Buffalo Blitz Bites

These Buffalo Blitz Bites offer the perfect balance of heat and flavor, with crispy breading encasing tender chicken cubes. The rich buffalo sauce adds a zesty kick, complemented by a cool, creamy blue cheese dressing for dipping. It’s an easy and delicious appetizer for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family gathering, or just looking for a flavorful snack, these bites are sure to impress. They’re quick to prepare, irresistibly tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser. With their bold flavors and crispy texture, they’ll become your go-to dish for every celebration.

Full Recipe:

• 1 lb. chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 1 cup flour

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1/2 cup hot sauce

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• Blue cheese dressing (for dipping)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

3. Dip the chicken cubes into buttermilk, then coat them in the seasoned flour mixture.

4. Arrange the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

6. While the chicken bakes, whisk together the hot sauce and melted butter in a small bowl.

7. Once the chicken bites are cooked, toss them in the buffalo sauce mixture to coat evenly.

8. Serve immediately with blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Buffalo Blitz Bites: The Ultimate Spicy Snack

Buffalo Blitz Bites have become one of the most popular appetizers, particularly in American cuisine. The combination of tender, crispy chicken tossed in a rich, spicy buffalo sauce makes for an irresistible snack or party treat. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a family get-together, or simply looking for a flavorful bite to enjoy, these Buffalo Blitz Bites are sure to be a hit. In this article, we’ll explore everything there is to know about this delightful dish, including its history, the best tips for making it, variations, serving suggestions, and more.

A Brief History of Buffalo Wings and Their Influence on Buffalo Blitz Bites

Buffalo wings, the original inspiration for Buffalo Blitz Bites, trace their origins to Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s. The story goes that Teressa Bellissimo, the co-owner of the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, created the first batch of buffalo wings one late night when she needed to whip up a quick snack for her son and his friends. The wings were deep-fried and then coated in a tangy, spicy sauce made from hot sauce and butter—an immediate success.

Buffalo wings became an iconic American snack and expanded far beyond Buffalo, New York. Over the years, chefs and home cooks have taken this concept and adapted it into various dishes, one of which is the Buffalo Blitz Bites. These bite-sized pieces of chicken are essentially a smaller, crispier version of buffalo wings, perfect for those who prefer a more convenient way of enjoying the spicy goodness.

Why Buffalo Blitz Bites Are So Popular

What makes Buffalo Blitz Bites so popular is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy exterior adds a satisfying crunch, while the tender, juicy chicken inside offers a rich contrast. The buffalo sauce provides a bold, spicy kick that enhances the flavor without overwhelming it, making these bites irresistible. The addition of blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side further complements the spice, offering a creamy contrast to the heat.

Buffalo Blitz Bites are also incredibly versatile. While they are perfect as a game-day appetizer, they can also be served as a main dish or as part of a larger spread for parties or family dinners. Their finger-food appeal makes them ideal for casual occasions where guests can snack and chat without needing utensils.

Tips for Making the Perfect Buffalo Blitz Bites

To ensure that your Buffalo Blitz Bites turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

• Use Chicken Breast for Tenderness: Chicken breasts are ideal for making these bites as they are tender, juicy, and easy to cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor, but breasts are typically the go-to option for this recipe.

• Double-Coat for Extra Crispiness: If you love extra crunch, consider double-coating the chicken in the flour mixture. First, dip the chicken in buttermilk, then in the flour mixture, and repeat the process. This will create a thicker, crispier crust that holds up beautifully when tossed in the buffalo sauce.

• Bake Instead of Frying: While buffalo wings are traditionally deep-fried, baking the Blitz Bites is a healthier option and just as delicious. Baking at a high temperature allows the chicken to cook through while becoming perfectly crispy on the outside.

• Don’t Skip the Rest Time: After coating the chicken and before baking, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better, preventing it from falling off during baking or tossing in the sauce.

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder version, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce used. Conversely, if you like things extra spicy, add more hot sauce or increase the cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Variations of Buffalo Blitz Bites

While the traditional buffalo sauce is always a hit, there are numerous ways to personalize your Buffalo Blitz Bites. Here are a few variations you can try to mix things up:

• Honey Buffalo Bites: For a sweet and spicy twist, mix honey into the buffalo sauce. The sweetness of the honey helps balance out the heat, making for a delightful combination of flavors.

• Crispy Parmesan Buffalo Bites: Add a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the chicken bites right after they’re coated with buffalo sauce. The cheese will melt into the chicken, creating an irresistible savory topping.

• Buffalo Blitz Bites with Garlic Parmesan Sauce: If you’re not a fan of the classic buffalo sauce, try tossing the bites in garlic parmesan sauce instead. The garlicky, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken, offering a different flavor experience.

• Cajun Buffalo Bites: For a more southern flair, add a bit of Cajun seasoning to the flour mixture. This will give your buffalo bites a smoky, spicy flavor that adds depth to the traditional buffalo taste.

Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Blitz Bites

Buffalo Blitz Bites are extremely versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few creative ways to present and serve them:

• Dipping Sauces: Traditional blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing is a must-have for dipping. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving them with garlic aioli, honey mustard, or even a tangy yogurt-based dip.

• On a Salad: Make your Buffalo Blitz Bites into a meal by serving them on top of a fresh salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the spicy chicken bites.

• In Wraps or Sandwiches: Use Buffalo Blitz Bites as the filling for a spicy wrap or sandwich. Add some fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles for a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.

• Buffalo Blitz Bites Platter: For parties or gatherings, create a platter of Buffalo Blitz Bites alongside other finger foods like celery sticks, carrot sticks, chips, and dips. This makes for an easy and fun snack spread for guests to enjoy.

Conclusion

Buffalo Blitz Bites are the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and savory. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, a game day party, or just looking for a tasty snack, these flavorful bites will definitely impress. They are easy to make, highly customizable, and sure to be a hit at any occasion.

So, the next time you’re looking for a quick, delicious appetizer or snack, give Buffalo Blitz Bites a try. With a little creativity, they can be adjusted to suit your personal taste, making them a dish you can enjoy over and over again.