Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Bang Bang Chicken Bites (Crispy, Creamy, and Irresistible)

Sarah Smith
Oct 30, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 25, 2025

Spicy Bang bang chicken bites with sesame seeds and chopped green onions on a white plate, creating an appetizing and vibrant look.

These Bang Bang Chicken Bites are crispy, saucy, and bursting with bold sweet-and-spicy flavor, making them perfect for both weeknight dinners and party spreads. Serve them alongside Creamy Mashed Potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal, or pair them with Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Bake for a rich, cozy side that balances the heat beautifully. Hosting guests? Add Baked Biscuit Wreath Dip to the table for a fun, shareable appetizer that turns this dish into a crowd-pleasing feast everyone will remember.

Recipe Card

Servings: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup cornstarch
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

For Garnish:

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk and let soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
Prepare the Coating: In a large bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat oil to 350°F.
Fry the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, shake off excess, and coat each piece in the flour mixture. Fry in batches for 4–5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Place on a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth.
Toss and Serve: In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy chicken bites in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken

Double fry for extra crunch — fry once at 325°F, rest, then fry again at 375°F for 1–2 minutes.
Air fryer option: Spray the
chicken with oil and cook at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
Make it lighter: Use baked chicken or grilled strips and toss in the sauce.
Adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha.
Serve over rice or lettuce wraps for a quick, satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

These Bang Bang Chicken Bites are the perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and crunchy — a total flavor explosion that never fails to impress. They’re easy to make, family-friendly, and ideal for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave a restaurant-style treat at home.

Serve with extra sauce on the side and watch them disappear!

FAQ

Q: What makes the sauce “Bang Bang” sauce? It’s a creamy, sweet, and spicy mix of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.

Q: Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying? Absolutely — bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes or air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes until crispy.

Q: How do I keep the coating crisp? Use cornstarch in the breading and make sure the chicken is dry before coating.

Q: Can I make these ahead? The chicken is best fresh, but you can prep the sauce and bread the chicken ahead of time.

Q: What can I serve with Bang Bang chicken bites? Rice, noodles, salads, roasted veggies, or lettuce wraps.