Name: Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 8 oz rotini pasta; 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing; 1 cup celery sticks; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

When I first made these Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites, I was just trying to satisfy a craving for something spicy, creamy, and a little indulgent—but still easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. What I ended up with was a total flavor bomb: juicy chicken bites smothered in a buttery buffalo-garlic sauce, paired perfectly with creamy rotini and crisp celery for balance. The way the sauce clings to the chicken is just irresistible, and when it soaks into the pasta? Game over.

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This recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals for dinner ideas that don’t take forever but still hit all the right notes. It’s simple enough to prep in under 30 minutes and flexible enough to adapt based on what I have in the fridge. Whether I’m looking for a quick protein-packed lunch or a fun and fiery weeknight dinner, these buffalo garlic chicken bites never disappoint.

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

Bold, punchy flavor: The combination of tangy buffalo sauce and savory garlic butter delivers serious depth in every bite.
Quick and easy: With minimal ingredients and a fast cook time, it’s perfect for busy schedules.
Versatile meal: Serve it over pasta, rice, or in a wrap—or just snack on them straight!
Crowd-pleasing: Great for family dinners, game nights, or even meal prep.
Balanced plate: With the cool crunch of celery and the creaminess of pasta, every element brings something satisfying to the table.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites?

For the best texture and juiciness, I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks. They cook quickly, soak up the buffalo garlic sauce beautifully, and have a lean, clean taste that lets the flavor of the sauce shine.

That said, boneless chicken thighs are a solid alternative if you want something a bit more tender and rich. Just trim any excess fat and cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Options for Substitutions

You can easily tailor this recipe depending on your dietary needs or what’s in your fridge. Here are a few swaps that work wonderfully:

Chicken: Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Both absorb the sauce well and crisp up nicely.
Buffalo Sauce: If you’re out of buffalo sauce, mix hot sauce with melted butter and a dash of vinegar for a quick fix.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
Pasta: Rotini holds sauce well, but penne, shells, or even rice work just as well.
Dairy-free: Sub vegan butter and dairy-free ranch or blue cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Spice level: Adjust the heat with more or less buffalo sauce—or mellow it out with a touch of honey or ranch.

Ingredients for This Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating a balanced, flavor-packed dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the dish. Cut into bite-sized pieces, they cook quickly and stay juicy inside.
Buffalo sauce – Brings the heat and signature tang. It’s the foundation of that bold flavor we’re after.
Fresh garlic – Sautéed in butter, it adds depth and a warm, savory aroma that ties the whole dish together.
Butter – Creates a silky, rich base for the buffalo garlic sauce and mellows out the heat just enough.
Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken before it even meets the sauce.
Olive oil – Helps get that perfect golden sear on the chicken bites.
Rotini pasta – A creamy, comforting base that catches every bit of the buffalo garlic sauce in its spirals.
Creamy dressing or sauce (ranch or blue cheese) – A cool, tangy contrast to the spicy chicken.
Celery sticks – Crisp and refreshing, they add crunch and balance the richness of the dish.
Fresh parsley (optional) – For a touch of color and a hint of freshness.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels—this helps them brown better. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir and continue cooking until fully cooked through—about 6–8 minutes total.

Step 3: Make the Buffalo Garlic Sauce

In a separate small saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown). Stir in the buffalo sauce and let it simmer for a minute, just enough to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Toss the Chicken in Sauce

Pour the buffalo garlic sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Toss everything together so the chicken is fully coated. Let it simmer on low for another 2 minutes to let the flavors settle in.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

On each plate, arrange a serving of rotini pasta, a scoop of buffalo garlic chicken bites, a few celery sticks, and a generous drizzle of creamy dressing or sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like.

How Long to Cook the Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe

This dish is super quick to make, and that’s one of the reasons I love it. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Chicken: Cooks in about 6–8 minutes in a hot skillet. You’re aiming for golden edges and juicy centers.
Sauce: Just 2–3 minutes to combine and simmer with garlic and buffalo sauce.
Pasta: Around 8–10 minutes, depending on the type and brand—just cook until al dente.

Total active cooking time: about 20 minutes, making this a perfect option for a fast weeknight dinner.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites

Dry your chicken before searing. Excess moisture can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if needed to get that golden sear on the chicken.
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor—it makes a big difference in the sauce.
Adjust the heat. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne. Milder? Stir in a spoonful of honey or ranch.
Use high-quality buffalo sauce. It’s the main flavor profile, so it’s worth getting one you really love.
Serve immediately. These bites are best hot, right after being tossed in the sauce.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple recipe like this can trip you up if you’re not careful. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

Overcooking the chicken: Bite-sized pieces cook fast. Going even a minute too long can make them dry. Keep an eye on the pan and pull them as soon as they’re done.
Not drying the chicken: Moisture on the surface prevents browning. Use paper towels to blot before seasoning.
Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks fast—30 seconds is all it takes. If it goes brown, it turns bitter and can overpower the sauce.
Adding sauce to raw chicken: Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before tossing it in the sauce, or you’ll end up with a watery, under-flavored mess.
Skipping the simmer: Letting the sauced chicken simmer for a minute helps the flavors soak in and the sauce stick better.

What to Serve With Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites?

You can build an entire meal around these bold bites. Here are some great pairings to consider:

Crisp Garden Salad

A fresh, crunchy salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the heat and richness perfectly.

Roasted Potatoes

Swap pasta for oven-roasted baby potatoes tossed in olive oil and herbs for a hearty side.

Mac and Cheese

If you’re feeling indulgent, creamy mac and cheese is a dreamy match with the spicy chicken.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet and smoky grilled corn brings out the savory depth of the buffalo sauce.

Garlic Bread

Ideal for soaking up any leftover sauce. Plus, more garlic? Yes, please.

Pickles or Pickled Veggies

Their tang cuts through the richness and adds brightness to the plate.

Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip

Not just a topping—serve a little bowl on the side for dipping chicken or celery.

Iced Tea or Lemonade

Cool and refreshing drinks that help mellow the spice.

Storage Instructions

If you’ve got leftovers (which isn’t always the case with this dish!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

Refrigerator: Store the chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken bites (without the pasta) for up to 2 months. Let them cool first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating: Warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of water or buffalo sauce if it looks dry. Pasta can be microwaved with a little added moisture (like a touch of oil or water) to prevent clumping.

Avoid reheating the celery and dressing—those are best added fresh each time.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general breakdown per serving, based on the full recipe divided into four portions:

Calories: ~510
Protein: ~36g
Carbohydrates: ~34g
Fat: ~26g
Saturated Fat: ~9g
Cholesterol: ~110mg
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~2g
Sodium: ~980mg

Note: Exact values may vary depending on the brand of buffalo sauce, dressing, and pasta you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are these Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites?

The spice level depends mostly on your buffalo sauce. Most store-bought ones are medium-spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can mix the buffalo sauce with more butter or add a little honey to tone it down.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead, then reheat and toss them together just before serving. Pasta is best made fresh, but it reheats well with a splash of water.

What kind of buffalo sauce should I use?

Use your favorite! Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce is a classic, but any brand you like will work. Look for one that’s smooth, tangy, and not overly vinegary.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, though they take a bit longer to cook. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but it can be. Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your buffalo sauce and dressing are certified gluten-free.

Can I make it in the air fryer?

You sure can! Cook the chicken bites in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Toss them in the sauce afterward.

What’s a good ranch or blue cheese dressing to use?

Homemade is great, but if you’re buying, look for one in the refrigerated section—they’re usually creamier and fresher tasting.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pan or cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Everything else scales up easily.

Conclusion

These Easy Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites are the kind of meal that checks all the boxes: bold flavor, quick cooking, comforting textures, and super flexible. Whether you’re whipping up a fast weeknight dinner, feeding a crowd, or just need a new favorite food idea, this one delivers every time. Spicy, buttery, and packed with protein—what’s not to love?