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Plate of baked buffalo chicken bites, crispy and served with dipping sauce.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites

Deliciously spicy and healthier oven-baked chicken bites coated in zesty buffalo sauce, perfect for gatherings and game nights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Bites
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces Use fresh chicken for the best flavor and texture.
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs For a gluten-free option, swap with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Omit for a dairy-free version.
For the Buffalo Sauce
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) Adjust heat according to preference.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter version.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper.
Coating
  1. Take the chicken pieces and dip each one in the sauce mixture until fully coated, then roll in the panko breadcrumbs to give them a crispy finish.
  2. Place the coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the bites are cooked through and golden brown. You can broil for the last 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness.
  2. Remove from the oven and toss the bites in any remaining buffalo sauce before serving.

Notes

Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. A side of celery sticks adds a nice crunch! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results. Make it vegetarian by using cauliflower florets instead of chicken.