Spicy & Irresistible: Homemade Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe

Buffalo chicken bites are the ultimate party food, game day snack, or even a fun weeknight dinner. They deliver that craveable buffalo wing flavor in a smaller, more poppable form, making them incredibly addictive. This recipe provides a straightforward, delicious method for creating perfectly cooked, saucy buffalo chicken bites at home. Say goodbye to expensive takeout and hello to homemade deliciousness!

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it prioritizes both flavor and texture. We achieve optimal tenderness and juiciness by using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which naturally have more fat than chicken breasts. The breading mixture is carefully balanced to create a crispy coating that holds up well to the buffalo sauce. Finally, the homemade buffalo sauce is incredibly easy to make and allows you to adjust the heat level to your preference.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

**For the Chicken Bites:**

* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Vegetable oil, for frying

**For the Buffalo Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon white vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Pinch of salt

**For Serving (Optional):**

* Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing
* Celery sticks
* Carrot sticks

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large bowl
* Shallow dish or plate
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Wire rack
* Tongs
* Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect buffalo chicken bites every time:

**1. Marinate the Chicken:**

* In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
* Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This marinating process helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.

**2. Prepare the Breading:**

* While the chicken is marinating, prepare the breading mixture. In a shallow dish or plate, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).

**3. Heat the Oil:**

* Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven until it is about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for best results. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it. If the bread browns in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.

**4. Bread the Chicken:**

* Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
* Dredge each chicken piece in the breading mixture, pressing firmly to ensure it is fully coated. Shake off any excess breading.
* Place the breaded chicken pieces on a clean plate or baking sheet.

**5. Fry the Chicken:**

* Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
* Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs to turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking.
* Remove the fried chicken pieces from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain any excess oil. This will help the chicken stay crispy.

**6. Make the Buffalo Sauce:**

* While the chicken is frying, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt.
* Heat the sauce over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until it is warmed through. Stir well to combine.

**7. Toss the Chicken in Sauce:**

* In a large bowl, combine the fried chicken bites and the buffalo sauce. Toss gently to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.

**8. Serve Immediately:**

* Serve the buffalo chicken bites immediately while they are still hot and crispy. Garnish with blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks, if desired.

## Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Bites

* **Use Chicken Thighs:** As mentioned earlier, chicken thighs are naturally more tender and flavorful than chicken breasts. They also tend to stay juicier during frying.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Fry the chicken in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too low. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
* **Monitor the Oil Temperature:** Using a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked properly. Aim for a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C).
* **Use a Wire Rack:** Placing the fried chicken on a wire rack allows excess oil to drain off, helping the chicken stay crispy.
* **Adjust the Heat:** Customize the heat level of the buffalo sauce by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can fry the chicken bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy. Then, toss them in the buffalo sauce.
* **Air Fryer Option:** For a healthier alternative, you can air fry the chicken bites instead of deep frying them. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the breaded chicken pieces with cooking spray and air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken Breasts:** If you prefer to use chicken breasts, be sure to cut them into smaller pieces and pound them slightly to ensure they cook evenly. Keep a close eye on them while frying to prevent them from drying out.
* **Gluten-Free:** To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. You may also need to check the labels of your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
* **Different Sauces:** Experiment with different sauces to create unique flavor combinations. Try using barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or honey mustard sauce instead of buffalo sauce.
* **Spice it Up:** Add other spices to the breading mixture, such as chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the chicken with cauliflower florets or tofu cubes for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times as needed.

## Serving Suggestions

Buffalo chicken bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Appetizer:** Serve them as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
* **Game Day Snack:** They’re the perfect snack for watching sports games.
* **Main Course:** Serve them as a main course with a side of fries, salad, or coleslaw.
* **Tacos or Wraps:** Use them as a filling for tacos or wraps.
* **Salads:** Top your favorite salad with buffalo chicken bites for a spicy and flavorful kick.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover buffalo chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken bites in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until heated through. For best results, reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

## Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for easy reference:

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon white vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Pinch of salt

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
4. Remove chicken from marinade, dredge in breading mixture, and shake off excess.
5. Fry chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack.
6. In a small saucepan, combine hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Heat until warmed through.
7. Toss fried chicken bites in buffalo sauce.
8. Serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch dressing, celery, and carrot sticks.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
* Fat: 20-30g
* Protein: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.*

Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make buffalo chicken bites! They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner.

This recipe provides a fantastic base for experimentation. Feel free to adjust the spice levels, breading ingredients, or even the type of sauce used. The key is to have fun and create buffalo chicken bites that perfectly suit your taste. The crispy texture combined with the tangy, spicy sauce creates an unforgettable culinary experience. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a batch of homemade buffalo chicken bites that are far superior to anything you can find in a restaurant! Remember to serve with your favorite dipping sauce – blue cheese and ranch are classic choices – and some crisp celery and carrot sticks to balance the richness. Happy cooking and happy eating!