Back when I was just starting to really find my groove in the kitchen, there was one thing I obsessed over perfecting: fried chicken. Not big Sunday-dinner chicken—bite-sized, golden-crispy, flavor-packed little nuggets of joy. These crispy fried chicken bites remind me of cozy backyard parties and late-night kitchen snacking sessions. They’re everything you love about fried chicken, just miniature and extra munchable. And if you love a little savory flair, you’ll flip for the garlic parmesan chicken bites variation I’ll show you too!
Whether you’re cooking for a game night, an easy family dinner, or just treating yourself (highly recommend), this recipe will become your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned every single time
- Bite-sized fun that’s easy to eat and even easier to love
- Simple pantry ingredients — no fancy shopping trips needed
- Versatile for flavor twists, like a buttery garlic parmesan coating
- Perfect for meal prepping and quick snacking
- Kid-approved and party-perfect
Recipe Snapshot
| Category | Cuisine | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetizer/Main | American | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings | Easy |
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs – tender and juicy, perfect for frying
- Buttermilk – adds tanginess and tenderizes the chicken
- All-purpose flour – gives that classic crunchy crust
- Cornstarch – lightens the coating for extra crispiness
- Paprika – adds warmth and subtle smokiness
- Garlic powder – layers in savory goodness
- Salt and pepper – essential for seasoning inside and out
- Oil for frying – choose a high smoke point oil like peanut or canola
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional for garlic parmesan version) – nutty and salty, irresistible
- Melted butter (optional for garlic parmesan version) – helps the seasoning cling
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss your chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Let them hang out for at least 30 minutes—or overnight if you’re feeling fancy—for extra juicy bites.
2. Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is your magic dust for that unbeatable crunch.
3. Dredge and Fry
Heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F. Working in batches, dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Listen for that happy sizzling sound—music to a cook’s ears!
4. Make It Garlic Parmesan (Optional)
For garlic parmesan chicken bites, toss the hot fried chicken in a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and a heavy sprinkle of grated parmesan. It’s buttery, garlicky heaven in every bite!
Pro Tips for Success
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature—it makes all the difference for that perfect crisp.
- Double dredge for extra crunch: dip in buttermilk again, then back into the flour.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
- Season right after frying to lock flavor onto the hot crust.
- Rest the fried bites on a wire rack instead of paper towels to stay crispy.
Flavor Variations
- Buffalo Style: Toss in buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing.
- Honey Garlic: Drizzle with warm honey and a touch of minced garlic.
- Spicy Cajun: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the flour mixture.
- Lemon Pepper: Mix lemon zest and cracked black pepper into the dredge.
- Asian-Inspired: Dip in a soy-ginger glaze for a sweet-savory kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer Boards: Pile onto a board with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ.
- Salad Topper: Chop and toss onto a fresh salad for a satisfying crunch.
- Mini Sliders: Stuff into mini buns with a smear of mayo and pickles.
- Movie Night Snack: Serve with popcorn for the ultimate cozy treat.
- Craving even more parmesan goodness? You’ll absolutely love my full guide to making Parmesan Crusted Chicken (Longhorn Copycat) — it’s buttery, crispy, and packed with flavor you won’t want to miss!
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Make-Ahead: Marinate chicken up to a day in advance.
- Storage: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Leftovers
- Reheat leftovers by popping them in an oven at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes—they crisp right back up!
- Chop leftovers into wraps, sandwiches, or salads for a fresh meal twist.
Freezing
- Freeze before or after frying.
- To freeze raw: Coat and flash-freeze on a sheet tray before transferring to a bag.
- To freeze cooked: Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Oven Method: 375°F for about 10 minutes.
- Air Fryer Method: 350°F for about 5–6 minutes.
- Microwave: Only if you must—it’ll lose a little crunch!
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for best crispiness.
What’s the best oil for frying chicken bites?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, peanut, or vegetable oil.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Chicken bites are done when the internal temperature hits 165°F and the juices run clear.
Can I make garlic parmesan chicken bites ahead of time?
Yes! Fry the bites ahead, then warm and toss them in the garlic butter-parmesan sauce right before serving for maximum flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright joyful about a basket of crispy fried chicken bites on the table. They’re cozy, crowd-pleasing, and ridiculously easy to make your own—whether you stick to the classic or go wild with garlic parmesan chicken bites or a spicy twist. Trust me, once you make these, your kitchen will be everyone’s favorite hangout spot.
Happy frying, friend.
Crispy Fried Chicken Bites
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot
- Wire Rack
- Thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- oil for frying peanut or canola oil preferred
Garlic Parmesan Variation (Optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- In a bowl, marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk, salt, pepper, and paprika for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 350°F.
- Working in batches, dredge chicken pieces in seasoned flour mixture and fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Drain fried chicken bites on a wire rack.
- For garlic parmesan variation, toss hot chicken bites with melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan.