Buffalo Chicken Bites are crispy, spicy, and absolutely addictive. These bite-sized pieces of chicken are coated in a flavorful buffalo sauce, making them a perfect appetizer or game-day snack. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something with a kick, these bites deliver the heat and crunch you love in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Bites are easy to prepare, quick to cook, and perfect for any occasion. They bring together the bold flavor of buffalo sauce with tender, juicy chicken in a way that’s satisfying and crowd-pleasing. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Eggs
- Buffalo sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks
Directions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In a shallow dish, mix flour and cornstarch. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken piece in egg, then dredge in the flour mixture until well coated.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Toss the fried chicken bites in buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Baked Version: Bake the breaded chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with honey for a milder, sweeter bite.
- Cheese-Stuffed: Insert a small cube of cheese into the chicken pieces before coating for a gooey center.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch alternatives for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover buffalo chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain crispiness.
FAQs
How spicy are buffalo chicken bites?
They have a moderate heat level, depending on the buffalo sauce used. You can adjust the spiciness by choosing a milder or hotter sauce.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead and store them. Reheat and toss with sauce just before serving.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
It’s best to use raw chicken for proper coating and frying. Pre-cooked chicken won’t yield the same crispy texture.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Ranch and blue cheese are traditional favorites, but you can also try garlic aioli or honey mustard.
Can I freeze buffalo chicken bites?
Yes, freeze them before adding sauce. Reheat in the oven and then toss with buffalo sauce when ready to serve.
Are these keto-friendly?
No, but you can modify the recipe using almond flour and skipping the cornstarch to lower the carb count.
What type of buffalo sauce is best?
Use your favorite brand or homemade buffalo sauce. Look for one with a balance of heat and tang.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well for this recipe.
How do I make them less greasy?
Drain the fried chicken on paper towels or a wire rack immediately after frying. Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying.
Can I make these in the oven without sacrificing crispiness?
Yes, use a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray the chicken with oil before baking for extra crispness.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Bites are a must-try for anyone who loves bold, zesty flavors in a fun, finger-food format. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a casual snack, they’re sure to be a hit. With options to bake, fry, or air fry—and plenty of variations—they’re as versatile as they are tasty.
PrintBuffalo Chicken Bites
Buffalo Chicken Bites are crispy, spicy, and tangy bite-sized appetizers made with tender chicken, coated in buffalo sauce and served with a creamy dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place beaten eggs in a second bowl and breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then the eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Fry chicken bites in batches for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter.
- Toss the fried chicken bites in the buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
- Use an air fryer for a healthier alternative.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by using mild or hot buffalo sauce.
- These bites can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 115mg