These Cajun Buffalo Chicken Bites are spicy, crispy, and packed with flavor! Perfect for a snack or a party, each bite delivers a tasty kick that will make your taste buds dance.
Honestly, what’s better than chicken bites that are both crunchy and fiery? I love serving them with a cool dip to balance the heat—it’s like a little taste of Louisiana in every mouthful! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap them with skinless chicken thighs, which can add a bit more flavor.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and flavor to the chicken. No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes. That’ll do the trick!
All-Purpose Flour: This helps create a crispy coating. You can use whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor or gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option. Cornstarch is another good choice for extra crispiness.
Cajun Seasoning: This gives the chicken its bold flavor. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, try a mix of paprika, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper to replicate that spicy kick.
Buffalo Sauce: Pick your favorite brand or make your own! For a milder option, use a sauce with less heat or mix with a bit of ranch dressing for a creamier dip.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Fried Chicken Bites?
Frying can seem challenging, but a few tips can help you achieve that perfect golden brown color. First, make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) before adding the chicken. If it isn’t hot, the chicken will absorb too much oil.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature.
- Use a slotted spoon to turn chicken bites gently, ensuring they fry evenly.
- Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, but check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C.
- Let them drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil, keeping them crispy!
How to Make Cajun Buffalo Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at about 35 minutes total before you can enjoy these tasty bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined to create a tasty coating for our chicken bites!
2. Make the Buttermilk Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until they are well blended. This will help make the chicken bites nice and juicy and help the seasoning stick!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the buttermilk mixture. Let any extra buttermilk drip off, then coat the chicken thoroughly with the seasoned flour mixture. Place the coated pieces aside on a plate.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’re aiming for about 350°F (175°C). This heat will make our chicken crispy!
5. Fry the Chicken Bites:
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and cooked through, which will take about 4-5 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and let them drain on paper towels.
6. Make the Buffalo Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the buffalo sauce and melted butter. Stir well to combine. This spicy goodness will coat our chicken bites perfectly!
7. Coat the Chicken Bites:
Now, take your fried chicken bites and toss them in the buffalo sauce mixture until they are evenly coated. Get them nice and saucy!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer your Cajun buffalo chicken bites to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like. Serve them hot and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier bite, and they work great in this recipe. Just ensure they’re boneless and cut into bite-sized pieces like the breasts. The cooking time may remain the same, but check for doneness to be safe!
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly—voilà, homemade buttermilk!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Bites?
To store leftovers, let the chicken bites cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to help regain some crispiness.
Can I Make These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Bites Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just be sure to check your seasonings, as some may contain gluten too!
