Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken Bites

You’ll never crave takeout again once you try these Thai fried chicken bites. The chicken is coated in egg and gluten-free breadcrumbs, pan-fried until perfectly crispy, then tossed in a peanut-butter umami sauce that’s shockingly easy. I make a batch for busy weeknights or stash leftovers in the fridge for quick snacking (I even throw them into a chicken omelet when I need a shortcut).

Serve these chicken Thai bites over steamed rice with paleo roasted vegetables, mix them into gluten-free pasta, or turn them into a bowl with whatever leftovers you’ve got. And if you love quick Asian-inspired dinners, don’t miss my teriyaki chicken and broccoli that comes together in just 15 minutes; it’s the same easy comfort, just a different flavor twist.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Gluten-free flour: I find that Bobs Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-free baking flour works best, and I’ve been using gluten-free breadcrumbs I got from the grocery store, though any should work (I actually really want to try these cauliflower breadcrumbs!). I use these for gluten-free chicken cutlets, too.
• Oil: Make sure to use one with a high heat point, either avocado oil or coconut oil.
• Chicken Broth: If you don’t have homemade bone broth ready, use my busy mom's go-to: bone broth powder. Literally a game-changer for hectic weeks!

Expert Tips

Cut the chicken pieces as tiny as possible. This way, you get much more crisp with every bite.

Try not to stir the chicken too much as you cook, as you’ll tear off the breading. The chicken bites will continue to cook for a couple of minutes when you add the sauce.

I find I need to put another tablespoon of oil into the pan as I’m cooking the chicken.

A little bit of sauce goes a long way; you may not need it all. Know that the more sauce you put on the chicken, the less crispy it will be. Save some to drizzle onto the bowl as a whole.

Save your sanity and use bone broth powder to whip up bone broth in a pinch. It’s the easiest and healthiest way to boost your immune system.

Sauce Options

There are two sauces you can whip up for these chicken bites. The one listed in the recipe card is tasty. However, my kiddos prefer the one below as it’s a bit sweeter.

For the other sauce option mix together:

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoon broth
• 2 tablespoons Thai sweet and spicy sauce

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, you can store the leftover gluten-free Thai crispy chicken in the fridge in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 days.

Though you can reheat it in the microwave, it won’t have as much of a crispy texture. Instead, reheat it in a skillet until warmed through.

Due to the breading, these Thai chicken bites don’t freeze well and are best eaten fresh.