If you are on the hunt for the ultimate game day snack or a crave-worthy appetizer, then you have to try the Buffalo Blitz Bites Recipe. This dish is a dazzling combination of succulent chicken pieces coated in a perfectly seasoned crispy crust, doused in tangy, buttery buffalo sauce, and served alongside a cooling, creamy dip. Each bite bursts with bold, spicy flavors balanced by a touch of rich comfort, making these Buffalo Blitz Bites the perfect crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on the right ingredients is key to nailing the irresistible flavor and texture of these Buffalo Blitz Bites. Each component, from the fragrant spices to the crunchy panko breadcrumbs, works harmoniously to create that mouthwatering perfect bite every time.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast (1 lb): Provides tender, juicy protein that forms the base of the bites.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Adds a light coating and helps the seasoning stick to each piece.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Brings a warm, aromatic hint that enhances the savoriness.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the seasoning mix.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Gives a mild smoky flavor and beautiful color to the crust.
- Salt (½ tsp): Essential to balance and elevate all the flavors.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Helps bind the coating to the chicken for that perfect crunch.
- Breadcrumbs, preferably panko (1 cup): The secret to extra crispiness and a wonderful crunchy texture.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Adds richness and helps carry the buffalo sauce flavors.
- Buffalo sauce (½ cup): The star ingredient that delivers bold heat and tang.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): For frying, ensuring a golden, crispy crust without greasiness.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (½ cup): To mellow the spice with creamy, cool dipping pleasure.
- Additional buffalo sauce (2 tbsp): Mixed into the dipping sauce to keep that Buffalo Blitz Bites flavor consistent.
How to Make Buffalo Blitz Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Bites
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things tidy. Next, mix all your dry seasonings—flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper—in a shallow bowl. This seasoning blend ensures each bite is flavorful from crust to core. Dip each bite-sized chicken cube first in the seasoned flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally press them into the breadcrumbs. This triple coating locks in juices while creating that iconic crunch.
Step 2: Fry the Bites
Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps them cook evenly and stay crispy. Fry each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until a gorgeous golden brown crust forms. Once cooked, transfer the bites to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil, keeping the texture light and delicious.
Step 3: Coat the Bites in Buffalo Sauce
Now it’s time for the magic. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter into the buffalo sauce. This pairing mellows the heat and adds luxurious richness. Toss your freshly fried chicken bites in the sauce, making sure every piece gets thoroughly coated. This step infuses the bites with that unmistakable tangy, spicy buffalo flavor that makes this recipe so addictive.
Step 4: Bake the Bites
Place the buffalo-coated bites evenly spaced on your lined baking sheet. Pop them into your preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This final bake crisps the coating even more while letting the buffalo flavors meld beautifully with the chicken. It’s the perfect finishing touch to elevate these bites from tasty to extraordinary.
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
While your bites bake, whip up the dipping sauce by mixing ranch or blue cheese dressing with an extra dollop of buffalo sauce in a small bowl. Stir well until smooth and creamy. This dip is the ideal cooling complement to the zesty bites, offering a luscious balance of creaminess and spice.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Buffalo Blitz Bites come out of the oven, serve them hot alongside your homemade dip. The combination of crispy edges, juicy chicken, fiery buffalo, and cooling sauce is pure joy on a plate. Trust me, once you try this Buffalo Blitz Bites Recipe, it will become a staple at your snack table.
How to Serve Buffalo Blitz Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can take your Buffalo Blitz Bites presentation to the next level. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. A few celery sticks on the side add a crisp, cool contrast that’s classic with buffalo flavors and provides a bit of crunch to balance the bites.
Side Dishes
Buffalo Blitz Bites are fantastic on their own, but some sides really elevate the meal. Consider serving with a crisp garden salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or cooling coleslaw to cut through the heat. Crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries also pair beautifully, adding heartiness to your spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a party, presentation matters. Try skewering the bites with small wooden picks for easy grabbing. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of dipping sauce and garnishes for an inviting, share-friendly platter. For an extra festive touch, drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce over the bites right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Blitz Bites can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep that crispiness, separate the really saucy bites from drier ones if possible, or line the container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing
These bites freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They maintain great texture and flavor for up to 2 months. Just remember to freeze before saucing, then toss in buffalo sauce fresh after reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the bites in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. After warming, toss them in buffalo sauce again to restore that fresh, vibrant flavor and serve immediately.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and fat, which can add extra flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the recipe as is.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for Buffalo Blitz Bites?
You can substitute cauliflower florets in place of chicken for a delicious vegetarian version. Just adjust frying times accordingly since cauliflower cooks faster.
How spicy is the Buffalo Blitz Bites Recipe?
The heat level is moderate due to the buffalo sauce, but you can easily adjust it by choosing milder or hotter buffalo sauces to suit your taste buds.
Can I bake the bites instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a great alternative! Bake the breaded bites at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness, then toss with buffalo sauce.
What dipping sauce pairs best with Buffalo Blitz Bites?
Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing mixed with extra buffalo sauce is perfect, offering that creamy cooling effect that balances the spicy bites wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Buffalo Blitz Bites Recipe that makes it a total winner every time you make it. Whether you’re sharing with friends, serving up during a big game, or simply treating yourself to a fiery snack, these bites bring a burst of flavor and that satisfying crunch we all crave. I promise once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to favorite for any occasion—so don’t wait, get cooking and enjoy every saucy, crispy, delicious bite!
Print
Buffalo Blitz Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Blitz Bites are crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a flavorful blend of spices, fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce. Finished with a quick bake for extra crispiness, these bites are served with a creamy buffalo-infused ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce, making them perfect for game day or a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Buffalo Sauce Coating
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce (for mixing into the sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dip each chicken cube first into the seasoned flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure they stick well.
- Fry the Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Coat the Bites in Buffalo Sauce: In a large bowl, mix melted butter with buffalo sauce. Add the fried chicken bites and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Bake the Bites: Arrange the coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors and enhance crispiness.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: While the bites are baking, combine ranch or blue cheese dressing with buffalo sauce in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Remove the buffalo bites from the oven and serve immediately with the buffalo dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce in the dipping sauce to make it milder or spicier to your taste.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when frying to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Leftover bites can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness rather than microwaving.
