Crispy Chipotle Buttermilk Chicken Bites
Transform your dinner with these Crispy Chipotle Buttermilk Chicken Bites! Marinated in a flavorful buttermilk and spice blend, each piece is bursting with zesty smokiness. The juicy chicken is coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb layer, offering the perfect contrast to the tender meat inside. Serve these bites as a tasty appetizer or a hearty main dish, and watch them disappear quickly. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with your favorite dipping sauce, this recipe will be the star of any gathering!
N/A
Servings
275
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
3 (Cut into 1 inch pieces)
Chipotle Chile in Adobo
1/2 cup (Chopped finely)
Buttermilk
1 cup (Liquid)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons (Dry ingredient)
Salt
to taste (Seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (Seasoning)
Panko Breadcrumbs
as needed (Breadcrumb coating)
Oil
for frying (Heated in skillet)
Fresh Cilantro
1 bunch (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the finely chopped chipotle peppers, buttermilk, egg, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch each, then add them to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
3
Prepare your frying station by placing the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow plate and heating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4
Once the oil is hot, remove the marinated chicken pieces from the fridge. One by one, dredge each piece in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure they adhere. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs.
5
Carefully place a few coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the cooked bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6
Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken pieces, adding more breadcrumbs if necessary. After frying, season the chicken bites with additional salt and pepper, if desired, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.
7
These crispy bites can be served immediately with your choice of dipping sauces, such as ranch or salsa.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
19
Carbs
21
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Chipotle Buttermilk Chicken Bites?
They are bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in a smoky chipotle and buttermilk blend, then coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried until crispy.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for three boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces.
What gives the chicken its smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from half a cup of finely chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for a minimum of 2 hours, though refrigerating it overnight provides maximum flavor absorption.
What is the purpose of buttermilk in the marinade?
Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken while providing a tangy base for the chipotle spices to adhere to.
Which ingredients are in the buttermilk marinade?
The marinade consists of finely chopped chipotle peppers, buttermilk, egg, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
What kind of breadcrumbs provide the crispy coating?
Panko breadcrumbs are used to ensure a light and extra crunchy exterior.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 275 calories per serving of these chicken bites.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 21 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
This recipe contains 15 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these chicken bites?
There are 19 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long does it take to fry the chicken?
The chicken pieces should be fried for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I prepare the frying station?
Place panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate and heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Should I fry all the chicken at once?
No, you should fry a few pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which ensures they stay crispy.
How do I ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken?
Dredge each piece in the panko and press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere before shaking off the excess.
What should I do after the chicken is fried?
Transfer the cooked bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
What is a good garnish for this dish?
A bunch of fresh, chopped cilantro is recommended as a finishing touch for a fresh flavor.
What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken bites?
Ranch dressing or salsa are excellent choices for dipping these crispy bites.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the use of chipotle chiles in adobo gives the dish a zesty, smoky heat.
What is the role of cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch is added to the marinade to help create a better texture and improve the coating's adhesion.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients: chicken, chipotle chile, buttermilk, egg, cornstarch, salt, pepper, panko, oil, and cilantro.
Can these be served as an appetizer?
Yes, they are perfect as a tasty appetizer or can be served as a hearty main dish.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family meals and comfort food.
What type of skillet is best for frying?
A large skillet is best to allow enough room for the chicken pieces to fry without touching.
What tags describe this recipe's style?
Tags include chicken, appetizer, fried chicken, spicy, crispy, buttermilk, and comfort food.
How should the chipotle peppers be prepared?
They should be chopped very finely before being whisked into the buttermilk mixture.
Does the recipe use whole eggs?
The recipe uses one beaten egg in the marinade mixture.
Can I add more seasoning after cooking?
Yes, you can season the finished chicken bites with additional salt and pepper to taste.
What is the size of the chicken bites?
The chicken breasts should be cut into approximately 1-inch bite-sized pieces.