Easy Buffalo Chicken Bites

Name: Easy Buffalo Chicken Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 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; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup Frank's Red Hot sauce; 1/2 cup butter ((melted)); 1 Tablespoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; For Serving: Ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery and carrot sticks

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Easy Buffalo Chicken Bites deliver big flavor with tender chicken coated in a zesty homemade buffalo sauce. Made with simple ingredients and ready in just 35 minutes, they’re perfect as an appetizer, game day snack, or easy weeknight dinner!

Buffalo chicken bite being dunked in ranch dip by a fork.

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!

The Perfect Appetizer!

Intense Flavor: ultimate chicken nuggets have a delicious spice level that's not too spicy
Great for Parties: little bites of boneless chicken are convenient to eat with one hand
Ready in Minutes: easy recipe that takes only minutes to prep and cook

When I want to make a party appetizer that guests will gobble up, these easy buffalo chicken bites are the ticket! They come together quickly and hold well in a warming tray or crockpot so they're worry-free.

When it's time to serve, I just provide toothpicks and stand back! These little nuggets are so popular, it's best to make a double batch!

Pile of buffalo chicken nuggets on a plate.

Ingredient Notes

See recipe card for quantities.

Chicken Bites

boneless skinless chicken breast - cut into 1-inch pieces - or ask your butcher to cut it for you
all-purpose flour - coats the chicken bites for a crispy breading
garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika - the perfect spice combo
vegetable oil- use any oil that has a high smoke point such as avocado oil or grapeseed

Buffalo Sauce

Frank's Red Hot sauce - the star ingredient that is often used as wing sauce
butter - melt the butter to make it easier to work with
honey - adds a touch of sweetness that offsets the heat
garlic powder - a great flavor enhancer
Worcestershire sauce - gives the sauce a little kick

Ingredients to make buffalo chicken bites.

Instructions

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.

Chicken nuggets breaded in a plastic bag.

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.

Variations

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 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 whipped feta dip and fried mac and cheese bites!

Stack of buffalo chicken bites on a white plate with dip.

Recipe FAQs

Can I bake these bites instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden.

Can I make the buffalo sauce less spicy?

Add more melted butter or a small splash of honey to mellow the spice level.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can toss pre-cooked chicken in the sauce, but the flavor and texture will be best when cooked fresh.

Storing Leftovers

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.