Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites with Creamy Blue Cheese Dip
Spice up your game day or casual gatherings with these Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites. Tender chicken tenders are marinated in a flavorful buttermilk mixture, then coated in a crunchy blend of whole wheat flour and cornmeal before being baked to perfection. Serve these mouthwatering bites with a rich and creamy blue cheese dip that perfectly balances the heat from the buffalo sauce. This recipe is both delicious and healthier than traditional fried wings, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy them alone or with your favorite veggie sticks for a satisfying treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fat-free buttermilk
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Hot pepper sauce (e.g., Frank's Red Hot)
1 1/2 tablespoons, divided (none)
White vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons, divided (none)
Chicken tenders
1 lb (none)
Whole wheat flour
3 tablespoons (none)
Cornmeal
3 tablespoons (none)
Canola oil
3 teaspoons, divided (for frying)
Nonfat sour cream
1/3 cup (none)
Crumbled blue cheese
1/3 cup (none)
White vinegar
1 tablespoon (for dip)
Instructions
1
In a non-reactive bowl, whisk together the fat-free buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of hot pepper sauce, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, making sure they are well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes, or up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
3
In a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag, combine the whole wheat flour and cornmeal. Mix well to combine.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of hot sauce and 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar. Set this mixture aside for later.
5
Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and discard any leftover marinade. Toss each chicken tender in the flour and cornmeal mixture, making sure they are evenly coated.
6
In a large skillet, heat 1 1/2 teaspoons of canola oil over medium-high heat. Add half of the coated chicken tenders and cook until they are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer the tenders to the prepared baking sheet.
7
Repeat the frying process with the remaining oil and chicken tenders, adjusting the heat as necessary to avoid burning.
8
Once all the chicken tenders are on the baking sheet, drizzle them with the reserved hot sauce mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9
For the blue cheese dip, whisk together the nonfat sour cream, crumbled blue cheese, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in a small bowl until creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
10
Serve the crispy buffalo chicken bites with the blue cheese dip on the side for a perfect appetizer or snack!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites?
These are tender chicken tenders marinated in buttermilk, coated in a crunchy whole wheat and cornmeal blend, seared, and then baked until crispy.
How do I make the marinade for the chicken?
Whisk together fat-free buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of hot pepper sauce, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in a non-reactive bowl.
How long should I marinate the chicken tenders?
The chicken should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes, but it can go up to 24 hours for better flavor.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the chicken bites.
What is the coating for the chicken made of?
The coating is a mixture of 3 tablespoons of whole wheat flour and 3 tablespoons of cornmeal.
What kind of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of chicken tenders.
Is this chicken recipe fried or baked?
It is a combination of both; the chicken is lightly seared in a skillet with a small amount of oil and then finished in the oven.
How much oil is needed for the frying step?
A total of 3 teaspoons of canola oil is used, divided into two batches.
How long do I sear the chicken in the skillet?
Cook the chicken tenders for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How do I prepare the creamy blue cheese dip?
Whisk together 1/3 cup nonfat sour cream, 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar until creamy.
What type of vinegar is used in the recipe?
The recipe specifically uses white vinegar for both the marinade and the dip.
Can I use regular buttermilk?
The recipe recommends fat-free buttermilk to keep the dish healthier.
What gives the buffalo bites their spicy kick?
The heat comes from hot pepper sauce, such as Frank's Red Hot, which is used in the marinade and as a drizzle.
How long do the chicken bites bake in the oven?
After searing, the chicken bites should bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
Should I grease the baking sheet?
Yes, you should line the baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Can I coat the chicken in a zip-top bag?
Yes, you can combine the flour and cornmeal in a large zip-top bag and toss the chicken inside for even coating.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it uses whole wheat flour, fat-free dairy, and baking instead of deep-frying, making it a lighter alternative to traditional wings.
What are the total ingredients for the dip?
The dip consists of nonfat sour cream, crumbled blue cheese, white vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.
When do I add the extra hot sauce mixture?
Drizzle the mixture of hot sauce and vinegar over the tenders once they are placed on the baking sheet before they go into the oven.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 10 main ingredients.
Can I serve these with vegetables?
Yes, these bites pair perfectly with your favorite veggie sticks like celery or carrots.
What is the best occasion for this dish?
It is an ideal appetizer for game days, casual gatherings, or as a fun snack.
Do I need to discard the marinade?
Yes, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover liquid before coating in flour.
What type of flour is recommended?
Whole wheat flour is recommended for extra nutrition and a better crust.
How do I prevent the chicken from burning in the skillet?
Adjust the heat as necessary while searing the tenders to avoid burning the flour and cornmeal coating.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper are used to season the blue cheese dip to your personal taste preference.
Can I use a non-reactive bowl for marinating?
Yes, the instructions specifically suggest using a non-reactive bowl for the buttermilk marinade.
What is the role of cornmeal in the recipe?
Cornmeal provides a distinct crunch that complements the tenderness of the chicken.
How do I serve the finished dish?
Serve the crispy bites hot with the prepared blue cheese dip on the side.