Crispy Chicken Bites with Sweet Chili Sauce
Make easy, crispy chicken bites coated in a simple breading and serve them with a tangy sweet chili dipping sauce. This recipe includes instructions for air frying or oven baking.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer or Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying/baking)
- For the Sauce: 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the cut chicken pieces in a medium bowl.
- Set up the breading station: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a second shallow dish, place the beaten eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge the chicken: Take one piece of chicken, coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place the coated pieces on a wire rack.
- Cook the chicken (Air Fryer Method): Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer, working in batches. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Cook the chicken (Oven Method): Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Cook the chicken (Shallow Fry Method): Heat about 1 inch of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately with the sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness when baking or air frying, spray the coated chicken generously with cooking spray before cooking.
- If you prefer a sticky glaze, toss the hot, cooked chicken bites in 1/4 cup of the sweet chili sauce just before serving.
- You can substitute panko with crushed cornflakes for a different texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 6 bites)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 95