Aloha Crispy Chicken Bites
Inspired by the flavors of Hawaii, this Aloha Crispy Chicken Bites recipe features juicy, skinless, and boneless chicken thighs or breast tenders, making it a healthier and more succulent alternative to traditional drumettes. Marinated in a delightful blend of soy sauce, sugar, and sesame seeds, these chicken bites pack a flavor punch while remaining incredibly tender. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a delicious meal at home, they can be enjoyed hot or cold alongside rice balls (musubi) for a truly tropical experience. Whether you serve them as appetizers or a main dish, these crispy bites are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken drumettes or thighs
4 lbs (If using thighs, cut into 1-inch by 3-inch pieces.)
Flour
1/4 cup (None)
Cornstarch
1/2 cup (None)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (None)
Soy sauce
1/3 cup (None)
Sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (None)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (Use less if concerned about saltiness or eliminate.)
Accent seasoning
1 teaspoon (Optional)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Green onions
2 stalks (Chopped)
Garlic clove
1-2 (Minced)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, sesame seeds, salt, Accent seasoning (if using), eggs, chopped green onions, and minced garlic until well combined.
2
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are completely coated with the marinade. Gently mix to combine.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, or overnight for best results to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Before cooking, give the mixture a gentle remix to redistribute the coating as it may separate in the refrigerator.
5
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes per batch.
6
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried chicken bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7
Serve warm or allow to cool to room temperature before storing for picnics. They pair wonderfully with rice balls (musubi) and your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Aloha Crispy Chicken Bites?
Aloha Crispy Chicken Bites are a Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring marinated, fried chicken pieces that are savory, sweet, and crunchy.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
You can use chicken drumettes, or skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breast tenders.
How should I prepare the chicken thighs?
If using chicken thighs, they should be cut into 1-inch by 3-inch pieces.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 pounds of chicken.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of flour, cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, sesame seeds, salt, Accent seasoning, eggs, green onions, and minced garlic.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for at least 4 to 6 hours, or overnight for the best results.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large pot.
How long does it take to fry the chicken bites?
Each batch of chicken takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes to become golden brown and crispy.
Can I serve Aloha Crispy Chicken Bites cold?
Yes, these chicken bites can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for picnics.
What is a recommended side dish for these chicken bites?
They pair wonderfully with rice balls, also known as musubi.
Is the Accent seasoning necessary?
No, the Accent seasoning is optional and can be omitted based on your preference.
How much soy sauce is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of soy sauce.
How much cornstarch is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of cornstarch to help achieve a crispy texture.
How many eggs are included in the coating?
Two beaten eggs are used to bind the marinade and coating to the chicken.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, you can use less than 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt or eliminate it entirely if you are concerned about saltiness.
What type of onions are used in this dish?
The recipe uses 2 stalks of chopped green onions.
How much garlic should I add?
You should use 1 to 2 minced garlic cloves.
Why should I remix the chicken before frying?
The coating may separate during refrigeration, so a gentle remix redistributes the ingredients evenly.
What is the purpose of using cornstarch and flour together?
The combination of flour and cornstarch creates a lighter, crispier crust on the fried chicken.
How many tablespoons of sugar are in the marinade?
There are 3 tablespoons of sugar in the marinade.
Should I use a deep fryer or a pot?
Either a deep fryer or a large pot is suitable for frying the chicken bites.
What should I do after removing the chicken from the oil?
Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Can I use breast meat instead of thighs?
Yes, breast tenders are a great succulent and healthier alternative for this recipe.
Are these chicken bites suitable for potlucks?
Yes, they are described as a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or family meals.
How many sesame seeds are used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.
How much flour is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of flour.
Should the chicken be skinless?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends skinless and boneless chicken.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, since they can be served cold or at room temperature, they are excellent for advance preparation.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a tropical, savory-sweet flavor profile with hints of garlic, sesame, and soy.
How should the chicken be fried to ensure even cooking?
The chicken should be fried in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot and ensuring each piece becomes crispy.