These Thai Chicken Bites are the perfect mix of crispy, juicy chicken and bold, vibrant flavors. The golden-brown coating locks in the meat’s tenderness, while a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy Thai sauce coats every bite. It’s a quick dish that works for a snack, appetizer, or even part of a main meal with rice or noodles. Every mouthful delivers crunch, savory depth, and that irresistible sticky glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of crispy fried chicken and a fragrant Thai-inspired sauce makes this recipe hard to resist. The sauce blends sweet chili heat, garlic, and citrus for a well-rounded flavor. It’s also incredibly versatile — you can serve these bites with steamed jasmine rice, over salad greens, or as part of a party platter. The cooking process is straightforward, and the sauce comes together while the chicken fries, making it a perfect weeknight or gathering option.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Thai sauce:
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
For serving:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and marinate the chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the buttermilk and stir to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the sauce ingredients.
2. Prepare the Thai sauce
In a small saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and chili flakes if using. Set over low heat and stir until warm and slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Keep warm on the stove.
3. Bread the chicken
In a shallow dish, mix the cornstarch and flour. Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and coat each piece evenly in the flour mixture. Set aside on a plate while heating the oil.
4. Fry until golden and crispy
Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Toss and serve
Place the fried chicken in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm Thai sauce over the top and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges before serving.
Thai Chicken Bites
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast diced
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
For Thai Sauce:
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp chili flakes optional
For Serving:
- Green onion Sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh lime Wedges
Instructions
- Mix chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat with buttermilk and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, and chili flakes. Warm for 3–4 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch and flour. Coat chicken pieces evenly.
- Heat oil in a skillet. Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked.
- Coat fried chicken in sauce. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
- Swap lime juice for rice vinegar if you prefer a sharper tang.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes for a lighter version.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal note.
- Serve with sticky rice or noodles for a full meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed jasmine or coconut rice for a satisfying main course.
- Add to a fresh Asian-style salad with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing.
- Pair with fried rice or stir-fried noodles for a hearty meal.
- Serve as a party appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Final Thoughts
These Thai Chicken Bites balance crispy texture with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that work in almost any meal setting. They’re simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for gatherings. The quick cooking time, easy prep, and versatile serving options make them a go-to choice when you need something bold, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.
