If there’s one dish that can unite a crowd, it’s a piping-hot platter of Chicken Bites. These tasty morsels are juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and irresistibly dippable. Chicken Bites are a weeknight family favorite and party hero all in one, thanks to their universally loved flavors and the satisfying crunch in every bite. With a punchy blend of spices and that signature buttermilk marinade, they bring classic comfort food to your table with very little fuss, making them the definition of culinary happiness in hand-held form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s beauty in simplicity, and that’s never truer than with Chicken Bites. Each of these ingredients brings something special to the table—tenderizing, flavor, and crunch—so don’t skip anything if you want juicy, golden nuggets that keep everyone coming back for more.

Chicken breasts: Trimmed and diced into bite-sized pieces, they’re the perfect blank canvas for seasoning and soaking up all the flavors.
Buttermilk: This magical marinade ingredient makes the chicken extra tender and gives that crave-worthy tang.
All-purpose flour: The secret behind the crunchy, golden crust you’ll crave in every bite.
Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, aromatic backdrop that infuses the breading with garlicky goodness.
Onion powder: Boosts savory notes and depth for that full, well-rounded flavor.
Paprika: Just a hint for gorgeous color and a whisper of smokiness.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life—don’t be shy!
Black pepper: A little goes a long way for a bit of warmth and balance against the tangy marinade.
Vegetable oil: Neutral-flavored and perfect for frying up the crispiest Chicken Bites imaginable.

How to Make Chicken Bites

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing your bite-sized chicken pieces in a large bowl and pouring the tangy buttermilk over them. Stir everything around, making sure every piece is well coated. Then, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—or overnight if you’ve got the time. This simple step is the secret to Chicken Bites that are tender all the way through.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredge

While the chicken is soaking up all that flavor, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. This seasoned flour sets the stage for the irresistibly crispy and well-seasoned coating that every great Chicken Bite deserves.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour about two inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet and set it over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough to sizzle when a little bit of flour hits it, but not so hot that the coating burns before the chicken cooks through—aim for around 350°F if you have a thermometer.

Step 4: Dredge and Fry

Working in batches, take the marinated chicken pieces out of the buttermilk (let the excess drip off), then toss them in the seasoned flour, making sure each one is fully coated. Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil and fry for about 3–4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a deep golden color and an interior that’s juicy and cooked through. Transfer each batch to a paper towel-lined plate to drain while you finish the rest.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Serve the Chicken Bites fresh from the skillet, still hot and perfectly crispy. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear—because they always do!

How to Serve Chicken Bites

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re feeling a little fancy, a light dusting of flaky salt or grated Parmesan over hot Chicken Bites is irresistible. Lemon wedges on the side brighten things up and add zing with each bite.

Side Dishes

For a classic vibe, serve your Chicken Bites with crispy fries or sweet potato wedges. They also play so well with a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or even buttery corn on the cob. Don’t forget a selection of dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, spicy ketchup, or even a homemade aioli turn this into a festive feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Chicken Bites aren’t just for piling on a plate! Serve them skewered with veggies for fun party bites, tuck them inside warm pita pockets with slaw for an easy sandwich, or toss them over a bed of greens for a speedy main-course salad. However you serve them, these little bites bring a burst of fun and flavor to every meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with extra Chicken Bites (it’s rare, but it happens!), let them cool completely and then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll still be full of flavor and perfect for quick snacks or easy lunches.

Freezing

Place cooled Chicken Bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. This is a total game changer for meal prep or unexpected cravings.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Chicken Bites in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes until hot and crispy again. The microwave works in a pinch but might soften the coating—so if you crave crunch, the oven or an air fryer is definitely the way to go.

FAQs

Can I bake Chicken Bites instead of frying?

Absolutely! Place the coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through. They come out golden and satisfying with much less oil.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to buttermilk?

Yes! To make a quick dairy-free “buttermilk,” mix 1 cup of non-dairy milk (like almond, soy, or oat) with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, then use as you would regular buttermilk in the recipe.

How do I make Chicken Bites spicier?

For a spicy kick, whisk up to a full teaspoon of cayenne pepper right into the flour mixture, or serve the finished Chicken Bites with a spicy dipping sauce like buffalo or sriracha mayo for extra heat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and come out even juicier. Just trim any excess fat before cutting into bite-sized pieces, and keep an eye on the cook time since they may take a minute or two longer.

What’s the best way to keep Chicken Bites crispy?

If serving a crowd, keep batches warm and crispy by placing them on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a low oven (around 250°F) while you finish frying the rest. This prevents any soggy bottoms and ensures every bite is as crunchy as the first.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s as fun as it is delicious, Chicken Bites are always the answer. Once you try these at home, you’ll wonder how you ever entertained without them—so go ahead, grab your favorite sauce, and let the dipping (and munching!) begin!

Chicken Bites Recipe

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4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These crispy and flavorful chicken bites are perfect for a quick and delicious appetizer or snack. Coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to golden perfection, they are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Bites:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Stir to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Fry the Chicken: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour until well coated. Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Drain and Serve: Remove the chicken from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
You can also bake the chicken bites at 425°F for 20–25 minutes for a lighter option—just spray with cooking spray before baking.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American