Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites are a flavorful, healthier alternative to traditional fried buffalo wings, offering all the spicy, tangy goodness with a crispy baked exterior. These bite-sized pieces of chicken are coated in a zesty buffalo sauce, then baked to perfection, resulting in a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside. They’re perfect for snacking, game day, or as an appetizer for any occasion.
The first time I made Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites, I was amazed by how crispy and flavorful they were without the need for frying. The buffalo sauce gave them that signature spicy kick, while the baked coating added just the right amount of crunch. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make—you can adjust the spice level, add a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing, or even serve them with celery or carrot sticks. These bites are always a crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to enjoy the classic buffalo flavor in a healthier, more convenient way!
Perfect for:
- Game day parties
- Casual get-togethers
- Appetizer spreads
- Spicy food lovers
- Family dinners
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why you’ll fall in love with these Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites:
- Crispy and Juicy: These chicken bites are perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, thanks to the baking process.
- Zesty Buffalo Flavor: Coated in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce, these bites are packed with flavor.
- Healthier Alternative: Baking instead of frying makes them a healthier choice while still keeping the delicious crunch.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps mean you can have this dish ready in no time.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, these bites are a hit with both adults and kids.
- Versatile Dip Pairing: Serve with a variety of dips like ranch, blue cheese, or even sour cream.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the chicken bites ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These chicken bites can be made in bulk and stored for later meals or snacks.
- Low-Carb Friendly: Great for those following low-carb diets or keto-friendly eating plans.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat of the buffalo sauce to suit your taste, making it as mild or as fiery as you like.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
The Buffalo Sauce:
- ¼ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Blue Cheese Dip:
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a crunchy, golden exterior without deep frying.
- Hot Sauce: Adds the signature spicy and tangy flavor to the chicken bites.
- Unsalted Butter: Ensures the buffalo sauce is rich and smooth.
- Blue Cheese: A perfect creamy contrast to the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk the egg. In another, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in hot sauce, white vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
The Blue Cheese Dip:
- Mix the Dip: In a small bowl, combine blue cheese dressing, sour cream, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Toss the Chicken in Sauce:
- Coat the Bites: Once the chicken bites are baked, place them in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken and toss gently until evenly coated.
Serve:
- Serve with Dip: Transfer the buffalo chicken bites to a serving plate and serve with the blue cheese dip on the side.
How to Serve
Here are 10 ways to serve Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites:
- As an Appetizer: Perfect for a crowd, serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering.
- With Mocktail: Pair with an ice-cold mocktail for a classic game day combo.
- With Veggies: Serve alongside carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber slices for a fresh crunch.
- On a Salad: Add buffalo chicken bites on top of a leafy green salad for a spicy twist.
- In Wraps: Wrap them in a tortilla with lettuce, ranch dressing, and cheese for a buffalo chicken wrap.
- On a Platter: Serve with various dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
- For Taco Night: Use the bites as a filling for tacos, topped with slaw and avocado.
- With Fries: Serve alongside crispy fries for a delicious finger-food feast.
- With Pasta: Toss buffalo chicken bites with pasta and a drizzle of blue cheese dressing for a hearty meal.
- For Meal Prep: Make a batch and store them in the fridge for a quick, spicy snack throughout the week.
Additional Tips
- Make It Crispy: For extra crispiness, place the chicken bites on a cooling rack while they bake to allow air circulation.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add more hot sauce for extra heat or use a milder sauce for a more subtle flavor.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Option: Freeze the breaded chicken pieces before baking and cook them directly from frozen when you’re ready to bake.
- Extra Sauce: If you love buffalo sauce, serve additional sauce on the side for dipping.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Honey Buffalo Chicken Bites: Add honey to the buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy variation.
- BBQ Chicken Bites: Replace the buffalo sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Vegan Buffalo Bites: Use cauliflower or plant-based chicken for a vegan-friendly version.
- Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bites: Top with shredded mozzarella or cheddar before baking for a cheesy version.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumbs and use ground almonds or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb coating.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet: For baking the chicken bites evenly.
- Cooling Rack: Optional for extra crispiness during baking.
- Small Saucepan: To melt butter and mix the buffalo sauce.
- Whisk: To combine the ingredients for the breading and sauce.
- Large Bowl: To toss the chicken with the buffalo sauce.
FAQ Section
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe and will result in even juicier bites. - Can I fry the chicken bites instead of baking?
Yes, you can deep fry the breaded chicken bites if you prefer, but baking is a healthier option. - How can I make these spicier?
Increase the amount of hot sauce or add cayenne pepper for extra heat. - Can I make the buffalo sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the buffalo sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. - How can I make these more crispy?
For extra crispiness, bake the chicken on a rack to allow the heat to circulate around it. - Can I freeze leftover buffalo chicken bites?
Yes, store the leftover chicken bites in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve. - Can I use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese for the dip?
Yes, ranch dressing can be used if you prefer its flavor over blue cheese. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread and bake the chicken ahead of time and toss them in the buffalo sauce just before serving. - Can I make the blue cheese dip without sour cream?
Yes, you can omit the sour cream or substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangier dip. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites are a flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional fried wings, delivering all the spicy, tangy goodness of buffalo chicken in a bite-sized, crispy form. These chicken bites are seasoned with a blend of spices, coated in breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch, and baked until golden brown. Once out of the oven, they’re tossed in a delicious buffalo sauce made with hot sauce and butter, creating the perfect balance of heat and richness.
Perfect for game days, parties, or casual dinners, these bites can be served with classic sides like celery and carrot sticks, or paired with a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. You can adjust the heat level of the buffalo sauce to suit your taste, making them as mild or spicy as you like.
I can’t wait to see how your Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!