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Crispy Ultimate Game Day Bites

crispy ultimate game day bites - featured image

These Crispy Ultimate Game Day Bites are quick and easy to make, delivering a perfect balance of crispy outside and juicy inside with a bold, smoky flavor. Ideal for game days, parties, or casual snacking, they come with a spicy sriracha mayo dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt thinned with milk)
  • Vegetable oil for frying (peanut oil preferred)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken thighs or breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together to blend evenly.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
  4. Dip each piece of chicken first into the wet batter, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. Repeat the dip into wet then dry again for double coating. Set coated pieces aside on a tray.
  5. Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer.
  6. Carefully add chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Transfer bites to a wire rack to drain.
  7. While frying, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust heat or sweetness to taste.
  8. Serve the Crispy Ultimate Game Day Bites warm with the dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt bites. Double-dip the chicken for extra crunch. Pat chicken dry before battering. Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep bites crispy. For leftovers, reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Can bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes as a lighter alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: game day bites, crispy chicken bites, fried chicken, sriracha mayo, party snacks, easy chicken recipe, double batter chicken