Sweet and Spicy Crispy Chicken Bites

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Chicken Bites:**
Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel to ensure that the coating sticks well.

#### 2. **Coat the Chicken:**
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs are ideal for a crunchy texture).

Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken.

#### 3. **Fry the Chicken:**
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a small piece of bread in; it should sizzle immediately), add the breaded chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.

#### 4. **Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:**
While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Once the sauce starts to bubble, mix the cornstarch and water together to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the sauce to thicken it. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is glossy and thickened to your liking.

#### 5. **Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:**
Once all the chicken bites are fried, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sweet and spicy sauce over the chicken, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly. Be sure to coat every bite in that flavorful, sticky sauce for maximum deliciousness.

#### 6. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Serve the **Sweet and Spicy Crispy Chicken Bites** immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. You can garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. These bites are perfect on their own or served with a side of steamed rice, a fresh salad, or some crispy veggies for a complete meal.

### Why This Recipe Works:

– **Crispy Chicken:** The combination of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs creates a crispy outer coating that stays crunchy even after tossing in the sauce. It provides the perfect texture contrast to the tender chicken inside.
– **Balanced Sauce:** The sweet honey and brown sugar pair beautifully with the heat from sriracha, while the soy sauce and rice vinegar add depth and umami. The result is a sauce that’s both sweet, spicy, and tangy—perfect for coating the crispy chicken.
– **Versatile Serving Options:** These chicken bites are incredibly versatile. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or a main course, they’re guaranteed to please. You can serve them over rice, toss them in a salad, or even eat them on their own with a dipping sauce.

### Tips for Success:

– **Adjust the Heat:** If you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of sriracha sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha or omit it altogether.
– **Panko Breadcrumbs:** For an extra crispy coating, always use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs, ensuring the chicken bites stay crispy.
– **Baking Option:** If you’d prefer to bake the chicken bites for a healthier version, you can place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
– **Double the Sauce:** If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the sauce ingredients. That way, you’ll have plenty of extra sauce to drizzle over rice, noodles, or veggies.

### Serving Suggestions:

– **Over Rice:** These crispy chicken bites make an excellent topping for steamed jasmine rice or brown rice, soaking up the sweet and spicy sauce for a delicious and filling meal.
– **With Noodles:** Serve the chicken bites over lo mein or noodles for an Asian-inspired meal. The sauce will complement the noodles beautifully.
– **As an Appetizer:** Serve them as a fun and flavorful appetizer at your next party or gathering. Pair them with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese for a tasty contrast.
– **With Veggies:** Pair these chicken bites with a side of sautéed veggies, such as broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers, to balance out the sweetness and heat of the dish.

### Final Thoughts:

**Sweet and Spicy Crispy Chicken Bites** are the perfect combination of crunchy, tender, sweet, and spicy. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a fun weeknight dinner, or just craving a delicious snack, this recipe has you covered. The crispy coating and flavorful sauce will have everyone reaching for more, making these chicken bites a guaranteed hit at any table. Try them today and experience the perfect blend of sweet and spicy goodness!