with sauce and extra chives. Kids and adults both love them this way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Bangs of flavor, but easy on storage! Pop cooled Bang Bang Chicken Bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They’re even better the next day as the sauce seeps into every bite—hello, meal prep magic.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these bites! Let them cool, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag or container. When you’re ready for a quick snack or dinner, just reheat straight from frozen and sauce them up again for the best results.

Reheating

For the tastiest leftovers, reheat Bang Bang Chicken Bites in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until warmed through and sizzling—this way, they regain their crisp edges. Microwave in a pinch, but know the texture will be softer (still delicious, though!).

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Bang Bang Chicken Bites, prepare for requests on repeat. They’re finger-licking, crowd-pleasing, and honestly just plain fun to eat. Give them a go, put your own spin on them, and watch everyone light up at first bite!

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