Crispy Boneless Buffalo Chicken Bites with Creamy Ranch and Fresh Veggies
Savor the spectacular taste of these Crispy Boneless Buffalo Chicken Bites, marinated in a zesty blend of buttermilk and hot sauce, then coated in a crunchy mixture of whole wheat flour and cornmeal. Each tender bite is cooked to golden perfection and generously drizzled with a tangy hot sauce mixture. Paired with crisp carrot sticks and celery ribs, and served alongside a rich, homemade ranch dressing, this dish is perfect for any gathering or game day. Enjoy this healthier, guilt-free version of classic buffalo wings that the whole family will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
fat-free buttermilk
3 tablespoons (none)
hot pepper sauce
3 tablespoons (divided)
distilled white vinegar
3 tablespoons (divided)
chicken tenders
2 lbs (none)
whole wheat flour
6 tablespoons (none)
cornmeal
6 tablespoons (none)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
canola oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
carrots
2 cups (peeled and cut into sticks)
celery ribs
2 cups (cut into sticks)
ranch dressing
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fat-free buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of hot pepper sauce, and 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar until well combined.
2
Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring they are evenly coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes for even marination.
3
In a shallow dish, combine the whole wheat flour and cornmeal. In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of hot sauce and 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
4
Once the chicken is marinaded, remove it from the buttermilk mixture and roll each piece in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
5
Sprinkle both sides of the coated chicken tenders with cayenne pepper to add a spicy kick.
6
Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the chicken tenders to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
7
Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter.
8
Repeat the cooking process with the remaining tablespoon of oil and rest of the chicken tenders.
9
Once all the chicken is cooked, drizzle the reserved hot sauce mixture evenly over the chicken bites.
10
Serve the crispy buffalo chicken bites alongside freshly cut carrot sticks, celery ribs, and a generous serving of ranch dressing for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of Crispy Boneless Buffalo Chicken Bites?
The dish features a zesty, tangy, and spicy buffalo flavor balanced by a creamy ranch dressing and fresh, crisp vegetables.
How is the chicken marinated for this recipe?
The chicken is marinated in a mixture of fat-free buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of hot pepper sauce, and 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar.
How long should the chicken be marinated?
The chicken should be refrigerated and marinated for at least 15 minutes up to 1 hour.
Why do I need to stir the chicken every 15 minutes while marinating?
Stirring every 15 minutes ensures that all pieces of chicken are evenly coated and marinated in the buttermilk mixture.
What provides the crunch to these chicken bites?
The crunch comes from a coating mixture consisting of 6 tablespoons of whole wheat flour and 6 tablespoons of cornmeal.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 lbs of chicken tenders.
How is the spicy drizzle prepared?
The final drizzle is made by mixing 1 tablespoon of hot pepper sauce and 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar.
When should I add the cayenne pepper?
Sprinkle the cayenne pepper on both sides of the chicken tenders after they have been coated in the flour and cornmeal mixture.
What type of oil is recommended for cooking?
Canola oil is recommended; you will use 2 tablespoons total, divided between batches.
Should I use a specific type of skillet?
A non-stick skillet is recommended to prevent the coating from sticking and to ensure even browning.
What is the recommended heat setting for cooking the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked over medium-high heat.
How long does the chicken need to cook on each side?
Cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Why is it important not to overcrowd the pan?
Overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature and lead to soggy chicken rather than a crispy, golden-brown finish.
What vegetables are traditionally served with this dish?
Freshly cut carrot sticks and celery ribs are the standard accompaniments for this recipe.
How much carrot and celery should I prepare?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of peeled carrot sticks and 2 cups of celery sticks.
Which dipping sauce is recommended?
A generous serving (1 cup) of ranch dressing is recommended for dipping.
Is this a spicy recipe?
Yes, it contains hot pepper sauce in both the marinade and the drizzle, along with 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How much total hot pepper sauce is used in this recipe?
A total of 3 tablespoons of hot pepper sauce is used, divided between the marinade and the final drizzle.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, this recipe specifically uses whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and health benefit.
What makes this recipe a healthier version of buffalo wings?
It uses boneless chicken tenders, whole wheat flour, fat-free buttermilk, and a limited amount of canola oil for pan-searing instead of deep-frying.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients required for this dish.
When do I apply the final hot sauce mixture?
Drizzle the reserved mixture of hot sauce and vinegar over the bites once all the chicken is cooked and on the serving platter.
Can I use regular buttermilk?
While the recipe specifies fat-free buttermilk, regular buttermilk can be used as a substitute.
What is the purpose of the vinegar in the recipe?
The vinegar provides acidity that helps tenderize the chicken in the marinade and adds tanginess to the final drizzle.
Is the ranch dressing homemade or store-bought?
The description suggests a rich, homemade ranch dressing, but you can use your favorite version.
Is this dish suitable for game days?
Yes, it is tagged as a perfect game day snack and finger food for gatherings.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include boneless buffalo wings, buffalo chicken bites, healthy chicken recipe, ranch dressing, game day snack, finger food, spicy chicken, and low-fat recipe.
What do I do after coating the chicken in the flour mixture?
You should shake off any excess flour and then sprinkle both sides with cayenne pepper before cooking.
What does the cornmeal add to the chicken?
The cornmeal adds a distinct crunch and texture that complements the flour coating.
How should I prepare the carrots?
Carrots should be peeled and cut into sticks for the best presentation and ease of dipping.