Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Golden, juicy chicken bites tossed in a creamy, tangy buffalo garlic sauce—this dish is a flavor-packed dream for anyone who loves a kick of spice balanced with rich, savory notes. Paired with tender rotini pasta that soaks up every drop of the sauce, and served alongside crisp, refreshing celery sticks, it’s the perfect combination of heat, creaminess, and crunch.

Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual game-day snack, or a comforting lunch, these buffalo garlic chicken bites will win over everyone at the table. The luscious sauce clings to every bite, while the pasta adds a hearty base that makes this more than just an appetizer—it’s a full, satisfying meal.

---

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

• Bold, balanced flavors – The tangy spice of buffalo sauce meets aromatic garlic for a crave-worthy combination.
• Quick to make – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Versatile serving options – Great with pasta, rice, or just on their own with veggies.
• Crowd-pleaser – A hit at gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners.
• Easily adjustable spice level – You control the heat by choosing your buffalo sauce intensity.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking, a little prep makes the process smoother and ensures everything comes together quickly.

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – Essential for evenly browning the chicken and creating that rich buffalo garlic sauce without overcrowding.
• Mixing Bowls – Perfect for tossing chicken with seasoning before cooking and for mixing pasta with sauce.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – A sharp knife helps cube the chicken into even-sized bites, ensuring they cook uniformly.
• Pasta Pot – A sturdy pot for boiling the rotini until perfectly al dente.
• Tongs or Spatula – For flipping chicken without tearing the meat, keeping those golden edges intact.
• Colander – To quickly drain pasta while preserving its texture.

Having these tools ready means you’ll move seamlessly from prep to plate, keeping flavors fresh and timing spot-on.

---

Preparation Tips

• Cut chicken evenly – This helps all pieces cook at the same speed, avoiding dry or undercooked bites.
• Season generously – The chicken should be well-seasoned before hitting the pan; buffalo sauce is bold, but salt and pepper help the base flavor shine.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet – Cooking in batches if needed ensures browning instead of steaming.
• Reserve some pasta water – A splash can help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Taste and adjust heat – Start with a moderate amount of buffalo sauce and add more if you like a stronger kick.

---

Ingredients for Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast – cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 cups rotini pasta – or your favorite short pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing
• 1 tsp garlic powder – for base seasoning
• 3 cloves fresh garlic – minced, for deep flavor
• Salt & black pepper – to taste
• 1 cup buffalo sauce – store-bought or homemade, choose your heat level
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – to balance the spice and add creaminess
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter – for richness in the sauce
• Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish
• Celery sticks – for serving on the side

---

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

---

Step 2 – Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

---

Step 3 – Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

---

Step 4 – Make the Buffalo Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the buffalo sauce and stir well. Reduce heat slightly, then add heavy cream. Stir until smooth and gently simmer for 2–3 minutes.

---

Step 5 – Combine Everything

Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Add cooked pasta and stir until well combined, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.

---

Step 6 – Garnish & Serve

Transfer to plates, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with crisp celery sticks on the side. Enjoy immediately while warm.

---

Notes

• Use freshly minced garlic for the richest, most aromatic flavor.
• If you want a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the heavy cream at the end (off the heat) to avoid curdling.
• For extra heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the buffalo sauce.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken – Small cubes cook fast; leaving them too long in the pan will make them dry.
• Skipping the pasta water – It helps loosen and emulsify the sauce, keeping it creamy instead of clumpy.
• Adding cream too quickly over high heat – This can cause separation; lower the heat before adding dairy.
• Using cold chicken straight from the fridge – Let it rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking to ensure even doneness.
• Overcrowding the skillet – Leads to steaming instead of browning, which reduces flavor depth.

---

What to Serve With Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites?

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread – Perfect for mopping up every drop of sauce.
2. Crisp Garden Salad – Light and refreshing to balance the richness.
3. Steamed Broccoli – Adds color and a healthy crunch.
4. Sweet Potato Fries – A sweet contrast to the tangy buffalo sauce.
5. Coleslaw – Creamy and cooling, great for toning down the spice.
6. Corn on the Cob – Buttery and slightly sweet for a summertime vibe.
7. Baked Potato Wedges – Hearty and satisfying alongside the pasta.
8. Pickled Jalapeños – For those who can’t get enough heat.

---

Storage Instructions

Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or cream to restore creaminess.

---

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg
• Sodium: 990 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great—they’re juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

2. How can I make this less spicy?

Use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount and increase the cream for a gentler flavor.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance, then toss with sauce just before serving for best texture.

4. Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes—swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use vegan butter.

5. What’s the best pasta substitute?

Rice, quinoa, or zucchini noodles all pair nicely with the buffalo garlic chicken.

6. Can I air fry the chicken bites?

Absolutely—toss them in oil and seasonings, then air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

7. How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer it a little longer, or stir in a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches to maintain proper browning.

---

Conclusion

Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites are the perfect fusion of spice, creaminess, and hearty comfort. With minimal prep and flexible ingredients, they work for quick weeknight dinners, game-day spreads, or casual get-togethers. The balance of tangy buffalo sauce and aromatic garlic makes every bite satisfying, while the pasta and celery give texture and variety. Once you make this once, it’s bound to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

---

Print