Chicken Bites (Print Version)
Buttermilk-marinated chicken with a crisp, seasoned crust, fried golden for snacking or parties.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.1 pounds 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 ground 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 ground black pepper
→ For Frying
14 - Vegetable oil, as needed for deep frying
# Directions:
01 - In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize, if time permits.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, corn starch, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly blended.
03 - Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or deep fryer to a depth of at least 1.5 inches and heat to 350°F.
04 - Remove each chicken piece from the marinade, allow excess liquid to drip off, and dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture until fully coated.
05 - Working in batches, carefully lower dredged chicken into hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
06 - Serve the chicken bites hot or warm alongside your preferred dipping sauce.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The trick for super juicy bites is marinating in buttermilk—trust me, it makes all the difference.
- No one will guess how easy this recipe is, yet it always disappears first at get-togethers.
02 -
- If the oil temperature dips too low, the chicken goes soggy and greasy instead of crisp—monitor your heat.
- Letting the breaded chicken rest for a couple of minutes before frying makes the crust hold on stronger.
03 -
- Marinating just a touch longer makes the chicken even more tender, but don’t stress if you’re pressed for time.
- A little sprinkling of salt right out of the fryer amplifies all the seasonings and keeps those bites irresistible.