Buffalo Chicken Bites

Whip up a batch (or two!) of these buffalo chicken bites for your next shindig. As a sure-to-be crowd pleaser, these bite-sized appetizers will be gobbled up as soon as they hit the table. They may even end up replacing your go-to chicken wing recipe!

Touting an exceptionally crispy crust, these buffalo chicken bites are perfect for easy entertaining or a day spent cheering on your favorite team. Learn how to make these one-bite finger foods before your next tailgate, and you'll be the star of the party.

What Are Buffalo Chicken Bites?

Otherwise known as boneless buffalo wings, these buffalo chicken bites are akin to fried chicken nuggets—with a little extra spice.

But don’t be fooled, buffalo flavor has nothing to do with the prairie-roaming animal that may come to mind. The term refers to buffalo sauce itself (a combination of butter and fiery hot sauce) and was coined in Buffalo, New York at a small family establishment called Anchor Bar. 

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Bites

Our buffalo chicken bites are relatively simple to whip up on a whim, coming to a total 35 minutes of active time in the kitchen. Here’s what you need:

• Boneless chicken breast: Cut a boneless chicken breast into 1-inch pieces to prep for the perfect bite-size appetizer. A 1 1/4-pound chicken breast yields about eight servings. If you’re making them for a party, consider doubling the recipe.
• Buttermilk: Because of its slight acidity, marinating in buttermilk (and hot sauce for an extra kick) helps tenderize the chicken without drying it out. If you’re in a pinch, soaking for 10 minutes will do, but, for maximum flavor, opt for 12 to 24 hours.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs act as glue for the dry mix, promising golden crispy chicken bites.
• Flour, Parmesan, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and baking powder: A combination of these ingredients makes up the crunchy coating encasing the bites. The first coating creates a solid base for the egg dip. The second dredge sticks to the egg, creating a crunchy coating that bursts with flavor. 
• Oil: This recipe calls for vegetable oil for frying purposes, but any oil with a higher smoke point (like canola or peanut oil) works great.
• Hot sauce and butter: A coating of buffalo-style hot sauce and melted butter finishes off these boneless bites.
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Dunk these buffalo chicken bites in cold ranch or blue cheese dressing to enhance flavor.

What's the best hot sauce for buffalo chicken bites?

A coating of hot sauce mixed with melted butter brings the heat, making these buffalo chicken bites practically irresistible. Our test chicken recommends Moore's brand or Frank's RedHot Original, but any buffalo-style hot sauce will do. 

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Bites

The full recipe is further below, but here's a brief recap to get you started:

• Step 1. Prepare chicken: Cut boneless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, or about 1-inch across. Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk and hot-sauce for up to 24 hours. 
• Step 2. Dredge chicken pieces: After soaking, dredge chicken in the dry mixture, dip in egg, and return to dry mixture again—making sure to fully coat. 
• Step 3. Cook chicken bites: Heat oil in a skillet and fry chicken bites until golden brown or cooked through.
• Step 4. Add buffalo sauce: Then, coat fried bites in a mixture of butter and remaining hot sauce. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for optimal flavor!  

Can I Bake These Buffalo Chicken Bites Instead?

You can bake buffalo chicken bites instead of pan frying them and won't lose out on any flavor. Bake at 400°F until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (usually about 15 to 20 minutes). You can also cook these in an air fryer in batches. 

How To Serve Buffalo Chicken Bites

Be sure to serve buffalo chicken bites immediately after cooking so the breading stays nice and crunchy. If you want to pack these appetizers for a party, prepare the chicken and sauce separately for transport. Upon arrival, reheat the chicken (unsauced) in the oven, add the sauce, and serve. Don’t forget buttermilk ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

How To Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Bites

Freeze or refrigerate the chicken and sauce separately. Chicken lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge while sauce can last up to a week. Both keep up to six months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and reheat (and crisp up again) in the oven or air fryer.

Editorial contributions by Morgan Durick.