Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites
Are you ready to fall in love with a healthier twist on a classic favorite? These Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites are not only bursting with flavor but are also easy to make and perfect for any gathering. With a delightful combination of shredded chicken, spicy hot sauce, and creamy cheese, every bite is a perfect blend of indulgence and health-consciousness. Whether you’re serving them up for game day, a party, or simply as a weeknight snack, these bites are sure to impress!
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes these Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites stand out from the crowd is their incredible flavor and guilt-free ingredients. Unlike traditional buffalo chicken recipes that can be heavy and calorie-laden, this version uses fat-free cream cheese and a crunchy corn flake coating to keep things light. By incorporating lean chicken and a zesty hot sauce, these bites deliver that classic buffalo taste without the extra calories. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, making them a go-to recipe in any kitchen.
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites irresistible:
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own for a fresh start.
- 1/3 cup favorite hot sauce: Choose your preferred level of heat; Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice!
- 3 1/2 oz. fat-free cream cheese, softened: This gives a creamy texture without the guilt.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Opt for low-fat cheese if you want to lighten it up further.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: For dredging, but you won’t use all of it.
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten: Helps the coating stick and adds richness.
- 3 cups Corn Flakes cereal, crushed: This provides an irresistible crunchy coating.
Gear Checklist
Before you start cooking, ensure you have the following kitchen essentials ready:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Baking sheet: To bake the chicken bites evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in any recipe!
- Food processor or rolling pin: To crush the Corn Flakes into the perfect crumb.
- Spatula: For transferring your bites onto the baking sheet.
Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites in Steps
Ready to dive into the kitchen? Let’s break down the process into easy steps.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a perfectly crispy texture for your chicken bites.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, hot sauce, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Set Up Your Dredging Stations
In one shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In another bowl, add the beaten eggs. Finally, in a third bowl, place the crushed Corn Flakes.
Step 4: Form the Bites
Using your hands, scoop out a tablespoon of the chicken mixture and form it into small bite-sized balls. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Step 5: Dredge the Chicken Bites
Roll each chicken ball in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the ball in the crushed Corn Flakes, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 6: Bake the Bites
Place the chicken bites on a greased baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve the Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Dietary Swaps & Alternatives
If you’re looking to customize this recipe further, here are some alternatives to consider:
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the cream cheese and cheddar cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free Corn Flakes to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Swap the hot sauce for a milder sauce if you prefer less heat; BBQ sauce works well for a different flavor profile.
- Add vegetables like finely chopped bell peppers or celery into the chicken mixture for extra crunch and nutrition.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
Even seasoned cooks can sometimes stumble. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid when making Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites:
- Not fully softening the cream cheese: Make sure it’s at room temperature to mix well with the chicken.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Give the bites space to cook evenly and get crispy.
- Skipping the dredging step: This is key for achieving that crunchy exterior.
- Using too much flour: You want just enough to coat the bites without clumping.
Prep Ahead & Store
These bites can be prepped ahead of time, making them a great option for busy days:
To prep, you can form the bites and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for an even tastier bite. If you want to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again.
Troubleshooting Q&A
What if my chicken bites fall apart while baking?
This could be due to not using enough binder. Ensure that the cream cheese and egg mixture is thoroughly mixed with the chicken to help hold it together.
Can I make these buffalo chicken bites in advance and freeze them?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What dipping sauces pair well with these bites?
Ranch and blue cheese dressings are traditional favorites, but you can also try a zesty yogurt dip, a spicy sriracha sauce, or even guacamole for a twist!
How do I know when the chicken bites are done?
They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
The Last Word
These Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites are a delightful combination of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. They’re easy to prepare, perfect for sharing, and best of all, they satisfy that craving for something indulgent without the guilt. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself to a snack, these bites will surely be a hit. You’ll love the satisfying crunch combined with the creamy, spicy filling.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret adding these scrumptious Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites to your recipe repertoire.
Skinny Buffalo Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for a crispy texture.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, hot sauce, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Mix well.
- Step 3: Set up dredging stations with flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and crushed Corn Flakes in a third.
- Step 4: Scoop a tablespoon of the chicken mixture and form into small balls.
- Step 5: Roll each ball in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with Corn Flakes.
- Step 6: Place the bites on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 7: Let cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cream cheese and cheese.
- To make gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and Corn Flakes.
- Freeze uncooked bites and bake from frozen for a quick bite.
