Buffalo Chicken Bites are spicy little pieces of chicken that pack a punch! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re perfect for snacking or sharing at a party.
Every bite is like a mini flavor explosion! I love dipping them in ranch or blue cheese sauce—what’s your favorite dip? Trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs gives you juicy bites. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could swap the chicken for turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Both work well with the spices!
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to here, but you can use gluten-free flour if needed. Almond or coconut flour also adds a unique flavor, but make sure to adjust the amounts since those can be denser.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a fantastic crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too. For a healthier twist, try using crushed cornflakes or even ground almonds for a gluten-free option.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but you can make your own sauce by mixing any hot sauce with melted butter. If you want less heat, a mild hot sauce works well too.
How Can I Get My Chicken Perfectly Fried without Overcooking?
Frying can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll do great! First, make sure your oil is hot enough—aim for 350°F (175°C). This helps to seal in moisture and gives you that crispy texture.
- Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature. This keeps them crispy!
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let them drain on paper towels to keep them crispy and remove excess oil.
Following these steps will ensure your Buffalo Chicken Bites are golden and fully cooked every time!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and about 15-20 minutes to cook, so you’ll spend less than an hour from start to finish. A quick and tasty treat ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Breading Stations:
In one bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until combined. In the last bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. This set-up will make it easy to coat your chicken pieces!
2. Bread the Chicken Bites:
Take each chicken piece and dip it first into the flour mixture, shaking off any extra flour. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, coat it evenly with the panko breadcrumbs. Place the breaded chicken pieces onto a plate, ready for frying.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). This is essential for that perfect crispy texture!
4. Fry the Chicken Bites:
Carefully add a few chicken pieces to the hot oil—don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry them for about 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and fully cooked. When done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, mix the buffalo hot sauce and melted butter together in a large bowl. This sauce gives those bites their scrumptious flavor!
6. Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce:
Once all the chicken bites are nicely fried, toss them in the bowl with the buffalo sauce until they are all evenly coated. Yum!
7. Serve:
Arrange the buffalo chicken bites on a serving plate. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve immediately with your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!
Enjoy your crispy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Bites, perfect for game day snacks or any fun occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Bites?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge or in cold water before cutting it into pieces. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, or for a gluten-free option, try crushing cornflakes or using ground almonds. Just remember that the texture may vary slightly.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking spray and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and cooked through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness!
