Cajun Buffalo Chicken Bites are spicy, crispy pieces of chicken that are packed with flavor! With a zesty Cajun kick and a tangy buffalo sauce, these bites are perfect for snacking or sharing.
Honestly, they disappear faster than I can make them! I love to serve them with a cool dip on the side. Who can resist a tasty bite that’s both spicy and crunchy? 🍗🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, but you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier bite. Another fun option is using shrimp or tofu for a different taste and texture.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are great for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs can be used if that’s what you have on hand. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
Cajun Seasoning: You can buy ready-made Cajun seasoning or make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme. If you prefer less spice, adjust the cayenne to your taste.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Crispy and Cooked Through?
Getting crispy chicken bites starts with proper breading and oil temperature. Here’s how to make sure they turn out perfectly:
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This not only flavors the chicken but also helps the breading stick better.
- Create a breading station: first flour, then buttermilk, and finally the seasoned breadcrumbs. This layering gives a great texture.
- Heat your oil to the right temperature (350°F/175°C) before frying. You can test it by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it bubbles up, it’s ready.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve that golden brown color.
- Always use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken, allowing excess oil to drain properly on paper towels.
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
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for a richer sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy recipe will take about 1 hour in total. You’ll need around 30 minutes to marinate the chicken, plus another 30 minutes for breading, frying, and coating with sauce. If you want to marinate the chicken longer for more flavor, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, place the bite-sized chicken pieces and pour over them the buttermilk. Make sure all the chicken is well-covered. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up all the flavors. If you have extra time, refrigerating it for up to 2 hours works great too!
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
While the chicken is marinating, get your breading station ready. In one bowl, pour in the flour. In another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will give your chicken bites a delicious kick!
3. Bread the Chicken:
Once the marinating time is up, take the chicken out of the buttermilk. Let any excess drip off. First, dredge each chicken piece in the flour, making sure it’s well coated. Then, dip it back into the buttermilk, and finally, coat it in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Place all the breaded chicken bites on a plate.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or deep pot, pour about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature if you have one!
5. Fry the Chicken Bites:
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken bites in small batches. Fry them for about 5-6 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully cooked (the internal temperature should be at least 165°F/74°C). Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on some paper towels.
6. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, take a small saucepan and add the buffalo sauce. If you want it richer, you can add the butter here too. Heat it over low heat until warm and melted, stirring occasionally to combine.
7. Coat the Chicken Bites:
In a large bowl, once all the chicken bites are fried, toss them gently in the warm buffalo sauce until they are fully coated. Get them nice and saucy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your Cajun Buffalo Chicken Bites to a serving platter. Serve them right away with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and maybe even some crunchy celery sticks on the side. Get ready to enjoy these tasty bites!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add a bit more flavor and moisture to your Cajun Buffalo Chicken Bites. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary slightly since thighs can be thicker. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own! Mix 1 cup of milk (whole or low-fat) with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly; then it’s ready to use just like regular buttermilk.
How to 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. For best results, reheat them in an oven (at 350°F or 175°C for about 10-15 minutes) to maintain their crispy texture.
Can I Bake These Chicken Bites Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them for a healthier option! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded chicken bites on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown. You may want to spray them lightly with cooking spray to promote browning.
