Description
Thai Chicken Bites are a flavorful, bite-sized snack that perfectly balances savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. These crispy chicken morsels are marinated in a fragrant blend of Thai spices, then coated and fried to golden perfection. Served with a zesty peanut dipping sauce, these chicken bites are an irresistible appetizer or party snack. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a light dinner, or simply craving something bold and delicious, Thai Chicken Bites will take your taste buds on a savory adventure.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (minced)
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for coating)
For the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional, adjust to taste)
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce)
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken: Chicken breasts are the perfect protein for this recipe, providing a lean and tender base for the flavorful marinade.
- Fish Sauce: This umami-rich ingredient adds depth and authenticity to the Thai marinade, complementing the tangy lime and sweet brown sugar.
- Peanut Butter: The peanut butter in the dipping sauce creates a creamy base that pairs beautifully with the salty soy sauce and tangy lime.
- Chili Paste: If you enjoy heat, the chili paste in both the marinade and dipping sauce adds the perfect level of spice.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili paste (if using). Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to let the flavors marinate.
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Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the bowl. Sprinkle the chicken pieces with cornstarch and toss to coat evenly. This will help create the crispy texture when frying.
Prepare the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili paste. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency—smooth and pourable but not too thin. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
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Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan for shallow frying.
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Fry the Chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Bites: Arrange the crispy chicken bites on a serving platter and serve with the peanut dipping sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for added freshness and color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 25g