What’s the best way to cook Thai Chicken Bites without frying?

If you’re looking for a healthier cooking method, try the Thai chicken bites air fryer variation. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, lightly spray the battered chicken with oil, and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get a crispy exterior and juicy interior without the extra oil from deep frying. Baking is another great alternative: bake the bites at 425°F on a parchment-lined tray for about 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway to ensure even browning. Both methods deliver excellent results while keeping the dish lighter.

Are Thai Chicken Bites spicy?

Thai Chicken Bites usually have a mild to medium heat level, thanks to the sweet chili sauce and a touch of red chili powder in the batter. However, their spiciness is highly customizable. If you prefer a milder version, reduce or omit the chili powder and opt for a sweeter glaze. For spice lovers craving a stronger kick, add extra chili flakes or fresh Thai bird’s eye chilies to the sauce. Whether you’re making a family-friendly snack or a spicy appetizer, this recipe adapts easily to your taste.

Can I make Thai Chicken Bites gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet. Replace the all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Rice flour is especially great because it’s commonly used in Thai cooking and helps achieve a light, crispy coating. Also, ensure that your sweet chili sauce is labeled gluten-free, as some brands use thickeners containing gluten. With these small changes, you’ll still enjoy the same crunchy texture and bold flavors of traditional Thai Chicken Bites.

What makes Thai Chicken Bites different from regular fried chicken?

The key difference lies in the flavors and preparation. Thai Chicken Bites are smaller, bite-sized pieces coated in a flavorful batter and fried to golden perfection. Unlike regular fried chicken, they’re typically tossed in a sweet chili glaze that balances heat, sweetness, and tang—a hallmark of Thai cuisine. Their size makes them ideal for snacking, sharing, or serving as an appetizer, which is why they’re often compared to popular dishes like the authentic Thai chicken bites recipe found on Thai street food stalls.

Thai Chicken Bites – The Most Delicious Recipe You Must Try

Description

Crispy, golden chicken bites coated in a flavorful batter and drizzled with sweet chili sauce for the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. A quick and easy appetizer or main dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, egg, milk, salt, and pepper until a thick batter forms.
Dip each chicken piece into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Place the battered chicken pieces into the frying pan, taking care not to overcrowd. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with sweet chili sauce.
Garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
Serve with a side of steamed rice or fresh salad for a complete meal.
Use a thermometer to ensure oil reaches 350°F for best frying results.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 320
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: sweet chili chicken bites, crispy chicken, Asian appetizer, easy chicken recipe, sweet spicy chicken