Chicken Bites (Printable)
Buttermilk-marinated chicken pieces fried to a golden, crispy crust—perfect for snacking or sharing.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Marinade
02 - 1/2 cup buttermilk
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Breading
07 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 1/4 cup corn starch
09 - 1 teaspoon paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ For Frying
14 - Vegetable oil, as needed for deep frying
# How To Make It:
01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken pieces and turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for best results.
02 - In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, corn starch, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper if desired, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
03 - Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or deep fryer to a depth suitable for submerging chicken pieces. Heat oil to 350°F.
04 - Remove chicken from the marinade and allow excess liquid to drain. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture to ensure an even coating.
05 - Working in batches, fry coated chicken bites for 3 to 4 minutes per batch, until golden brown, crisp, and fully cooked. Remove using a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
06 - Present chicken bites hot, accompanied by your choice of dipping sauce.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This crispy coating never gets soggy—even if you sneak a few before everyone arrives.
- Just a handful of pantry spices turns humble chicken into everyone’s favorite nibble.
02 -
- If you overcrowd the pan, the coating turns limp instead of crisp.
- Letting the chicken rest in buttermilk—even just 20 minutes—makes it impossibly tender.
03 -
- Test the oil temperature with a tiny breadcrumb: if it sizzles and floats, you’re good to go.
- Prepping ahead and marinating the chicken overnight is a serious flavor boost.