Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken with buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Double-Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture → then back into the buttermilk → then into the flour again.
Press firmly to ensure the coating sticks.

4. Cook the Chicken

Oven method: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Air fryer method: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking once.

5. Serve Hot
Serve immediately with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Bites

Pat chicken dry before marinating to help the coating stick better.

Add 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes to the flour mix for extra crunch.

To freeze: bread the chicken, freeze uncooked, then bake from frozen (add 5 mins to cook time).

3 Delicious Variations

Spicy Nashville Hot – Toss finished bites in melted butter mixed with cayenne.

Honey Garlic – Drizzle with honey-garlic glaze after baking.

Parmesan Ranch – Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and 1 tsp ranch seasoning to the flour mix.

Why These Beat Fast Food

These bites are juicier, crispier, and made with real ingredients. No deep-fryer needed, no mystery meats, and you control the flavor. Cornstarch is the secret to a crave-worthy crunch every time.

Once you try these, you’ll never want fast-food nuggets again!