Crispy Chicken Bites

Name: Crispy Chicken Bites
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs; 1/4 cup sesame seeds; 2 tsp. minced cilantro; 1/2 cup mayo; 1 tsp. onion powder; 1 tsp. ground mustard; 1 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2-4 Tbsp. olive oil; salt and pepper; Honey-Mustard Sauce:; 1/2 cup mayo; 2 tsp. honey; 1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard

posted by Katya on Apr 21, 2014 (updated Sep 4, 2023) 4 comments »

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2 reviews

Crispy Chicken Bites coated in crunchy Panko breadcrumbs with sesame seeds and served with a delectable honey-mustard sauce.

Love easy snacks? Try baked buffalo chicken tenders, grilled chicken sliders, or sesame chicken wings.

crispy chicken bites drizzled with sauce and garnished with chopped cilantro in a bowl.

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Why This Recipe Works
Ingredients
Variations
How to Make Crispy Chicken Bites
Expert Tips
Serving Suggestions
Recipe FAQs
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Crispy Chicken Bites

Why This Recipe Works

Easy Snack – These Crispy Chicken Bites are soon to be your new go-to snack. Tender pieces of succulent chicken wrapped in Panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, and a variety of spices mean every bite is exciting.
Comforting – We’ve paired them with honey-mustard sauce, a delicious blend of creamy mayo, sweet honey, and tangy Dijon mustard that works wonders with these fried chicken bites.
Crowd Pleaser – So, whether you’re looking for a quick snack for the kids or a fantastic topping for your next salad, this recipe has you covered. It’s fast, easy, and will surely become a regular in your kitchen rotations.

Ingredients

You’ll find all the ingredients you need to make our amazing Crispy Chicken Bites recipe at your local grocery store:

Chicken breasts: We use skinless chicken breasts because they’re easy to work with, but you can also use thighs or other cuts.
Panko bread crumbs: A gift from Japan, these have a light, airy texture, unlike traditional breadcrumbs.
Sesame seeds: A sprinkle in our crumb mix adds a subtle nutty flavor while improving the texture.
Cilantro: Brings a fresh and aromatic lift to our bites, really taking them to the next level.
Mayo: We use mayo for breading the chicken and for the creamy base in our honey-mustard sauce.
Spice powders: Onion powder for added depth of flavor and ground mustard for a tangy kick.
Honey: Nature’s sweetener. Balances the tanginess and adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
Dijon mustard: The spicy, tangy counterpart to honey. Together, they create the magic that is the honey-mustard sauce.
Olive oil: Our trusty frying companion. Not only does it help cook our chicken to perfection, but also brings a slight fruity note.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations

What to put your own spin on our breaded chicken bites recipe? Here’s some inspiration:

Spice Life: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Panko mix for a fiery kick.
Asian Flair: Replace cilantro with chopped scallions and a splash of soy sauce for an Asian twist.
Cheese Please: Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese into your Panko mix. It’ll melt and add a delicious cheesy crust.
Garlic Galore: Add some minced garlic or garlic powder to the mayo mix. Because who can resist garlic?
Tropical Tease: Serve with pineapple mango salsa on the side for a refreshing summer twist.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Bites

Ready to get started? Roll up your sleeves and follow along to make these crispy chicken pieces! Check the recipe card below if you need more help.

Mix bread crumbs, sesame seeds, and cilantro in a medium bowl.
Blend mayo, onion powder, and mustard in a separate bowl.
Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Coat them in the mayo mixture.
Toss the mayo-covered chicken into the crumb mixture. Coat well.

In a skillet, cook the chicken in olive oil over medium heat until golden. About 4-5 minutes on each side should be enough.

chicken pieces in a skillet coated with sesame seeds.

For our tangy Honey-Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayo, honey, and Dijon mustard. Serve the chicken with the sauce.

Expert Tips

Check these expert tips to help make the best crispy chicken pops:

Chicken Check: Always make sure your chicken is cooked through. Golden brown on the outside doesn’t always mean done on the inside, so slice one open to take a peek before digging in.
Crunch Master: Use fresh Panko bread crumbs to ensure the fried chicken pieces have that irresistible crunch we all love.
Herb Hug: Fresh cilantro is the key. If it’s wilted or too old, it might give an off taste to your dish.
Size Matters: Keep your chicken bites uniformly sized. It helps everything cook evenly.
No Overcrowding: Fry in batches, folks! Crowding the pan can drop the oil temperature and result in soggy bites.

chopstick holding piece of crispy chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Our Crispy Chicken Bites work well as a snack, part of a meal, or even as a salad topping. Check out these chicken bites recipes for some ideas:

Signature House Salad: Crisp romaine, cucumber slices, sun-ripened tomatoes, and dreamy avocado, all waiting for our crispy chicken crown.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: Swap the shredded chicken with our homemade chicken bites, and you have a nutritious salad the kids will love!
Chicken Salad Pita: Swap the rotisserie chicken with crispy chicken toss with salad greens and enjoy.
Chicken Bite Sub: Load a sub roll with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, mayo, and our breaded chicken chunks for a hearty sandwich.

chicken bites inside a bowl with a side of chopsticks on the side.

Recipe FAQs

What is the secret to crispy chicken?

The magic lies in using Panko bread crumbs. They’re fluffier, larger, and have a coarse texture, making them perfect for getting that golden, crispy exterior.

However, oil temperature is also important. Ensure it’s sizzling before adding the chicken to avoid any soggy outcomes.

To keep things hot, avoid adding too many bites and overcrowding the pan. This can lead to uneven cooking, steam generation, and, yes, the dreaded sogginess, so cook in batches if you have to.

Can I bake the chicken bites instead of frying?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.

Pop them in the oven till they’re golden brown, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Got an air fryer? Give it a go, but keep an eye on the timing and be sure to check the chicken is cooked through.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Of course! Chicken thighs can be juicier and more flavorful than breasts. Get boneless, skinless chicken thighs for easier preparation, cut them into bite-sized pieces, then follow the recipe as usual.

Is there a gluten-free alternative to Panko bread crumbs?

Yes, you can find gluten-free bread crumbs in some grocery stores. Alternatively, crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond meal can be used as a crunchy coating. Just ensure they stick well to the chicken.