There is nothing quite as satisfying as biting into crispy, flavorful chicken with a spicy kick, and this Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe brings exactly that to your table. Combining tender shredded chicken with creamy cheese and bold hot sauce, then encasing it in a crunchy corn flake crust, these bites are the ultimate party treat or game day snack. Whether you’re a fan of that classic Buffalo heat or looking to wow your friends with something easy yet impressive, these bites deliver irresistible texture and taste in every single piece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic behind this Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe. Each element plays a vital role from creating the creamy tanginess and spicy depth to delivering that perfect crunch and chew.
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken: The hearty base providing protein and a tender bite.
- ¼ to ½ cup hot sauce: Adjust to your spice level; this is where the signature Buffalo flavor shines.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds luscious creaminess that balances the heat perfectly.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and melty goodness inside the bites.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances savory depth without overpowering the main flavors.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and adds a delicate base for the crust.
- 4 large eggs (lightly beaten): Acts as the perfect binder between layers of coating.
- 3 cups crushed corn flakes cereal: Provides that irresistible crunchy crust with a subtle sweetness.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350˚F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your buffalo bites cook evenly and don’t stick to the pan, making cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Combine the filling
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with softened cream cheese and your choice of hot sauce, blending until everything is evenly coated. Then stir in shredded cheddar cheese and a teaspoon of onion powder to infuse each bite with sharp, savory notes.
Step 3: Shape the chicken balls
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the mixture into roughly 1½ inch balls, about bite-sized and perfect for snacking. Set them aside on a plate or separate tray while you prepare the breading stations.
Step 4: Bread the bites
Set up three shallow bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and crushed corn flakes respectively. Dip each chicken ball first in the flour, then the egg wash, and finally in the crunchy corn flakes, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well.
Step 5: Bake to crispy perfection
Place your coated chicken balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The result? Golden, crunchy exteriors giving way to creamy, spicy centers that will have everyone reaching for more.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe beautifully. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or finely sliced celery on top for a little crunch and color contrast. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side is essential to cool down the heat and add creaminess.
Side Dishes
These bites pair amazingly well with classic sides like carrot sticks, celery sticks, or a crisp green salad. For something heartier, serve them alongside baked potato wedges or garlic-roasted vegetables to create a satisfying meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe on a platter shaped like a football or scatter them with slices of fresh jalapeño for added heat. You could also serve them in mini slider buns for Buffalo chicken sliders, turning this tasty bite into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Buffalo Chicken Bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them completely before storing to keep the coating crispy for when you reheat them.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the unbaked, breaded chicken balls laid out individually on a parchment-lined tray. Once solid, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag and keep for up to 2 months, making it easy to bake fresh, crispy bites whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the refrigerated or thawed bites in a 350ËšF oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to maintain that perfect crunch.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here because it’s already cooked and tender, making your Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe even easier and quicker to prepare.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
You can reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder variety, and the cream cheese and cheddar help mellow out the heat while still keeping plenty of flavor.
Can I bake these bites instead of frying?
Yes, this recipe is designed for baking, which keeps things lighter but still crispy thanks to the corn flake coating. It’s easier and cleaner than frying too!
What kind of hot sauce works best?
Classic Buffalo-style sauces like Frank’s RedHot are ideal, but feel free to use your favorite brand or mix in some honey for a sweet and spicy twist.
Can I make these bite-sized snacks gluten-free?
Certainly! Substitute the all-purpose flour and corn flakes with gluten-free versions, and make sure your hot sauce and seasonings are gluten-free to keep this recipe safe and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe is one of those standout dishes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for game days, casual get-togethers, or whenever you need a snack that’s bold in flavor and texture. Crispy, creamy, and packed with just the right amount of heat, these bites are easy to make yet feel special enough to impress. Go ahead and try making them—you might just find your new favorite finger food!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings (about 18-24 bites depending on size)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Bites are a crispy, cheesy appetizer perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Made with shredded chicken, spicy hot sauce, and cheddar cheese, then coated in crushed corn flakes for extra crunch and baked to golden perfection. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo flavor experience.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ¼ to ½ cup hot sauce (or more to taste)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp onion powder
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 3 cups corn flakes cereal (crushed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350ËšF and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare chicken mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, and hot sauce, mixing well until fully incorporated. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and onion powder to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Form balls: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the chicken mixture and roll each into roughly 1½ inch balls. Place the formed balls on a plate or a separate baking sheet while preparing the breading station.
- Set up breading station: In three separate shallow bowls, place the all-purpose flour, lightly beaten eggs, and crushed corn flakes respectively to create a classic breading pattern.
- Bread the chicken bites: Dip each chicken ball first into the flour, shaking off any excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat completely with crushed corn flakes. Arrange the coated bites on the prepared baking sheet with some space between them.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and heated through, ensuring a crispy exterior and warm interior.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, enhancing the authentic buffalo flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Using fresh shredded chicken from a rotisserie or cooked chicken breasts works best for texture.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the bites for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- These bites can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Substitute corn flakes with crushed panko or breadcrumbs for a different texture.
