These Buffalo Chicken Bites are tasty little pieces of chicken coated in a spicy sauce that packs a punch! Perfect for snacking or as a party treat, they’re sure to please everyone.
I love how easy they are to whip up. Just bake or fry, and they’re ready to munch in no time! Great with some cooling ranch dip—trust me, it’s a game changer! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I suggest using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work perfectly too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, diced turkey breast can be a good substitute.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the base for the coating, providing a crispy texture. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend can work as great alternatives!
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for Buffalo sauce, but you can use any hot sauce you love. For a milder flavor, try mixing hot sauce with some ketchup or BBQ sauce.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives richness to the sauce, but you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter for a lighter option or dairy-free diet.
How Do I Get Crispy Chicken Bites?
Making sure your chicken bites are crispy involves using the right cooking method and techniques. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch!
- Whether frying or baking, make sure to coat your chicken pieces well in the egg wash and flour mixture. A good coating keeps moisture in while making the outside crispy.
- If frying, keep the oil at a steady temperature—350°F (175°C)—to ensure they cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.
- For baking, placing the chicken on a wire rack allows air to circulate, making them crisper. Make sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking!
Enjoy whipping up these Buffalo Chicken Bites — they’ll be a hit with everyone!
Buffalo Chicken Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or use cooking spray for baking)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, to balance heat)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
- Crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and either frying or baking takes an additional 20-30 minutes depending on your method. So, you’re looking at around 40-50 minutes total. Quick, delicious, and oh-so-worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized chunks, aiming for about 1 to 1½ inches. This ensures they cook evenly and are perfectly poppable!
2. Make the Dredging Station
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until well combined.
3. Coat the Chicken
Now it’s time to get those chicken pieces coated! Dip each piece into the egg wash first, then into the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure every bite is fully coated for maximum crispy goodness. Place them on a plate and set aside.
4. Cook the Chicken
Now, you can choose your cooking method!
- Frying: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add chicken bites in batches, frying for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with foil. Lightly spray them with cooking oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, let’s make that tasty buffalo sauce! In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in your choice of hot sauce and honey or brown sugar (if using). Mix everything together until smooth and warmed through. Remove from heat.
6. Toss the Chicken
Once your chicken bites are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the top and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Get those delicious flavors all over!
7. Serve
Finally, arrange your buffalo chicken bites on a serving plate. Top them off with some chopped green onions and fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Don’t forget to have some crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Bites — spicy, crispy, and perfect for sharing!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add more flavor to your Buffalo Chicken Bites. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook than breasts.
How Can I Make These Bites Healthier?
For a healthier option, consider baking instead of frying. Additionally, you can use a light coating of whole wheat flour or almond flour instead of regular flour, and opt for a lower-calorie hot sauce.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and coat it earlier in the day. Store the coated chicken in the fridge for up to 4 hours before frying or baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to crisp them back up.
