These Sweet Chili Chicken Bites offer a perfect balance of crispy chicken and a sweet, tangy glaze. The crunchy exterior gives way to tender, juicy chicken inside, making every bite irresistible.
Tossed in a savory-sweet sauce, these bites are an ideal appetizer or snack, sure to please a crowd. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party, game day, or a weeknight dinner, they’ll be a hit. For extra heat, feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a fresh, flavorful touch.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 cup cornstarch
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1 large egg, beaten
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
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1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1 teaspoon honey
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Chopped green onions, for garnish
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Sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions:
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In a large bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
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In a separate bowl, place cornstarch. Dip each piece of chicken into the cornstarch, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches and fry until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and red pepper flakes.
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Pour the sauce into the skillet over medium heat and bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes.
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Add the crispy chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and adhere to the chicken.
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Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Sweet Chili Chicken Bites Are a Must-Try
What makes Sweet Chili Chicken Bites so special is the balance between crispy fried chicken and a rich, tangy sauce. The sweet chili sauce not only coats the chicken but also penetrates the crust, adding a sticky, sweet finish with just a hint of heat. This creates an irresistible flavor profile that everyone will enjoy. For those who appreciate a little heat with their sweetness, the addition of red pepper flakes takes these bites to another level, making them both spicy and sweet in every bite.
These chicken bites are versatile enough to fit into almost any meal, from casual family dinners to more formal gatherings. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they will have everyone coming back for more. The crispy exterior holds up well, making them a great option for making ahead of time, and the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored for easy use when you’re ready to fry.
The Appeal of Fried Chicken with a Sweet Chili Sauce
Fried chicken is a beloved dish around the world, known for its crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. However, the true magic happens when you add the sweet chili sauce. The sauce is a blend of sweet, sour, and spicy, often made from ingredients like sugar, vinegar, garlic, and red chili. When combined with fried chicken, it adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates the dish to new heights.
Sweet chili sauce is commonly used in many Asian cuisines, where it’s served as a dipping sauce or glaze. It’s known for its versatility, working beautifully with everything from spring rolls to grilled meats. In the case of Sweet Chili Chicken Bites, the sauce is perfectly suited to coat the chicken, creating a flavor-packed snack or appetizer that captures the essence of sweet, spicy, and savory all at once.
The Cooking Process: Crispy Coating and Glaze Perfection
One of the keys to making these Sweet Chili Chicken Bites so irresistible is the frying process. The chicken pieces are first coated in a mixture of flour and cornstarch before being dipped into beaten eggs and rolled in panko breadcrumbs. The cornstarch plays a crucial role in ensuring that the coating becomes crispy and stays crisp while frying. Panko breadcrumbs, known for their light, airy texture, ensure that the chicken bites achieve a golden, crispy finish.
Once the chicken pieces are fried to perfection, the next step is to toss them in the sweet chili glaze. The glaze is simple but packed with flavor, made from sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey. The glaze not only enhances the flavor of the chicken but also adds a nice shiny coating that makes the bites look even more appetizing. The combination of crispy chicken and the sticky glaze is what makes these bites so enjoyable.
Sweet Chili Chicken Bites: The Perfect Snack or Meal
Sweet Chili Chicken Bites are perfect for any occasion. They can be served as a snack for game day, a crowd-pleasing appetizer at a dinner party, or even as part of a larger meal. The sweet and savory combination makes them ideal for pairing with a variety of sides, such as steamed rice, vegetable stir-fries, or a simple green salad.
These chicken bites are also incredibly easy to prepare, which makes them a great choice for busy weeknights or weekends when you’re entertaining guests. The simple ingredients and straightforward cooking method mean you don’t have to be an expert chef to make these delicious bites. And with the ability to adjust the level of heat to your preference, they’re sure to suit the tastes of everyone at the table.
How to Customize Sweet Chili Chicken Bites
One of the great things about Sweet Chili Chicken Bites is how customizable they are. While the classic recipe features fried chicken with a sweet chili glaze, there are plenty of ways you can make it your own. For example, if you prefer a milder version, you can omit the red pepper flakes or use a less spicy chili sauce. On the other hand, if you love heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add some fresh chopped chilies to the glaze.
You can also add extra seasonings to the flour mixture before coating the chicken to add more depth to the flavor. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and even a little cayenne pepper can bring an additional layer of flavor to the chicken bites. And for those who are looking for a healthier option, the recipe can be easily adapted by baking the chicken instead of frying it, though the crispy texture may not be quite the same.
Pairing Ideas for Sweet Chili Chicken Bites
Sweet Chili Chicken Bites pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a light and fresh meal, consider serving them with a simple salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and carrots, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness of the vegetables will balance out the richness of the fried chicken.
If you prefer a heartier meal, serve these chicken bites with steamed rice or noodles. A side of stir-fried vegetables—such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas—would also be a perfect complement to the sweetness and spice of the chicken. You could even serve them with a bowl of miso soup for a more traditional Asian-inspired meal.
The Versatility of Sweet Chili Chicken Bites
These chicken bites aren’t just limited to being an appetizer or snack; they can also be turned into a main course. By serving them over a bed of rice or alongside some sautéed vegetables, they become a full meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re serving them for a casual family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, Sweet Chili Chicken Bites are sure to be a hit.
Additionally, Sweet Chili Chicken Bites can easily be adjusted for different dietary needs. While the recipe is already versatile, you can swap out ingredients to fit specific dietary preferences. For example, you could try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornstarch to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with cauliflower florets or tofu, following the same frying and glazing process for a satisfying plant-based alternative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sweet Chili Chicken Bites are a versatile, easy-to-make, and flavorful dish that will satisfy any craving for something crispy, sweet, and savory. The combination of fried chicken and sweet chili sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors, and the crispy coating ensures that each bite is just as satisfying as the last. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these chicken bites are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Try them out at your next gathering, or whip them up for a quick weeknight dinner that everyone will love. You won’t regret it!