Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Bites

This hearty Buffalo Chicken Bites recipe has become my go-to crowd-pleaser for game days and casual gatherings. The perfect balance of spicy, crunchy, and incredibly saucy makes these boneless buffalo wings impossible to resist, even for picky eaters.

I first made these buffalo chicken bites during a playoff game watch party, and they disappeared faster than any other appetizer. My friends now specifically request "those amazing buffalo things" whenever we get together.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut into 1-inch pieces small, uniform pieces ensure even cooking
• ¾ cup all purpose flour: creates the base coating that helps seasonings adhere
• 2 large eggs: the essential binding agent for a perfect crust
• 4 cups panko bread crumbs: Japanese style breadcrumbs provide superior crunch
• 1 tsp garlic powder: adds savory depth without overpowering
• 1 tsp kosher salt: enhances all flavors
• Cracked black pepper: brings gentle heat and complexity
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper: provides background warmth
• ½ tsp paprika: adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color
• 2 tbsp olive oil: helps achieve golden brown perfection in the oven
• 1 ½ cups buffalo wing sauce: the star flavor component
• 1 cup blue cheese dressing: cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce
• ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles: adds texture and intensifies the cheese flavor
• Celery sticks: for serving traditional cooling accompaniment
• Carrot sticks: for serving adds color and freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Equipment:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a baking rack on top. This setup allows hot air to circulate around the chicken pieces, ensuring crispy results on all sides without flipping.

Dredge Chicken:

In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the chicken breast pieces with all purpose flour until each piece is well coated. This crucial first coating creates a surface for the egg wash to cling to and prevents the breading from sliding off during baking.

Set Up Breading Station:

In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs until completely combined. In another large bowl, thoroughly mix together the panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.

Coat Chicken:

Working with a few pieces at a time, coat each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then dip into the panko bread mixture, pressing firmly to help the coating adhere to all surfaces. Place each coated piece onto the prepared baking rack, ensuring they dont touch each other for maximum crispiness.

Oven Bake:

Lightly drizzle or spray the chicken pieces with olive oil to help them brown. Bake for exactly 12 minutes, then carefully turn each piece over to ensure even browning. Continue baking for another 12-15 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and display a beautiful golden brown exterior.

Toss With Buffalo Sauce:

Allow the chicken pieces to cool slightly for about 2 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the coating set and stay crispy even after saucing. Then gently toss the chicken in buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately with blue cheese dressing topped with blue cheese crumbles, alongside fresh celery and carrot sticks.

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The panko breadcrumbs are my secret weapon in this recipe. Unlike regular breadcrumbs, panko creates an incredibly light, airy crust that stays crispy even after being tossed in buffalo sauce. I learned this technique from a chef friend who swore it would change my chicken game forever, and he was absolutely right.

Make Ahead Options

These buffalo chicken bites can be prepped up to a day ahead. Complete all steps through baking, then cool completely and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy, then toss with buffalo sauce. The coating actually stays crunchier when reheated from cold rather than room temperature.

Spice Level Customization

The recipe as written offers a medium heat level that most people enjoy. For milder bites, mix the buffalo sauce with equal parts melted butter to temper the spiciness while maintaining that classic buffalo flavor. For extra heat lovers, add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne to the buffalo sauce or mix in your favorite hot sauce to taste.

Serving Suggestions

While these buffalo chicken bites shine as a standalone appetizer, they also make excellent sliders when placed on small Hawaiian rolls with a slice of provolone and a dollop of blue cheese dressing. For a complete meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with ranch. The cool, creamy dressing perfectly complements the spicy chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the chicken bites are crispy?

Press the panko breading firmly onto the chicken pieces and drizzle with olive oil before baking. This creates a golden, crispy texture.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can bread and bake the chicken ahead of time, then toss in buffalo sauce just before serving to maintain crispiness.

→ Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?

Yes, you can use an air fryer. Cook the chicken at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.

→ What can I use as a substitute for blue cheese?

If you don't like blue cheese, ranch dressing is a great alternative dip to complement the buffalo flavor.

→ How spicy are the buffalo chicken bites?

The level of spiciness depends on the buffalo sauce used. Adjust the cayenne pepper in the breading or choose a milder sauce for less heat.