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This Thai Chicken Bites recipe transforms simple ingredients into irresistible morsels that balance the perfect trifecta of Thai flavors—crispy, salty, and sweet. The golden exterior gives way to juicy chicken inside, creating a delightful texture contrast that keeps you reaching for more.
I first made these chicken bites for a last minute dinner party when I was completely out of ideas. The empty plate and requests for the recipe told me everything I needed to know they became an instant favorite in our rotation.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Choose plump chicken breasts for the juiciest bites
- All purpose flour: Creates the crispy exterior when fried
- Garlic powder: Adds depth of flavor to the coating
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors
- Large egg: Acts as the glue for the breading process
- Milk: Thins the egg mixture for easier coating
- Canola oil or peanut oil: Both have high smoke points ideal for frying
- Sweet chili sauce: The perfect balance of sweet and spicy for authentic Thai flavor
- Julienned carrot: Adds fresh crunch and vibrant color
- Fresh cilantro: Brightens the dish with herbaceous notes
- Sesame seeds: Provides subtle nutty flavor and appealing visual texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Cut:
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F using a thermometer for accuracy. The right temperature ensures crispy exterior without sogginess. Cut chicken breast into evenly sized pieces about 1 inch cubed so they cook uniformly. Making them too large will result in undercooked centers while too small may become tough.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Mix flour with garlic powder and seasonings in a shallow dish wide enough to work comfortably. In a separate dish whisk egg with milk until completely combined. The three step breading process starts by thoroughly coating chicken in seasoned flour shaking off excess. Then dip in egg mixture allowing excess to drip off before returning to flour mixture. Press gently to adhere coating. This double coating creates the perfect crispy shell.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully add coated chicken pieces to hot oil without overcrowding the pan which would lower oil temperature. Maintain 350°F throughout cooking for optimal results. Fry until deeply golden brown about 3 4 minutes per side. The coating should be audibly crisp when done. Remove using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle with salt immediately while hot for best flavor absorption.
- Toss and Serve:
- Transfer the still hot chicken to a large bowl and pour sweet chili sauce over top. Gently toss until each piece is evenly coated with the glossy sauce. The heat from the chicken helps the sauce adhere perfectly. Immediately garnish with sesame seeds julienned carrot and fresh cilantro. Serve while still warm for the best texture contrast between crispy exterior and juicy interior.
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You Must Know
- These bites stay crispy for about 30 minutes after tossing with sauce
- Can be made ahead and reheated in a 375°F oven for 5 minutes
- Sweet chili sauce can be adjusted based on your spice preference
- Each serving contains approximately 395 calories
My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment when the hot crispy chicken hits the sweet chili sauce creating that magical sweet heat combination. My husband who typically avoids spicy food finds himself stealing pieces right from the mixing bowl before I can even serve them. Something about the balance of flavors makes even heat skeptics into believers.
Make Ahead Options
These Thai Chicken Bites can be prepped ahead for busy weeknights. Prepare the chicken and coat it through the flour step but stop before frying. Arrange the coated pieces on a baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. When ready to serve simply fry as directed in the recipe. The coating might need an extra minute in the oil to achieve the same crispiness but the flavor remains unchanged. This method has saved me countless times when entertaining.
Perfect Pairings
These flavor packed bites deserve companions that complement without overwhelming. Serve alongside coconut jasmine rice which provides a cooling element to balance the sweet heat. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing adds refreshing crunch. For a complete Thai inspired meal add spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce. The combination creates a satisfying spread that feels like restaurant quality dining at home.
Spice Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to different heat preferences. For those who enjoy intense spice mix sriracha into the sweet chili sauce or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the flour mixture. If cooking for sensitive palates opt for a milder sweet chili sauce and increase the sweetness with a teaspoon of honey. For an interesting twist try adding a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce creating a hybrid of two beloved Thai flavors.
Recipe FAQs
- → What oil works best for frying these Thai Chicken Bites?
Canola oil or peanut oil work best as they have high smoke points ideal for frying. Peanut oil adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the Thai flavors. Maintain the oil at 350°F for perfectly crispy chicken.
- → Can I make these Thai Chicken Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350°F oven until crisp and warm, then toss with the sweet chili sauce just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.
- → What can I serve with Thai Chicken Bites?
These bites pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or a simple cucumber salad. For a complete appetizer spread, serve alongside spring rolls, satay skewers, or a Thai-inspired slaw.
- → Can I make these Thai Chicken Bites gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Also verify your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten-based additives or thickeners.
- → How spicy are these Thai Chicken Bites?
The spice level depends entirely on your choice of sweet chili sauce. Most commercial brands are mildly spicy. For more heat, add a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce, or for less heat, mix the sweet chili sauce with a bit of honey.
- → Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! For a healthier version, arrange the coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).