What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? For me, it’s all about easy, homemade recipes like these buffalo garlic chicken bites, loaded with spicy buffalo sauce and savory garlic, served with pasta and steamed broccoli for a quick family favorite meal, save this idea

easy buffalo garlic chicken bites recipe on a white plate with pasta and broccoli

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce, the richness of garlic, and the comfort of chicken, all served with a side of pasta and steamed broccoli. This easy buffalo garlic chicken bites recipe is not only a flavor sensation but also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal prep, as it can be ready in under 30 minutes. The best part? It uses everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, making it a creative and accessible meal solution for anyone looking to spice up their culinary routine.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of buffalo sauce and garlic provides a deep, slightly spicy flavor that complements the chicken perfectly, while the pasta and broccoli add a satisfying crunch and freshness.
• Ease of preparation: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring only basic cooking skills and a short list of ingredients, making it perfect for beginners or those short on time.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the dish presents well and tastes complex, thanks to the bold flavors of the buffalo sauce and garlic, making it a great option for entertaining or special occasions.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, buffalo sauce, garlic, olive oil, pasta of your choice, and broccoli. For the chicken bites, you’ll also need some flour and eggs for coating. Practical substitutions can be made with the type of pasta or by using frozen broccoli for convenience. If you prefer a lighter version, you can also use less buffalo sauce or mix it with a bit of honey for a sweeter twist.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Chop the garlic, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and measure out your flour and eggs for the coating. Also, boil some water for your pasta and prepare your broccoli for steaming.
2. Step 2: Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then set it aside. Steam the broccoli until it’s tender but still crisp, and season with a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: In a shallow dish, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken piece into the flour, coating it lightly, then into the eggs, making sure they’re fully coated. After coating, place the chicken bites into a hot skillet with olive oil and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the chopped garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add the buffalo sauce and stir to combine with the garlic and oil. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet and toss them in the buffalo sauce until they’re fully coated. Serve the buffalo garlic chicken bites over the cooked pasta, with steamed broccoli on the side.

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy coating on your chicken, you can chill the coated chicken pieces in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying. Also, don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken to ensure even cooking and to prevent the chicken from steaming instead of browning.

Heat Control

When cooking the chicken, it’s essential to maintain a medium-high heat to achieve a nice brown crust on the outside while ensuring the chicken is cooked through. The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). For the buffalo sauce, simmering it for a few minutes will help thicken it and bring out the flavors, but be careful not to let it boil, as it can quickly become too thick.

Crunch Factor

The crunch in this dish comes from the crispy coating on the chicken bites and the slight crunch of the steamed broccoli. To achieve the perfect crunch on your chicken, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken, and don’t overcook the broccoli, as it can become mushy. A light toss in the buffalo sauce after cooking will also help maintain the crunch of the coating while adding flavor.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Storage Tips

• For leftovers, store the chicken, pasta, and broccoli in separate containers in the refrigerator. The chicken and pasta can be reheated together in the microwave or oven, while the broccoli is best steamed again to retain its crunch. These containers should be airtight and can be stored for up to 3 days.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, perhaps for a potluck or as a meal for a friend, you can package the chicken, pasta, and broccoli in microwave-safe containers. Add a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Decorate the container with a ribbon or a gift tag with heating instructions for a personal touch.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: You can add some dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the flour coating for extra depth, or use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding some diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the skillet with the garlic for added flavor and nutrients.
• Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with breaded and baked tofu or tempeh, and use a vegetarian buffalo sauce.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your chicken coating doesn’t turn out crispy, it might be because the oil wasn’t hot enough or the chicken was overcrowded in the skillet. Adjusting the heat and cooking the chicken in batches can help.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can make a substitute by mixing hot sauce and butter. For garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute, though fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
• Over/undercooking signs: Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to avoid undercooking. Overcooking can make the chicken dry, so it’s essential to cook it just until it reaches the safe internal temperature.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave when needed.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe can be adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free flour for the coating and ensuring the buffalo sauce used is gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe for larger groups. Just remember to cook the chicken in batches if necessary, to prevent overcrowding the skillet.

Conclusion

This easy buffalo garlic chicken bites recipe is a versatile and delicious meal solution that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors, easy preparation, and impressive presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite. Feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a great addition to your culinary repertoire, offering a tasty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please.