Zesty Buffalo Chicken Bites
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These Zesty Buffalo Chicken Bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a buttery homemade buffalo sauce with just the right amount of heat. They're easy to make in about 35 minutes and are perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you're craving a zesty snack!
Recipe at a Glance
- Crispy Chicken: Bite-size pieces of chicken breast are lightly coated and pan-fried until golden and tender.
- Homemade Buffalo Sauce: Frank's RedHot, butter, honey, garlic, and Worcestershire make a tangy sauce with a little sweetness.
- Party Ready: Serve these saucy little bites with ranch or blue cheese dressing and crunchy veggie sticks.
Notes From My Kitchen
The key to these chicken bites is keeping the pieces small and cooking them in batches. That gives the chicken plenty of room to brown instead of steaming in an overcrowded skillet.
I also love the homemade buffalo sauce here. The butter mellows the hot sauce, while a little honey balances the heat without making it sweet. Toss the chicken in the sauce while it's still warm so every crispy bite gets coated.
Craving more buffalo recipes? Try these air fryer buffalo chicken meatballs for a quick meal, or my buffalo chicken tater tot casserole that just screams comfort food!
Key Ingredients
Below are the key ingredients you'll need to buy at the grocery store. See the printable recipe card for more information.
Chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch pieces so they cook quickly and stay juicy.
Frank's RedHot: The base of the tangy buffalo sauce.
Butter and honey: Butter smooths out the heat, while honey adds a subtle sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce: A small amount adds extra savory flavor to the sauce.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Bites
STEP 1: Mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large gallon-size plastic bag.
STEP 2: Add chicken pieces to bag with flour mixture. Shake well to coat evenly.
STEP 3: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook bites in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per batch. Keep nuggets in a single layer so they won't overcrowd the skillet.
STEP 4: Make tangy buffalo sauce by whisking together Frank's hot sauce, melted butter, honey, garlic powder, and Worcestershire in a large bowl.
STEP 5: When all bites are cooked, add them to the bowl with buffalo sauce and toss to coat completely. Serve immediately with ranch or homemade blue cheese dressing and vegetable sticks if desired.
Ingredient Swaps
These boneless chicken wings taste amazing just like they are, but you can make substitutions if desired:
- Chicken Breasts: Substitute thighs for a juicier option.
- Buffalo Sauce: Use different hot sauces or adjust the spice level to taste.
- Honey: Swap the honey with brown sugar for a different flavor.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Bites
Serve this tasty appetizer with a side of ranch or homemade blue cheese dip and celery or carrot sticks for a classic pairing. Or, turn it into dinner by adding a side of loaded french fries and a rainbow salad.
These zesty little chicken nuggets also pair well with other appetizers like salsa con queso, whipped feta dip and fried mac and cheese bites. Or, serve them alongside crockpot white queso dip and you've got a party!
Recipe FAQ
Yes. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Add a little more melted butter or honey to mellow the heat. You can also use a milder hot sauce.
You can toss cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce, but freshly cooked chicken gives you the best texture and flavor.
Storage Guide
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Place bites on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
To Freeze: Allow bites to cool completely. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven.
More Appetizer Recipes
Need more appetizers for your next party? Choose one or more of these recipes and watch the fun begin!
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Recipe Card
Zesty Buffalo Chicken Bites
*See notes in blog post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Ingredients
Chicken Bites
- 2 pounds chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Buffalo Sauce
- 1 cup Frank's Red Hot sauce
- ½ cup butter (melted)
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- For Serving: Ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery and carrot sticks
Instructions
- Mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large gallon size plastic bag.1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika
- Add chicken pieces to bag. Shake well to coat evenly.2 pounds chicken breasts
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.½ cup vegetable oil
- Cook chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per batch. Don't overcrowd pan.
- While chicken cooks, make buffalo sauce: Whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, honey, garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl.1 cup Frank's Red Hot sauce, ½ cup butter, 1 Tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- When all chicken is cooked, add to buffalo sauce bowl and toss to coat completely.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and vegetable sticks if desired.For Serving: Ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery and carrot sticks
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
I made these for a tailgate party and they were gone within 30 minutes! Everyone loved them. I'll be making these again. Thanks!