Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Golden, crispy chicken bites glazed in a buttery buffalo garlic sauce meet creamy, cheesy rotini pasta for a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s equal parts spicy, savory, and satisfying. These Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites are seared to perfection and slathered in bold flavor, paired with pasta that’s rich and indulgent, making every bite an irresistible forkful. Topped with tangy blue cheese crumbles and crunchy celery for that signature buffalo wing finish, this dish brings all the best parts of game-day snacking into one hearty dinner.

Whether you’re looking for an exciting twist on classic pasta, a quick crowd-pleaser for dinner, or just want to switch up your weekly rotation, this Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe delivers serious flavor with minimal effort. It’s the ultimate comfort food that balances creamy, spicy, cheesy, and fresh all on one plate. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or whenever your tastebuds demand something bold.

---

Why You’ll Love This Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

• Bold & Balanced Flavor: Spicy buffalo sauce, roasted garlic, and a hint of sweetness make these bites addictive.
• Quick Weeknight Meal: Ready in about 30 minutes, this is a low-effort, high-reward dinner idea.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for entertaining guests, game day, or a potluck dish that stands out.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap the pasta, or add more veggies to make it your own.
• Restaurant Vibes at Home: Satisfy those wing cravings without leaving the kitchen.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment + Their Importance)

To make this Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe smooth and stress-free, having the right tools will make all the difference in both flavor and texture.

• Large Nonstick or Cast-Iron Skillet: Crucial for searing the chicken bites evenly and locking in moisture without sticking. Cast iron adds a beautiful char and depth of flavor.
• Saucepan or Pot: For boiling pasta to al dente perfection. Use a large enough pot so the rotini doesn’t clump together.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for coating chicken in seasonings, preparing the buffalo garlic sauce, and mixing blue cheese sauce (if made from scratch).
• Tongs or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for flipping chicken pieces without tearing the crust and for tossing them in sauce.
• Whisk: Helps emulsify the buffalo sauce and ensures even blending with garlic butter.
• Colander: To drain pasta while retaining just a touch of pasta water to help the sauce cling better.

Having these tools on hand will keep your process efficient and your dish delicious.

---

Preparation Tips

• Cut Chicken Evenly: Dice the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
• Pat Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, pat the chicken with paper towels to help them brown better in the pan.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Don’t skimp—fresh minced garlic gives the sauce a deeper, aromatic punch compared to powdered alternatives.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to get that golden sear instead of steaming it.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Save ¼ cup of the pasta water when draining—it helps emulsify the sauce and cling to the pasta beautifully.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust heat and salt level in the buffalo sauce to your preference before tossing the chicken in it.
• Celery Crunch: Keep the celery sticks crisp by slicing just before serving or storing them in ice water for added crunch.

---

Ingredients for This Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this spicy, creamy, and comforting dish from scratch:

For the Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅓ cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot or preferred brand)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

For the Creamy Cheese Rotini:

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: dash of hot sauce or cayenne for extra kick

Toppings & Garnish:

• ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (for garnish)
• 1–2 celery stalks, cut into sticks
• Extra parsley or chives (optional)

---

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.

---

Step 2: Make the Buffalo Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown). Pour in the buffalo sauce and honey (if using), whisking until fully blended. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.

---

Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to fully coat in the buffalo garlic sauce. Let it simmer for 1–2 more minutes so the flavors soak in. Turn off heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

---

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

---

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes). Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

---

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked rotini in the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Add blue cheese crumbles and stir gently to melt slightly into the sauce.

---

Step 7: Assemble and Garnish

Spoon the cheesy pasta onto a plate, then top with the buffalo garlic chicken bites. Garnish with extra blue cheese crumbles and a handful of fresh celery sticks. Serve immediately while hot.

---

Notes

• Spice Level: Adjust the spice by increasing or decreasing the amount of buffalo sauce or adding a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, use a less spicy buffalo sauce or omit the hot sauce altogether.
• Extra Creaminess: If you want a richer, creamier sauce, feel free to add a bit more cheese or even a tablespoon of cream cheese to the cheese sauce.
• Pasta Variety: While rotini works wonderfully for this dish, feel free to substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni based on your preference.
• Chicken Tenderness: If you prefer even juicier chicken, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they stay tender when cooked.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Undercooking the Chicken: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked to avoid any risk of undercooked meat. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Not Adjusting the Sauce Consistency: If your cheese sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente. Overcooking can cause it to become mushy when combined with the creamy cheese sauce.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so be sure to sauté it over medium heat and keep an eye on it to avoid bitterness in your sauce.
• Skipping the Resting Time for the Chicken: After searing, let the chicken rest for a few minutes in the sauce before serving to lock in the flavor and juices.

---

What to Serve With Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

This dish is already bold and flavorful, but pairing it with the right sides and extras can elevate your entire meal experience. Whether you’re going for refreshing, crunchy, creamy, or carb-loaded—these ideas have you covered.

8 Recommendations

1. Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing

Serve a chilled ramekin of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping chicken bites or drizzling over the pasta.

2. Crispy Garlic Bread

A crusty slice of garlic bread adds texture and soaks up all the creamy cheese and buffalo sauce beautifully.

3. Side Salad with Ranch or Vinaigrette

Balance out the richness with a crisp green salad—romaine, carrots, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette or creamy ranch.

4. Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower

Tossed with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of chili flakes—roasted veggies bring earthy flavor and crunch.

5. Celery and Carrot Sticks

Classic buffalo wing companions! Their natural crunch and coolness pair perfectly with the heat of the dish.

6. Sweet Potato Fries

Add a touch of sweetness and crunch with baked or air-fried sweet potato fries seasoned with paprika or cinnamon.

7. Pickled Jalapeños or Red Onions

A tangy topper that adds brightness and zing to counterbalance the richness of the cheese and chicken.

8. Corn on the Cob or Corn Salad

Grilled or boiled corn with butter and herbs (or a fresh corn salad) complements the buffalo flavor with a summery twist.

---

Storage Instructions

Keeping your Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites fresh for later is easy with a few simple steps:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and pasta together or separately depending on how you plan to reheat.
• Freezer: You can freeze the buffalo chicken bites alone for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before sealing in a freezer-safe container. Avoid freezing the pasta with cheese sauce—it may separate when thawed.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
• Tip: Add fresh celery or extra blue cheese garnish after reheating for best texture and flavor.

---

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Keep in mind that nutrition may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

• Calories: 610
• Protein: 37g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 4g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 990mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta separately ahead of time and combine them with the sauce when ready to serve. Store components in the fridge and reheat gently before assembling.

2. What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?

Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for authentic buffalo flavor, but any brand labeled “buffalo wing sauce” will work. Choose one with your preferred spice level.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving. Just be sure to trim excess fat and cook until tender and golden brown.

4. Is there a dairy-free version of the cheese sauce?

Yes. Use plant-based butter, unsweetened almond or oat milk, and vegan cheese alternatives to make the sauce dairy-free.

5. How spicy is this recipe?

It has a medium spice level. You can reduce the buffalo sauce or mix in honey or brown sugar to mellow the heat.

6. Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-searing it?

Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway. Then toss with buffalo garlic sauce after cooking.

7. What’s the best pasta shape if I don’t have rotini?

Penne, fusilli, shells, or even macaroni will hold the creamy cheese sauce nicely. Just avoid flat noodles like linguine.

8. Is it okay to skip the blue cheese?

Definitely. If you’re not a fan, leave it out or swap with shredded mozzarella or feta for a milder alternative.

---

Conclusion

This Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food with just the right balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or impressing friends on game day, this dish is bold, crave-worthy, and incredibly satisfying. With tender chicken coated in spicy garlic butter and nestled atop creamy rotini, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

From picky eaters to spice lovers, this recipe can be customized, prepped ahead, and enjoyed any day of the week. Don’t forget the celery sticks and extra drizzle of ranch or blue cheese for the full experience!

---

Print