1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken, buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
Marinate at least 30 mins (or overnight for best flavor).
2. Prep the Coating
In another bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Double-Coating (Key to Crispiness!)
Dip each chicken piece in the flour mix → back in buttermilk → then flour mix again. Press firmly to adhere.
4. Cook to Perfection
Oven method: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18-20 mins, flipping halfway.
Air fryer method: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 mins, shaking once.
5. Serve Hot!
Pair with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Bites
🔹 Pat chicken dry before marinating for better coating adhesion.
🔹 For extra crunch, add 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes to the flour mix.
🔹 Make ahead – Freeze before cooking, then bake straight from frozen (+5 mins).
3 Delicious Variations
Spicy Nashville Hot – Toss cooked bites in butter + cayenne.
Honey Garlic – Drizzle with honey-garlic glaze after cooking.
Parmesan Ranch – Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan + 1 tsp ranch seasoning to the coating.
Why These Beat Fast Food
These bites are juicier, crispier, and free of mystery ingredients—plus, you control the salt and spice level. The cornstarch trick makes them crave-worthy crunchy without deep-frying!
Warning: You’ll never want store-bought nuggets again!
More Crispy Chicken Recipes:
➡️ [Air Fryer Chicken Tenders]
➡️ [Korean Fried Chicken]
➡️ [Buffalo Cauliflower Bites]
👇 Tried This Recipe? Tag #CrispyChickenBites!
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