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Get ready to fall in love with the Irresistibly Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe, a dish that brings together crispy, juicy chicken with bold, buttery buffalo garlic sauce in every single bite. Whether you’re craving a hearty snack, a game day crowd-pleaser, or a weeknight dinner that comes together quickly, these chicken bites deliver incredible flavor without any fuss. The perfect balance of heat, savoriness, and crunch makes this recipe an instant favorite you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, straightforward, and purposefully chosen to make your buffalo garlic chicken bites burst with flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken to the crispy coating and the zesty, buttery sauce that ties it all together.
- 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: Tender and juicy, these are the foundation for perfect chicken bites every time.
- 2 large Eggs: Whisked to help the crispy coating stick and create that irresistible crunch.
- 1 cup Flour: Provides a sturdy, crunchy exterior that locks in moisture.
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch: Adds an extra layer of crispiness for that standout texture.
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce: The star of the show that delivers tangy heat – adjust it to your liking.
- 2 cloves Fresh minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with rich, savory depth and a wonderful aroma.
- 2 tablespoons Butter: Adds creaminess and balances out the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley: Chopped for a pop of color and freshness to finish the dish beautifully.
- 1/2 cup Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Perfect for dipping and cooling down the spicy bites.
How to Make Irresistibly Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces—this helps them cook evenly and makes each bite perfectly manageable. Pat each piece dry to ensure the coating sticks well. This step is crucial because too much moisture can lead to a soggy crust.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
Whisk the eggs in one bowl until smooth and in another bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch evenly. This simple combo of flour and cornstarch is what creates that iconic crispy bite everyone raves about in the Irresistibly Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece first into the whisked eggs, letting any excess drip off, then dredge it in the flour-cornstarch mixture until fully coated. This double layer of coating locks in juiciness while creating that crave-worthy crunch.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat—enough to shallow fry. Carefully place the coated chicken bites into the hot oil and fry for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning as needed, until they’re golden brown and crispy. This step gives your chicken that signature texture that will keep you coming back for more.
Step 5: Make the Buffalo Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, then add the freshly minced garlic. Let it soften and become fragrant before stirring in the buffalo sauce. Simmer gently for about 2 minutes to marry the flavors, creating that perfectly creamy, spicy, and garlicky coating for your chicken.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once the chicken bites are fried and drained on paper towels, toss them thoroughly in the buffalo garlic sauce until every piece is well-coated. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh contrast that makes this Irresistibly Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Irresistibly Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds vibrant color and a touch of herbaceous brightness that perfectly balances the spicy richness. You could also add a few thinly sliced green onions or a pinch of smoked paprika for visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
These chicken bites pair exceptionally well with classic sides like crunchy celery sticks, carrot batons, or a crisp green salad to lighten things up. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or crispy fries make a perfect companion to soak up every bit of that luscious buffalo garlic sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve these bites on a platter lined with parchment paper alongside small bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also thread the chicken bites onto skewers for a fun, finger-friendly presentation that makes sharing easy and stylish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the sauce separate if you want to preserve the crispiness of the coating.
Freezing
You can freeze these buffalo garlic chicken bites by spreading them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months, ready to be reheated whenever cravings strike.
Reheating
To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that signature crunch of the Irresistibly Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice because they tend to be juicier and more flavorful, making your buffalo garlic chicken bites even more tender and delicious.
How spicy is the buffalo sauce in this recipe?
The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Many sauces range from mild to hot, so feel free to pick one that suits your taste or even mix in a little hot sauce if you like fiery bites.
Is it possible to bake these chicken bites instead of frying?
Yes, baking is an option if you want a lighter version. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, but keep in mind the texture won’t be quite as crispy as pan-frying.
What can I use instead of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping?
If you’re looking for an alternative, a simple garlic aioli, creamy avocado dip, or even a cool yogurt-based herb sauce works wonderfully to complement the buffalo garlic chicken bites.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The buffalo garlic sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just gently reheat it on the stove before tossing with the freshly cooked chicken to keep that vibrant flavor.
Final Thoughts
I promise once you try this Irresistibly Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe, it will become one of your go-to comfort foods for any occasion. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with layers of bold flavors that feel both indulgent and homey. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and enjoy every crispy, garlicky, spicy bite!
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Print
Irresistibly Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Irresistibly Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites combine tender, juicy chicken pieces with a crispy coating and a flavorful buffalo garlic sauce. Perfectly fried and tossed in a buttery, garlicky buffalo sauce, these bite-sized treats are ideal for a delicious appetizer or snack, served with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
Sauce and Garnish
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
- Oil for frying (about 1-2 cups, vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Preparation: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better and prevents splattering during frying.
- Egg Wash: In a bowl, whisk the two large eggs thoroughly until combined. This mixture will help the coating adhere to the chicken pieces.
- Coating Mix: In a separate bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch evenly. The cornstarch adds extra crispiness to the coating.
- Coating the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat evenly in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Ensure each piece is fully coated for the crispiest texture.
- Frying the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Preparing the Buffalo Garlic Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the buffalo sauce and simmer the mixture for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Tossing Chicken in Sauce: Transfer the fried chicken bites to a large bowl and pour the warm buffalo garlic sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the sauce.
- Serving: Garnish the sauced chicken bites with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken bites, double-dip the chicken pieces in egg and coating before frying.
- You can adjust the spiciness of the buffalo sauce by choosing mild, medium, or hot varieties according to your preference.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F for optimal frying results.
- If you prefer baking over frying, coat the chicken as directed, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly sized to guarantee even cooking.
