Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

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Spicy, garlicky, and irresistibly crispy, these Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites are the snackable comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Whether it’s game night, a casual gathering, or just a treat-yourself dinner, these bite-sized flavor bombs bring the heat and the crave-worthy crunch with every single piece. Drenched in a homemade buttery buffalo garlic sauce and seared to perfection, they’re everything you want from bold finger food.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need deep-frying or complicated steps to get a juicy, crispy result. Just a skillet, a few pantry staples, and some good-quality chicken. The result? Chicken bites that are tangy, rich, and perfectly garlicky with just the right kick of spice.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

These chicken bites check all the boxes for a winning dish. They’re fast to prepare, cook in under 20 minutes, and pack a flavorful punch that satisfies both heat seekers and garlic lovers. Plus, the buttery hot sauce coats every bite so well you won’t even need a dip (but a little ranch or blue cheese never hurts).

They also make the perfect main dish over a salad, tucked into a wrap, or as part of an appetizer spread. Once you try them, you’ll want to make a batch every week.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great for this recipe. Thighs will give you a juicier result thanks to their higher fat content, while breasts keep things leaner. Just make sure to cut the chicken into evenly-sized chunks to ensure they cook uniformly and get that perfect golden crust. If you’re using frozen chicken, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid steaming the meat while cooking.

Ingredients for the Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

Choosing the right ingredients is the key to unlocking the bold and savory flavor in these Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites. While the ingredient list is short, each one plays a big role in delivering the signature heat, richness, and crispiness that make these bites unforgettable.

• Chicken breast or thighs
• Garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Cornstarch
• Butter
• Hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• Fresh garlic
• Olive oil

The chicken breast or thighs are the foundation of the dish. For the crispiest exterior, pat them dry and cut into small chunks. Garlic powder enhances the savory base and layers more flavor when combined with fresh garlic in the sauce. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning and balance. Cornstarch gives each piece that perfect crust when seared. Butter adds a rich, velvety touch to the sauce, mellowing the sharpness of the hot sauce. And olive oil helps achieve that perfect golden sear in the skillet.

How To Make the Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks and pat them dry with paper towels. Season generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook, undisturbed, for a few minutes to get a golden crust. Flip and cook until fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes total.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the hot sauce and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Pour the buffalo garlic sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Toss to coat every piece thoroughly, and let it cook for another minute so the sauce clings well. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or dipping sauce.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

It’s easy to think chicken bites are foolproof, but there are a few key mistakes that can lead to soggy, bland, or unevenly cooked bites. One of the biggest is not drying the chicken properly. Moisture prevents browning and leaves you with steamed, rubbery bites. Another mistake is crowding the pan, which drops the temperature and results in uneven cooking. Give those bites some space to sizzle. Also, be cautious not to burn the garlic in the sauce—it should be fragrant and golden, never bitter. And finally, don’t skip the cornstarch coating. It makes all the difference for that signature crisp.

Serving and Storing These Chicken Bites

These Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites are at their best hot off the skillet, but you can also prep them ahead and reheat. They feed about 4 people as a main or 6 as an appetizer. Serve them on a platter with celery sticks and ranch, or toss them into a wrap or grain bowl for a meal.

To store, let them cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, use a skillet or air fryer to help maintain their crispiness.

What to Serve With Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites?

Classic Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip

Cool and creamy dips are the perfect contrast to the spicy bites.

Crisp Celery and Carrot Sticks

These crunchy veggies balance out the heat and add a refreshing bite.

Loaded Baked Potatoes

A hearty side that soaks up extra sauce and adds comfort to your plate.

Garlic Parmesan Fries

Crispy, cheesy fries are a match made in snack heaven with these chicken bites.

Coleslaw

A tangy, creamy slaw gives a fresh crunch and tones down the spice.

Macaroni and Cheese

The creamy richness of mac and cheese is an indulgent pairing.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet and slightly charred corn brings a summery vibe.

Mini Slider Buns

Turn the bites into sandwiches for an easy game-day snack or meal.

Want More Chicken Appetizer Ideas?

If these Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites are your kind of snack, you might love these flavorful favorites too:

• Try the zesty spice of the Buffalo Chicken Calzone for a cozy, stuffed version of your favorite buffalo flavors.
• Enjoy cheesy indulgence with the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, a hearty bite that’s perfect for comfort food cravings.
• Spice things up with Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo that brings smoky heat and rich sauce together in one skillet.
• For something different but equally irresistible, the Cheesy Pizza Bombs are gooey, handheld pockets of joy.
• Don’t miss the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites for a seafood twist with a creamy, spicy kick.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can whip it up whenever the craving hits.

Let me know in the comments how you served yours. Did you go full sandwich mode or toss them into a salad? Did you go extra hot or tame the spice?

Sharing how you made it your own helps everyone enjoy these recipes even more. And if you have any tips or tweaks, drop them below.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and savory bites on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next crave-worthy dish.

Conclusion

These Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites deliver bold flavor without the fuss. Crispy outside, juicy inside, and coated in a buttery garlic-hot sauce combo that hits all the right notes, they’re a must-try whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself. Quick to make and packed with satisfaction, they might just become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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