Bring a fiery twist to your snack game with “Spicy Crunch: Hot Cheeto Chicken Bites.” These bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a crispy, spicy Hot Cheeto crust, creating a tantalizing treat that’s perfect for game days, parties, or anytime you crave something with a kick. With their bold flavor and crunchy texture, these chicken bites are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a little heat.
Why You’ll Love Hot Cheeto Chicken Bites:
- Bold and Spicy: The Hot Cheeto crust adds a fiery kick and unique flavor.
- Crunchy Texture: The crushed Hot Cheetos provide a satisfying crunch.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties, gatherings, or as a fun snack.
Ingredients Notes For Hot Cheeto Chicken Bites:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Hot Cheetos: Crushed into fine crumbs for the coating.
- Flour: All-purpose flour for dredging the chicken.
- Eggs: Beaten, to help the Hot Cheeto crumbs adhere to the chicken.
- Milk: Mixed with the eggs to create an egg wash.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the chicken.
- Cooking Spray or Oil: For baking or frying the chicken bites.
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat the Oven or Prepare the Fryer:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Alternatively, heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Coating:
- Place the Hot Cheetos in a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow dish.
- In another shallow dish, mix the flour with a bit of salt and pepper.
- In a third shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk to create an egg wash.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken pieces into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll the chicken pieces in the crushed Hot Cheetos, pressing gently to ensure they are well-coated.
- Bake or Fry the Chicken Bites:
- To Bake: Place the coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy.
- To Fry: Carefully lower the coated chicken bites into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve:
- Serve the Hot Cheeto Chicken Bites immediately, with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy aioli.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, finely crushed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
INSTRUCTIONS
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the mixture, making sure they are well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for more flavor.
- Prepare the Coating:
- Place the crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in one shallow bowl.
- Put the flour in another shallow bowl.
- Beat the eggs in a third shallow bowl.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade and shake off excess.
- Dredge each piece in the flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat with the crushed Cheetos. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the Cheeto crumbs for maximum crunch.
- Cook the Chicken:
- To Fry: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken bites in batches until crispy and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- To Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the coating is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
- To Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Serve the Hot Cheeto Chicken Bites hot with your choice of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, blue cheese, or a creamy cilantro sauce.