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- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt) - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste These main ingredients bring great flavor to your chicken bites. The buttermilk adds moisture and tang. The seasoning mix of garlic, onion, paprika, and black pepper gives a warm, savory taste. - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup everything bagel seasoning - Cooking spray The flour creates a crispy outer layer. Everything bagel seasoning adds a unique twist. It mixes poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion, and garlic. This blend gives your chicken bites a delightful crunch and savory kick. - Fresh parsley for garnish - Side dips like ranch or Greek yogurt Garnishing with fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Dipping sauces like ranch or Greek yogurt enhance taste. They provide a cool contrast to the spices in the chicken. To start, take a large bowl and add the chicken pieces. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken. Make sure every piece is well-coated. This will help the chicken stay juicy. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can let it sit overnight. In another bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until all the ingredients blend well. This mix will give your chicken a great taste. When you're ready, take the chicken from the fridge. Shake off any extra buttermilk. Dredge each piece in the flour mix. Ensure each piece is coated evenly. Then, dip the chicken into the everything bagel seasoning. Press it on to make it stick well. Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is key for crispy bites. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Lay the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Make sure they do not touch each other. This helps them cook evenly. Cook the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through so they brown nicely. Check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Once cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. To ensure even cooking, place the chicken bites in a single layer. This way, hot air flows around each piece. Avoid stacking or touching them. You want each bite to get crispy all around. Overcrowding the air fryer basket leads to soggy chicken. When chicken is too close, it can steam instead of fry. Always leave space for best results. To boost flavor, try adding cumin or smoked paprika. A hint of cayenne pepper can add heat. You can also mix in some dried herbs like oregano or thyme. For marinating time, aim for at least 30 minutes. If you can, let the chicken sit overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it absorbs. For a fun presentation, serve chicken bites on a colorful platter. Add a small bowl of ranch or Greek yogurt dip. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. You can pair these bites with a side of crunchy veggies or crispy fries. They also go well with a light salad or coleslaw. {{image_2}} If you want to change the recipe for dietary needs, here are some easy swaps: - Gluten-free flour alternatives: You can use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Both work well for coating. They keep the texture crispy and tasty. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time slightly. - Dairy-free options for marinating: Instead of buttermilk, try coconut milk or almond yogurt. These options add moisture and flavor without dairy. They are great for those who are lactose intolerant. To shake things up, consider these ideas for extra flavor: - Mix-ins or additional seasoning: Try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mix. This gives the chicken a spicy kick. You can also stir in some dried herbs like oregano or thyme. These flavors blend well with the everything bagel seasoning. - Alternative toppings: Instead of everything bagel seasoning, you can use taco seasoning or ranch seasoning. Each brings a unique twist and can surprise your taste buds. If you want to try different cooking methods, here are some options: - Oven-baking instructions: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This gives a crunchy finish. - Pan-frying options: Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken bites in batches. Fry them until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes on each side. This method gives a nice crispy texture and rich flavor. After making Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites, store leftovers in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Place them in the fridge right away. These chicken bites stay fresh for up to three days. Ensure they cool down before sealing to avoid moisture. To enjoy the chicken bites later, the best way to reheat is in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken bites in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose some crunch. You can freeze these chicken bites for longer storage. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can freeze well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, thaw it first. The best way is to place it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you may use the microwave's defrost setting. After thawing, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, follow the recipe as usual. This ensures even cooking and flavor absorption. Thawing helps the buttermilk coat the chicken better, enhancing taste and texture. Several dips work well with these chicken bites. Here are some popular options: - Ranch dressing - Greek yogurt dip - Honey mustard - Sriracha mayo - Barbecue sauce Each sauce brings a unique flavor. Ranch adds creaminess, while honey mustard offers a sweet touch. You can also mix dips for a fun twist! To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. If you don't have one, cut a piece open. It should be white inside, with no pink. Juices should run clear, not red. Always ensure chicken is fully cooked for safety. This post covers how to make tasty Everything Bagel Chicken Bites. We discussed the key ingredients, including chicken, buttermilk, and seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating, coating, and cooking. You learned helpful tips for perfect bites and variations to meet your needs. In closing, enjoy these bites with your favorite dips. With simple steps, you’ll impress everyone. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites

Elevate your snack game with these Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites! This easy recipe features juicy chicken coated in a flavorful everything bagel seasoning that brings a delicious crunch to your plate. Perfect for parties or a tasty dinner, these bites are quick to prepare and cook in just 10-12 minutes. Ready to impress your guests? Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and tips to make these irresistible chicken bites today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

½ cup everything bagel seasoning

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, add the chicken pieces and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all pieces are well-coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for more flavor.

    In another bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix until uniform.

      Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

        Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and shake off any excess liquid.

          Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring a complete coat, and then dip them in the everything bagel seasoning, pressing it onto the chicken to stick well.

            Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer, making sure they do not touch each other to ensure even cooking.

              Cook the chicken bites in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

                Once done, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken bites on a platter with a side of ranch or Greek yogurt dip and garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color. You can also sprinkle a little extra everything bagel seasoning on top for added flair.