Craving comfort food that’s fun and easy to share? Fried Chicken Bites are golden, Crispy Chicken Nuggets that deliver a perfect crunch outside and tender juiciness inside. These golden chicken bites are ideal for game days, family dinners, or quick snacks, paired with your favorite dipping sauce. With a buttermilk marinade and seasoned coating, this tender fried chicken is a crowd-pleaser. Let’s whip up these Fried Chicken Bites and bring joy to your table!
Why You’ll Love Fried Chicken Bites
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Perfect Portions: These Fried Chicken Bites are bite-sized for easy snacking.
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Super Crispy: A flour-panko coating ensures a crunchy texture.
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Juicy Chicken: Buttermilk keeps this tender fried chicken moist.
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Kid-Friendly: Homemade nuggets that beat fast food every time.
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Meal Prep Ready: Make ahead for quick, delicious meals.
Ingredients for Fried Chicken Bites
Here’s what you’ll need for this ground chicken skillet meal (serves 4–6, ~24 bites):
Marinade:
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1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
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1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
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1 tsp sea salt
Flour Coating:
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¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
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1½ tsp baking powder
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp sweet paprika
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp ground black pepper
Breading and Frying:
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2 cups (120g) panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko)
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Cooking oil (e.g., vegetable or canola), for frying
Equipment
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Large bowl
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Two shallow bowls
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High-sided skillet
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Oil thermometer
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Slotted spoon
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Paper towels
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Baking sheet
Ingredient Tips
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Chicken: Breasts ensure even cooking; thighs add juiciness for these Fried Chicken Bites.
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Buttermilk: Substitute with milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice for this tender fried chicken.
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Panko: Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko maximizes crunch in these crunchy chicken pieces.
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Flour: Use cornstarch for extra crispiness or gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
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Spices: Swap paprika for cayenne or add thyme for a twist in this golden chicken bites recipe.
Directions for Fried Chicken Bites
Let’s make these Fried Chicken Bites—a perfect crunchy chicken pieces treat!
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, I combine 1 lb chicken pieces, 1 cup buttermilk, and 1 tsp sea salt, ensuring all pieces are coated. I cover and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the fridge for tender fried chicken.
Set Up Breading Stations
- In one shallow bowl, I whisk ¾ cup flour, 1½ tsp baking powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper.
- In another, I place 2 cups panko breadcrumbs for an easy breading setup for these golden chicken bites.
Bread the Chicken
- Using a slotted spoon, I lift chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- I dredge each piece in the flour mixture, dip back in buttermilk, then coat in panko.
- I place breaded pieces on a baking sheet and chill for 15 minutes to set the coating for crunchy chicken pieces.
Fry the Chicken
- I heat 1½ inches of oil in a high-sided skillet to 350°F, checking with an oil thermometer.
- I fry several pieces at a time, avoiding crowding, for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- I remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, letting oil return to 350°F between batches.
Serve
- I sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and serve hot, enjoying these tender fried chicken bites with dipping sauces.
Nutrition
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Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus optional 24-hour marination)
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Cook Time: 20–30 minutes
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Total Time: ~50–60 minutes
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Servings: 4–6 (~4–6 bites per serving)
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Calories: ~475–525 kcal per serving
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Macros per Serving: 58g carbs, 24g protein, 14–19g fat, 2g fiber
Variations for Fried Chicken Bites
Try these twists on this tender fried chicken:
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Spicy Kick: Add cayenne to the flour for fiery crunchy chicken pieces.
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Herb Twist: Use Italian seasoning, inspired by Food and Tips’ Sun Dried Tomato and Mushroom Pasta.
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Gluten-Free: Swap flour and panko for gluten-free versions.
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Cornflake Crunch: Crush cornflakes instead of panko for unique golden chicken bites.
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Air Fryer: Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes for a lighter version.
Serving Ideas:
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Pair with Food and Tips’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh contrast.
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Serve with Food and Tips’ Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken for a hearty meal.
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Enjoy with Food and Tips’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a light pairing.
Storage
I store leftover crunchy chicken pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, I cool completely, freeze individually on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight. I reheat in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes or an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Serving Tips
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Presentation: Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard for vibrant Fried Chicken Bites.
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Garnish: Add a lemon wedge or parsley for freshness.
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Pairing: Pair with coleslaw or Food and Tips’ Coconut Cooler for balance.
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Portion Size: 4–6 bites per person for a satisfying snack or meal.
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Occasions: Ideal for game days, parties, or quick dinners.
FAQs About Fried Chicken Bites
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs add juiciness to this tender fried chicken; trim fat and cut evenly.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar for these Fried Chicken Bites.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and panko for gluten-free crunchy chicken pieces.
How do I keep the coating crispy?
Fry at 350°F and avoid crowding the pan for perfect golden chicken bites.
Can I air fry instead of deep fry?
Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter wholesome chicken dish.
More High-Protein Meals You’ll Love
- High Protein Chicken Orzo: A Creamy, Healthy One-Pan Delight
- Protein Bagels
- Easy Baked Salmon Recipe: A Flavorful, Healthy Dinner
Conclusion
Fried Chicken Bites are a crispy, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These golden chicken bites bring joy with every bite. Make this tender fried chicken, gather your loved ones, and savor the crunch!

Fried Chicken Bites
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb 450g boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup 240ml buttermilk
- 1 tsp sea salt
For the Flour Coating:
- ¾ cup 90g all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
For Breading and Frying:
- 2 cups 120g panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko)
- Cooking oil e.g., vegetable or canola, for frying
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, I combine 1 lb chicken pieces, 1 cup buttermilk, and 1 tsp sea salt, ensuring all pieces are coated. I cover and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the fridge for tender fried chicken.
Set Up Breading Stations
- In one shallow bowl, I whisk ¾ cup flour, 1½ tsp baking powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper. In another, I place 2 cups panko breadcrumbs for an easy breading setup for these golden chicken bites.
Bread the Chicken
- Using a slotted spoon, I lift chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. I dredge each piece in the flour mixture, dip back in buttermilk, then coat in panko. I place breaded pieces on a baking sheet and chill for 15 minutes to set the coating for crunchy chicken pieces.
Fry the Chicken
- I heat 1½ inches of oil in a high-sided skillet to 350°F, checking with an oil thermometer. I fry several pieces at a time, avoiding crowding, for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. I remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, letting oil return to 350°F between batches.
Serve
- I sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and serve hot, enjoying these tender fried chicken bites with dipping sauces.
Notes
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