These Crispy Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence, packed with fiery buffalo flavor and a perfect crunch. Made with tender, juicy chicken, coated in a crisp panko crust, and tossed in a buttery buffalo sauce, they’re everything you crave in a spicy appetizer or main dish. Whether baked or fried, these nuggets bring bold taste and satisfying texture to every bite. Perfect for game days, parties, or quick weeknight meals, these buffalo chicken nuggets are easy to prepare and even easier to devour. Serve them with cool ranch, creamy blue cheese, or a side of crispy fries, and you’ve got a meal that’s guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you love spicy food or just want a crispy, flavorful chicken dish, this recipe is one you’ll make again and again!
Full recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Cooking spray or oil for frying
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange on a greased baking sheet or fry in batches until golden brown and fully cooked (about 3-4 minutes per side if frying, or 18-20 minutes in the oven).
- In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce and melted butter.
- Toss cooked chicken nuggets in the buffalo sauce mixture until well coated.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The History of Buffalo Chicken
Buffalo chicken, in its original form, dates back to 1964 in Buffalo, New York, where Teressa Bellissimo created the first buffalo wings at Anchor Bar. The spicy, buttery sauce quickly became a favorite across the U.S., inspiring countless variations—including Buffalo Chicken Nuggets. These nuggets take the same beloved flavor of traditional buffalo wings but offer a more convenient, boneless version that’s easier to eat. Instead of messy wings, you get bite-sized, crispy chicken pieces that are perfect for dipping in ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Why These Buffalo Chicken Nuggets Are the Best
There are countless buffalo chicken recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few key reasons:
1. Ultimate Crispy Coating
- These nuggets are coated in panko breadcrumbs, which create an extra crispy texture.
- You can bake, fry, or air fry them, depending on your preference.
2. Perfectly Balanced Spicy Flavor
- The buffalo sauce brings the perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and buttery richness.
- You can adjust the spice level based on your taste—mild or extra spicy!
3. Healthier Than Traditional Buffalo Wings
- By baking or air frying, you can cut down on oil while still achieving a crispy texture.
- You get all the flavor of buffalo wings without deep-frying.
4. Versatile and Customizable
- You can make them gluten-free by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Add different seasonings to change up the flavor profile.
- They’re great for kids and adults alike, and you can control the spice level.
5. The Best Party Snack or Meal
- These nuggets are perfect for sharing—great for game nights, Super Bowl parties, or family gatherings.
- They pair well with various dips, from classic ranch and blue cheese to honey mustard.
How to Make the Best Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
While the recipe is easy to follow, a few expert tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality nuggets at home.
1. Choose the Right Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for juicy nuggets.
- Chicken thighs can also be used for extra tenderness.
2. Season Every Layer
- To make the nuggets flavorful from the inside out, season both the flour and breadcrumb mixture.
- Adding paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder boosts the taste.
3. Use a Three-Step Breading Process
- First, coat the chicken in seasoned flour.
- Then dip it in beaten eggs to help the coating stick.
- Finally, coat with panko breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy finish.
4. Bake, Fry, or Air Fry for Different Textures
- Baking (at 400°F for 18-20 minutes) gives a crunchy yet light texture.
- Frying (at 350°F for 3-4 minutes per side) results in the crispiest nuggets.
- Air frying (at 375°F for 10-12 minutes) is a healthier, crispy alternative.
5. Toss in Buffalo Sauce at the Right Time
- Once the nuggets are cooked, immediately toss them in the buffalo sauce + melted butter mix.
- This ensures that they absorb the flavor without getting soggy.
Different Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
These spicy, crispy nuggets are super versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
1. Classic Party Snack
- Serve with carrot and celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
2. Buffalo Chicken Wrap
- Toss nuggets into a warm tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and ranch for a flavorful wrap.
3. Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Add them to a crisp salad with avocado, cucumbers, and creamy dressing.
4. Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Place nuggets in mini buns with coleslaw and pickles for a delicious slider.
5. Buffalo Chicken Bowl
- Serve over rice or quinoa with veggies for a hearty meal.
Health Benefits of Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
Buffalo chicken nuggets aren’t just delicious—they also come with a few nutritional benefits when made the right way.
1. High in Protein
- Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps with muscle growth and repair.
2. Healthier Alternative to Fast Food Nuggets
- Baking or air frying these nuggets reduces the amount of oil while still keeping them crispy.
3. Nutrient Boost from Spices
- Paprika and cayenne pepper contain antioxidants that can boost metabolism.
4. Option for a Low-Carb Meal
- Skip the breadcrumbs and coat the nuggets in almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
Storing and Reheating Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so addictive!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
How to Store:
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze uncooked, breaded nuggets for up to 3 months—just bake them when needed!
How to Reheat:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes for a crispy finish.
- Microwave: This works, but it may make the nuggets slightly soft.
Variations on Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun flavor variations:
1. Honey Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.
2. Garlic Parmesan Buffalo Nuggets
- Toss nuggets in buffalo sauce + garlic butter + Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
3. BBQ Buffalo Nuggets
- Mix buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet version.
4. Ranch Buffalo Nuggets
- Toss the nuggets in buffalo sauce + ranch seasoning for a creamy twist.
5. Extra Spicy Buffalo Nuggets
- Add ghost pepper hot sauce to make them super spicy.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are the perfect crispy, spicy, and flavorful bite-sized treat. Whether you’re preparing them for game day, a party, or just a fun weeknight meal, these golden and crunchy chicken nuggets are guaranteed to be a hit. Their perfect balance of heat, crunch, and juiciness makes them an irresistible snack or main course. This dish takes classic buffalo wings and transforms them into bite-sized nuggets that are easy to eat and even easier to make at home. If you love buffalo sauce, crispy textures, and juicy chicken, this recipe is exactly what you need. So why wait? Try these Buffalo Chicken Nuggets today and enjoy restaurant-quality flavor at home!
