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Fried Chicken Bites with Sweet Spicy Sauce Recipe

These Fried Chicken Bites with Sweet Spicy Sauce are crispy, tender, and packed with flavor. The chicken is coated in a crispy batter, fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a deliciously tangy sweet and spicy sauce. It’s the perfect dish for a snack, appetizer, or dinner, with a balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch that will have you coming back for more.

Equipment

  • Large bowl (for marinating the chicken)
  • Shallow bowl (for the coating)
  • Large frying pan or deep fryer
  • Tongs or slotted spoon
  • Small saucepan (for the sauce)
  • Paper towels (for draining the fried chicken)

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken Bites:
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • For the Sweet Spicy Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce adjust to desired heat level
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger optional
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for extra spice

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken Bites:
  • In a bowl, mix the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • Coat the Chicken:
  • In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
  • Once the chicken has marinated, dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, making sure to coat them evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Fry the Chicken:
  • Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, or use a deep fryer if you have one.
  • Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), fry the chicken bites in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  • Make the Sweet Spicy Sauce:
  • While the chicken is frying, combine all of the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more honey for sweetness or sriracha for heat.
  • Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:
  • Once all the chicken is fried, place the chicken bites in a large bowl. Pour the sweet spicy sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
  • If desired, garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or a drizzle of extra sauce.
  • Serve:
  • Serve the fried chicken bites with a side of dipping sauce, a fresh salad, or enjoy them on their own for a delicious snack or appetizer!