Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites
When I think of game day snacks, Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites instantly come to mind. They’re the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Imagine a gathering with friends, laughter filling the air, and a platter of these delicious bites on the table. Each bite bursts with the rich flavor of chicken and hot sauce, leaving everyone craving more. I started making these as a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings, and they quickly became a favorite in my household. Whether it’s a casual weekend or a special occasion, these bites are a hit every single time. The best part? They’re easy to prepare, meaning you can spend more time enjoying the company than in the kitchen. You’ll love how effortlessly they disappear!
Recipe Snapshot
35 mins
10 mins
25 mins
Medium
150 kcal
20 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
5 g
Chef’s Knife, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Oven
What You’ll Enjoy About This Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites
They’re Healthier
One of the standout features of Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites is their health-conscious twist. By using fat-free cream cheese and less oil, you can enjoy the same mouthwatering flavors of your favorite buffalo dishes without the guilt. It’s a win-win!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a quiet night in, these bites are versatile. They make a fantastic appetizer for gatherings or a fun dinner option. Plus, they’re a great way to impress your friends and family with something that’s both delicious and nutritious.
So Easy to Make
Prepping Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites is a breeze. You simply mix the ingredients, shape the bites, and bake them. There’s no deep-frying involved, so you can skip the mess and the extra calories. Trust me, you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen!
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
These bites bring the bold flavors of buffalo chicken to the table in a fun and bite-sized form. The combination of spicy hot sauce, creamy cheese, and crunchy Corn Flakes delivers a delightful crunch that everyone loves.
Kid-Friendly
If you have kids, they will love these bites! The fun shape and delicious taste make them an ideal snack for little hands. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some protein while keeping them happy.
Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites Shopping List
To create Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites, you’ll need to gather some simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the dish. It’s all about balancing the creamy, spicy, and crunchy elements that make these bites irresistible.
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/3 cup favorite hot sauce
- 3 1/2 oz. fat-free cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (you won’t use all of it)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 cups Corn Flakes cereal, crushed
Step by Step Instructions for Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites
Making Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites is as enjoyable as eating them! Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a delicious snack ready in no time. Let’s get started!
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures the bites will cook evenly and get that nice golden color. While the oven is heating up, you can start gathering your ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, hot sauce, and cream cheese. Mix everything together well until fully combined. The mixture should be creamy and slightly spicy, a perfect foundation for your bites.
Next, stir in the cheddar cheese and chopped green onions. This adds flavor and texture, making every bite even more delightful. Make sure everything is incorporated.
Now, set up three separate bowls: one with flour, one with the eggs, and one with crushed Corn Flakes. This assembly line will make the coating process smooth and organized.
Using your hands, scoop out about 1 1/2 inches of the chicken mixture and roll it into balls. You should aim for about thirty balls. This step is messy but fun!
Roll each ball first in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated to help the egg stick. Then dip it into the eggs, ensuring each ball is well-covered.
Finally, roll the balls in the crushed Corn Flakes for that delightful crunch. Press lightly to make sure the coating sticks.
Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Now, bake the balls in your preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them; they should turn a beautiful golden brown.
Once done, serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy every bite of your Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites.
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooking Temperature: Always ensure your oven is preheated before baking. This helps achieve the best texture.
- Shredding Chicken: Using leftover chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Just shred it finely for even mixing.
- Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your spice preference. More sauce means more heat!
- Coating Variations: You can experiment with different coatings like panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips that can help:
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked bites! Just assemble them, place on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Custom Flavors: Add spices like garlic powder or onion powder to the chicken mixture for extra flavor.
- Serving Size: These bites are perfect for parties! Consider doubling the recipe to serve a larger crowd.
- Healthy Dipping: Pair them with a homemade yogurt-based dressing for a healthy twist.
Great Combinations for Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites
When it comes to serving Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites, the options are endless. They pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and drinks:
- Celery and Carrots: Fresh veggies make a crunchy and refreshing side that balances the spicy flavor.
- Salads: Serve with a crisp side salad for a light meal. A simple garden salad or a Caesar salad works well.
- Dip Selection: Offer a variety of dips like blue cheese, ranch, or even a spicy salsa for extra flavor options.
- Occasions: These bites are perfect for game day, movie nights, or any casual gathering. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
- Seasonal Pairings: In the summer, consider serving these with a cold fruit salad for a refreshing complement.
FAQ
Conclusion
The magic of Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites lies in their ability to combine bold flavors with a healthy twist, making them a favorite for any occasion. I encourage you to try making them for your next gathering or snack time. Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, hot sauce, and cream cheese; mix well.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and green onions and set aside.
- Using 3 separate bowls, set out the flour, eggs, and crushed Corn Flakes.
- Scoop out chicken mixture and make 1 1/2-inch balls, first rolling in flour, then dipping in egg and last coating with Corn Flakes.
- Repeat this until you have about 30 balls.
- Place balls on sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden.
- Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked bites! Just assemble them, place on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Custom Flavors: Add spices like garlic powder or onion powder to the chicken mixture for extra flavor.
- Serving Size: These bites are perfect for parties! Consider doubling the recipe to serve a larger crowd.
- Healthy Dipping: Pair them with a homemade yogurt-based dressing for a healthy twist.
