Are you craving a delicious, satisfying snack or appetizer that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these incredible Buffalo Chicken Bites! Perfect for game day gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or even a fun weekend lunch, these bites are crispy, flavorful, and packed with that irresistible buffalo wing zing. Forget ordering takeout – this homemade recipe is quicker than you think and tastes infinitely better. Get ready to impress your friends and family (and yourself!) with this easy and delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (your favorite brand!)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving (optional)
- Celery sticks, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This is your dry dredging station.
- In a separate shallow dish, pour the buttermilk.
- In another shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs with the melted butter.
Prep the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken cube in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off.
- Finally, coat each chicken piece thoroughly in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Cook the Bites:
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small pinch of bread crumbs sizzles immediately.
- Carefully place the chicken bites in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy bites.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken bites from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
The Finishing Touch:
- Toss the cooked chicken bites in your favorite buffalo wing sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Bites:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This is crucial for achieving crispy chicken bites. Work in batches for best results.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better your buffalo wing sauce, the better your chicken bites will taste!
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, use less buffalo wing sauce or opt for a milder variety. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken bites up to the breading stage ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook them.
Variations:
- Spicy Ranch: Add a dash of hot sauce to your ranch dressing for extra kick.
- Honey Garlic Buffalo: Mix honey into your buffalo wing sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.
- BBQ Chicken Bites: Replace the buffalo wing sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Nutritional Information (per bite, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 10-15g
- Fat: Approximately 8-12g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
These delicious Buffalo Chicken Bites are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. They're an easy, healthy, and delicious option for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer. Enjoy!