Buffalo Chicken Bites are spicy little pieces of goodness that make for a great snack or party treat! Made with crispy chicken coated in a zesty buffalo sauce, they pack a punch.
These bites are perfect for sharing, but let’s be real—you might find yourself eating them all alone! I love serving them with ranch dip for a cool contrast. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use turkey. For a vegetarian twist, try using cauliflower bites instead—just adjust the cooking time.
Buttermilk: This ingredient makes the chicken tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. It’ll work just as well!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko adds extra crunch. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but they won’t be as crispy. If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is popular, but feel free to use any hot sauce you like. For a milder flavor, consider mixing in some ketchup or using a mild wing sauce.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Buffalo Chicken Bites?
The key to crispy chicken is in the coating and frying technique. Here’s how you can achieve that golden crunch:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before adding the chicken. If it’s not hot enough, the chicken will absorb the oil and become soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Allow cooked chicken to drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, which helps keep them nice and crispy.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to creating perfect Buffalo Chicken Bites every time!
How to Make Delicious Buffalo Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Marinade: 1 cup buttermilk
- Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Binding: 2 large eggs
- Sauce:
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Garnish & Dipping:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
- Oil: Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep, plus a 30-minute marinating time, and an additional 20-30 minutes for frying. All in all, you’re looking at around 1 hour to get these delicious bites ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Begin by placing the cut chicken pieces in a bowl and covering them with buttermilk. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This will help keep your chicken juicy and tender!
2. Prepare Coating Station:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. You’re now ready to coat your chicken pieces!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, take each piece out of the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dip it into the beaten eggs, and then dredge it in the flour and breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press gently so the coating sticks well. Set the coated chicken pieces aside on a plate.
4. Heat Oil and Fry:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat about 2 inches of cooking oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken bites in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (this helps them stay crispy!). Fry each batch for about 4-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
5. Prepare Buffalo Sauce:
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add in the buffalo hot sauce and stir until everything is combined and warm.
6. Toss Chicken in Sauce:
In a large bowl, place the fried chicken bites and pour the buffalo sauce over them. Toss gently until all the pieces are nicely coated in the spicy sauce.
7. Serve:
Now it’s time to enjoy! Transfer the buffalo chicken bites to a serving plate, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Yum!
Enjoy your crispy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Bites! Perfect for game day or any time you’re craving something tasty!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before marinating it in buttermilk. A quick way to thaw is by placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour.
Can I Prepare the Chicken Bites in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken pieces up to 2 hours ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator. You can also coat the chicken, store it in the fridge, and fry them fresh just before serving for that crispy texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry, though they might be less crunchy.
Can I Make These Bites Spicier?
Definitely! If you love heat, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or opt for a hotter buffalo sauce. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick!
