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crispy chicken bites

These Crispy Chicken Bites are the perfect homemade alternative to fast-food nuggets—juicy on the inside, golden and crunchy on the outside, with a delicious sweet and spicy kick from honey, Sriracha, and warm spices. Ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for game day, lunchboxes, or weeknight dinners.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes
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Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2.8 pounds boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5 inch chunks
  • 2 cups plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons seasoned salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper adjust to taste for heat
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 4 cups vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, honey, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and kosher salt until smooth.
  • Place the cut chicken chunks into a large zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and massage gently to coat evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 3 to 4 hours for best flavor.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, 1.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper, and dried parsley. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
  • Remove the marinated chicken from the bag, discarding excess marinade. Toss each chicken piece in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a full, even coating.
  • Preheat oven to warm (200°F). Set a large baking sheet nearby. Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 375°F. Carefully fry the chicken bites in small batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Transfer fried chicken bites to the baking sheet and place in the warm oven to keep crisp while frying remaining batches. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crispy results, double-fry the bites: fry once at 350°F to cook through, then a second time at 375°F to crisp up. Substitute with panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier texture.