fried chicken bites recipe

fried chicken bites recipe

The Best fried chicken bites recipe

I’ve always been a fan of fried chicken, and when I discovered this recipe for fried chicken bites, I knew it was a game-changer. The combination of crispy exterior and juicy interior is just perfect, and my family loves it when I make it for them. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday party. Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to other fried foods, thanks to the use of buttermilk and spices instead of heavy breading.

I’ve experimented with different seasonings and marinades, but this basic recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. I love how versatile this recipe is – you can serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as the main course for a casual dinner. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make in bulk, so you can feed a large group of people without breaking a sweat.

My kids devour these little bites in seconds, and they’re perfect for packing in lunches or snacking on the go. The technique behind this recipe is what really sets it apart from other fried chicken recipes. By marinating the chicken in buttermilk and then dredging it in a mixture of flour, spices, and herbs, you get that perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes this dish so addictive. It’s not too greasy, not too dry – just right.

And let me tell you, my family has devoured countless batches of these fried chicken bites over the years. They’re truly one of our favorite comfort foods. One thing I appreciate about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to your taste preferences. Want more heat?

Add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinade. Prefer things milder? Use plain yogurt instead of buttermilk for a similar tangy flavor without the heat. And if you’re feeling fancy, try adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the breading mixture for an extra depth of flavor.

Crispy Fried Chicken Bites

Crispy Fried Chicken Bites

4.8 from 826 votes

These crispy fried chicken bites are tender on the inside and golden on the outside. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they are seasoned with a blend of spices and fried to perfection.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them.
2Stir to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for extra tenderness.
3In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
5Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of 1 1/2 inches and heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F on a thermometer.
6Working in batches to avoid crowding, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7Transfer the fried chicken bites to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
8Let them rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the coating to set and stay crispy.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Shallow dish
Deep skillet or Dutch oven
Candy or deep-fry thermometer
Tongs
Paper towels
Wire rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For extra crunch, you can double-dredge the chicken by dipping back into buttermilk and then the flour mixture before frying. Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce.

Watch Video Of How Crispy Fried Chicken Bites Works

This fried chicken bites recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution.

And don’t even get me started on how well they store – simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Reheating them is easy too – just toss them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Fried Chicken Bites

Q: What kind of chicken should I use for fried chicken bites?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders cut into bite-sized pieces.

Q: Can I make fried chicken bites ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Q: How do I get the coating to stick to the chicken?

Making sure the chicken pieces are completely dry before dredging them in the breading mixture helps the coating adhere better.

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying them?

Yes! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover fried chicken bites?

You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

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