Mediterranean Bang Bang Chicken Bites

These Mediterranean Bang Bang Chicken Bites are crispy, golden pieces of tender chicken coated in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce with a Mediterranean twist. They combine the satisfying crunch of panko breading with the zesty warmth of garlic and chili, finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of herbs. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even part of a Mediterranean-style bowl.

Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

½ cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup cornstarch

½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)

2 eggs, beaten

1½ cups panko breadcrumbs

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp garlic powder

Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)

For the Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise

⅓ cup sweet chili sauce

1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for heat)

1 tbsp honey

For Garnish:

Sesame seeds

Chopped green onions or chives

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Cut chicken into small, even-sized pieces (about 1 inch). Pat dry with paper towels.

Season lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Set Up the Breading Station

In one bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch.

In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.

In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

Dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.

Set aside on a tray while you heat the oil.

Fry Until Crispy

Heat oil in a skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat (around 350°F / 175°C).

Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth.

Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as desired.

Toss and Serve

Toss the crispy chicken bites in the sauce just before serving, or drizzle the sauce over the top for a lighter coating.

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions or chives.

Serve

Serve warm as an appetizer, over rice, or in lettuce cups for a fresh Mediterranean-inspired presentation.

Tips & Variations

Choose the Right Chicken:
Chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender when fried, but chicken breast works great if you prefer leaner meat. Just avoid overcooking to keep it moist.

Double Coating for Extra Crunch:
For an ultra-crispy texture, repeat the egg and panko step once more. The double layer helps the coating hold up even after tossing in sauce.

Frying Tip:
Don’t overcrowd the pan — it lowers the oil temperature and leads to soggy chicken. Work in small batches for the crispiest results.

Baking Option (Healthier):
To make it lighter, bake instead of fry.

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Place coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray with oil.

Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Air Fryer Option:
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway. Lightly spray with oil for a crunchy finish.

Mediterranean Twist on the Sauce:

Add a spoon of Greek yogurt to the sauce for a tangy, creamy balance.

Mix in lemon zest, crushed garlic, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to give it a Mediterranean edge.

Replace sriracha with harissa or Aleppo pepper for a regional touch.

Make it Gluten-Free:
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour. The coating will still turn out crisp and golden.

Add Fresh Herbs:
Top with chopped parsley, dill, or mint before serving to balance the richness of the sauce.

Serving Ideas:

Serve over a bed of couscous or quinoa with roasted vegetables for a full Mediterranean meal.

Or make a bang bang chicken wrap using pita bread, fresh greens, and a drizzle of extra sauce.

Storage & Reheating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness — avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soft.

Q&A

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes. The bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the fridge in a sealed jar. Stir well before using.

Q: What’s the best oil for frying?
A: Use a neutral, high smoke-point oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil. Olive oil can work for shallow frying but may darken quickly at high heat.

Q: How can I make this dish less spicy?
A: Reduce or skip the sriracha and use only sweet chili sauce. You can also add a little more honey or mayonnaise to mellow out the heat.

Q: Can I serve the chicken without tossing it in sauce?
A: Absolutely. Keep the sauce on the side for dipping if you want to maintain maximum crispiness or let everyone adjust the flavor to their liking.

Q: What other proteins can I use?
A: This recipe works well with shrimp, fish bites, or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian variation. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition

(Per Serving — Approx. 1/4 of the recipe)

Calories: 410

Protein: 26g

Fat: 22g

Carbohydrates: 28g

Sugar: 9g

Fiber: 1g

Sodium: 540mg

(Values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and oil absorption during cooking.)

Conclusion

These Mediterranean Bang Bang Chicken Bites bring together crispy, tender chicken and a creamy-spicy sauce with just the right touch of sweetness. The Mediterranean twist—fresh herbs, garlic, and honey—adds brightness and balance to this crowd-pleasing dish. Whether served as a starter, a snack, or part of a meal bowl, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Light, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent.