Some days call for a snack that’s crispy, golden, and downright irresistible. Enter Cracker Chicken Bites—bite-sized, juicy chicken pieces coated in a crunchy, buttery cracker crust. These little gems are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick dinner, an appetizer, or a game-day treat.
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Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re easy to make, require just a handful of ingredients, and disappear in minutes. So, grab your favorite dipping sauce and get ready for some serious snacking!
Why You’ll Love Cracker Chicken Bites
Crunchy & Crispy: The cracker coating creates the ultimate golden crunch.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just coat, bake, and enjoy.
Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with little ones (and adults too!).
Customizable: Play around with different seasonings or crackers for unique flavors.
Great for Any Occasion: Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or quick dinner.
Ingredients in Cracker Chicken Bites
Here’s what makes these bites so addictively delicious:
Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized chunks for easy snacking.
Crackers: Crushed for a crispy, flavorful coating. Ritz, saltines, or club crackers work great!
Eggs: Help the coating stick perfectly to the chicken.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the cracker crumbs.
Seasonings: A mix of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
Butter: Brushed on top for that rich, golden finish.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 375°F to get the perfect crispiness.
Prepare Your Coating: Crush the crackers into fine crumbs and mix with the seasonings.
Dip the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Dip each chicken piece in the mixture, then roll in the cracker crumbs.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken bites on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
Add Butter: Lightly brush or drizzle melted butter over the chicken for extra crunch and flavor.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Let them cool slightly, then dig in with your favorite dipping sauce!
How to Serve Cracker Chicken Bites
These bites are delicious on their own or paired with:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo.
- Fresh Veggies: A side of carrot and celery sticks makes a great balance.
- Salads: Toss them on top of a crisp green salad for a protein boost.
- Mac & Cheese: The perfect comfort food duo!
Additional Tips
Use Different Crackers: Try cheese crackers, whole wheat, or even pretzels for a twist.
Make Them Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
Air Fryer Friendly: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
Freeze for Later: Store uncooked bites in a freezer bag for an easy meal later.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
A1: Yes! They’ll be just as juicy and flavorful.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Prep and coat them, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze them?
A4: Yes! Freeze after baking and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A5: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fry for 5 minutes to keep them crispy.
Q6: Can I fry them instead?
A6: Yes! Fry in hot oil for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Q7: Can I use gluten-free crackers?
A7: Definitely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free brand.
Q8: What’s the best way to crush crackers?
A8: Use a food processor or place them in a bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Q9: Can I add cheese to the coating?
A9: Yes! A little grated Parmesan mixed in adds great flavor.
Q10: What sides pair best with these?
A10: Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or even a simple fruit salad.
Final Thoughts
Cracker Chicken Bites are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re whipping up a snack, feeding the family, or prepping for game night, this recipe will be a favourite in no time. Give it a try and enjoy every crunchy, juicy bite!
Print
Cracker Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 25 pieces 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy, cheesy baked chicken bites are a fun twist on homemade chicken nuggets! Coated in Cheez-It crackers and ranch seasoning, they’re packed with flavor and make the perfect snack, meal, or party appetizer. Easy to make with just 4 ingredients!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups Cheez-It crackers, crushed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and ranch seasoning.
- Add the chicken pieces, coating well, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Place the Cheez-It crackers in a large zip-top bag and crush into fine crumbs using a rolling pin.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the crushed crackers, ensuring an even coating.
- Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Serve warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dip. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray before baking.
- Try different flavors by using spicy ranch seasoning or flavored Cheez-Its!
- Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg