Buffalo Chicken Bites are the perfect party appetizer, delivering all the spicy, crispy goodness of buffalo wings without the hassle of bones. These bite-sized pieces of chicken are marinated in buttermilk, coated in a crunchy, flavorful breading, and fried to golden perfection. Tossed in a classic buffalo sauce of hot sauce and butter, they’re best served with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just craving a spicy snack, these Buffalo Chicken Bites will be a hit!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites:

1 ¼ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup buttermilk
¼ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Moore’s)
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon baking powder
Vegetable oil (or canola/peanut oil for frying)

For the Buffalo Sauce:

¼ cup hot sauce
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For Serving:

Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Celery sticks (optional)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and ¼ cup hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix flour, Parmesan, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and baking powder.
Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, dip it in the beaten eggs, then return it to the flour mixture for a second coating.
Fry the Chicken: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (about 350°F), fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and ¼ cup hot sauce. Toss the fried chicken bites in the sauce until evenly coated.
Serve: Immediately serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks, if desired.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approx. 8 Servings)

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 18g
Sodium: 780mg

Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Bites

These Buffalo Chicken Bites are a must-try for any spicy food lover. Here’s why they’re so special:

Crispy and Crunchy Coating – The double-coating method ensures extra crispiness, giving them the perfect texture.
Bold, Spicy Buffalo Flavor – Tossed in a classic buffalo sauce, these bites deliver just the right amount of heat.
Perfect for Parties – These bite-sized snacks are easy to serve, share, and eat—no messy bones to deal with!
Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the hot sauce quantity to make them milder or spicier, depending on your preference.
Great with Dipping Sauces – The cool, creamy contrast of ranch or blue cheese dressing balances the spicy heat perfectly.

What Makes Buffalo Chicken Bites So Good?

Unlike traditional buffalo wings, which can be messy and difficult to eat, these boneless, bite-sized pieces deliver all the flavor without the fuss. The secret to their incredible taste and texture lies in:

A Buttermilk Marinade – Tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with flavor and moisture.
A Crispy Double Coating – Ensures extra crunch by coating the chicken twice with seasoned flour.
A Perfectly Balanced Buffalo Sauce – The rich, buttery hot sauce blend coats each bite evenly.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Bites

To make sure your Buffalo Chicken Bites turn out crispy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious, follow these key tips:

Marinate for Maximum Flavor – Letting the chicken soak in the buttermilk mixture for a few hours enhances the flavor and keeps it juicy.
Use the Right Flour Mixture – The combination of all-purpose flour, Parmesan cheese, and baking powder helps create a light, crispy coating.
Double Dredge for Extra Crunch – Dipping the chicken in the flour, then eggs, and then flour again creates a thick, crispy crust.
Fry at the Right Temperature – Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) for perfectly golden, crispy bites. Cooking at a lower temperature will result in soggy breading.
Toss in Sauce Just Before Serving – To maintain maximum crunch, toss the chicken bites in buffalo sauce right before serving.

Baking or Air-Frying for a Healthier Option

If you prefer to skip frying, you can still achieve crispy Buffalo Chicken Bites using these methods:

Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Place the coated chicken bites on a greased baking sheet.
- Spray with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Frying:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the chicken bites with oil and air-fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.

These methods produce a lighter version of the classic fried bites while maintaining a crispy, crunchy texture.

The Perfect Buffalo Sauce

The key to authentic Buffalo Chicken Bites is a well-balanced buffalo sauce. This sauce is:

Spicy from the hot sauce – Classic buffalo sauce starts with Frank’s RedHot or your favorite hot sauce.
Rich and Buttery – Melted butter smooths out the heat, giving the sauce a silky texture.
Perfectly Coating – The sauce clings to the crispy chicken without making it soggy.

For an extra flavor boost, try adding:

A dash of garlic powder – Enhances the depth of flavor.
A splash of honey – Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the heat.
A little Worcestershire sauce – Adds a rich, umami depth.

Best Dipping Sauces for Buffalo Chicken Bites

The spicy, tangy flavor of Buffalo Chicken Bites is best complemented by a cool, creamy dipping sauce. Here are some delicious options:

Ranch Dressing – The cool, herby flavors of ranch balance the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly.
Blue Cheese Dressing – The tangy, funky flavor of blue cheese provides a classic Buffalo pairing.
Garlic Aioli – A garlicky, creamy dip for an extra layer of richness.
Honey Mustard – For a sweet and tangy contrast.

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Bites

These crispy bites are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish. Here are some great serving ideas:

Celery and Carrot Sticks – Classic buffalo wing sides for a refreshing crunch.
Loaded Fries – Serve over a bed of crispy fries, drizzled with extra buffalo sauce and ranch.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders – Stuff the bites into mini buns for buffalo chicken sandwiches.
Mac and Cheese – The creamy, cheesy texture of mac and cheese balances the heat.
Crisp Garden Salad – A fresh, cool salad makes a great contrast to the spicy chicken.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Buffalo Chicken Bites are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored and reheated:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded chicken bites for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as it makes the coating soggy.

How to Customize This Recipe

These Buffalo Chicken Bites are versatile and easy to customize:

Make It Spicier – Add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Make It Milder – Use honey buffalo sauce instead of traditional buffalo sauce.
Use Different Proteins – Try shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower for a unique twist.
Change the Seasoning – Add paprika, cayenne, or Cajun seasoning for extra flavor.

Why These Buffalo Chicken Bites Are a Must-Try

Unlike store-bought frozen chicken bites, these homemade Buffalo Chicken Bites offer:

Better Flavor – Made with fresh ingredients and real spices.
Healthier Options – Can be baked or air-fried for a lighter alternative.
Crispier Texture – The double-dredged breading stays crunchy even when tossed in sauce.

Conclusion

These Buffalo Chicken Bites are the perfect spicy, crispy, and flavorful snack for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or a fun family dinner, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite. With a crispy golden exterior, a juicy interior, and a bold buffalo sauce, these bites deliver all the deliciousness of buffalo wings—without the mess of bones.

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