Crispy Chicken Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner. These bite-sized pieces of chicken are coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crunchy exterior and juicy, tender inside. The combination of herbs and spices in the coating makes each bite irresistible. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, and watch them disappear in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Prepare the coating: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. Place the flour in the first bowl, the beaten eggs in the second, and the breadcrumbs in the third.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken bites from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
These Crispy Chicken Bites are sure to be a hit, whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Enjoy their satisfying crunch and delicious flavor!
