Buffalo Chicken Bites for the Win!

As Americans we all have had our fair share of buffalo chicken, whether it be dip, tenders, wings, and most of the time in the form of a Dominos box, Hooters plate, or Buffalo Wild Wings tray. While these methods are quite delicious, they are also quite draining on the wallet, especially when you are feeding multiples.

Years ago in High School, my mom was working out of state and with a dad working crazy hours in the army I invented my buffalo bites. Needless to say, they are a total crowd pleaser and no man whose stomach they have touched has ever complained.

They are simple as can be and made with mainly things lying around your house, it will cost less than $5 to feed a family of four or more!

Are you ready for the secret? Here you are:

Buffalo Chicken Bites

What you will need:

A cast iron skillet (preferred) or a large, deep frying pan
2 cereal bowls
2 large serving bowls
1 small canister of Crisco
1 bottle of Franks Hot Sauce
4 cups All purpose flour
2 cups panko bread crumbs
Assorted spices
1 cup of milk
1 egg
1 package of chicken breast, around 1 1/2 pounds or 3 breasts.

Directions:

Cut the chicken into small chunks, no larger than a one dollar coin, or around the size of a BWW boneless wing. Be sure to remove excess fat. Place to the side.

Add around 1/3 the canister of Crisco to the cast iron and turn to medium-high heat.

Now arrange bowls as follows:
Bowl 1- Cereal bowl with milk and egg beaten together.
Bowl 2- Large serving bowl with 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of panko, and desired amount of spices. I use garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt. If you want more of a kick, like my boyfriend, add in either cayenne or chili powder. 
Bowl 3- Cereal bowl with bottle of Frank's poured in.
Bowl 4- Serving bowl with remaining flour and panko, dusting of seasoning salt.

Now dip the chicken as follows (I suggest using tongs to hold the chicken throughout to avoid a large mess on your hands):

Place the chicken first in the egg mixture, then thoroughly coat with first flour mixture, dip in hot sauce, then coat completely in final flour mixture. This double dipping is what allows for the flavor, but also a crunchy exterior.

Turn the oil in pan to medium and place first batch of chicken in pan, cooking until each side is crunchy, and golden brown. Remove chicken onto plate with paper towel to help absorb extra oil.

Then Enjoy! We sure did tonight! Enough leftovers for four or more servings!

Meet the Author

Well, if I filled the whole left column of this blog with the details of me it would be quite mundane.

So, where do I begin?

Education:
I finally returned to college after a year and a half break this fall. I have 3 semesters, including this one, left until I will hold my associate's degree in my hand. This may seem like a simple, unimportant piece of paper, but to me it is progress, a motivation to keep going and to finish strong. I plan on receiving my bachelors in Sociology, if I do this, I will be the first person in my immediate family to hold a college degree. In three weeks I will be taking my state test to become a licensed EMT-B, and I am very anxious to begin this job that will provide a comfortable ride through college.

Beliefs:
I have been a Christian since August 2008, when I was saved at Word of Life Island in upstate New York. I thank my best friend Emily for showing me the light and the way, for never letting me slip away, for never losing her passion for the Lord. I am definitely not the best Christian to ever walk this Earth, but I can surely try to be the best I can be. My God loves me and gives me a multitude of blessings everyday that I feel no need to justify my beliefs.

Family:
I come from two great parents, my dad having adopted both my sister and I. I only have my one older sister, she is married to a sailor, who will soon be a Blue Angel, and has given me the greatest niece (20 months old) and nephew (1 week old) a girl could ever ask for. MY niece, Maddy Duck, truly makes and day bright and worth it. Children are a blessing. My father is currently serving on Active Duty in the US Army, and my mom is the Director of Operations for a private EMS transport company. I have two dogs who hold my heart, Finn and Maggie. They are siblings found deserted at 8 weeks old in a barn during the harsh winter months of Northern New York. I am the second oldest of nine cousins, my mother has 4 siblings, three sisters and one brother, and my maternal grandparents are perhaps some of the most loving, supportive people ever.

Relationships:
I am a very blessed and lucky woman to have my Airman in my life. We met each other at 15, our second year in high school. We have spent the past three and  almost a half years in a series of ups and downs, but God has always brought us back together. The biggest challenge ever was his process of becoming a US Airman, and I am so proud of this man for who he has become. I am happy to report that after 19 months of separation, last month he was stationed only 15 miles from my front door. Blessing much? He makes my sad days happy, makes me giggle, and never fails to plaster a smile on my face. I can honestly say I love him whole-heartedly and support him 110%.

The Present?:
Well I spend my days at school, studying, doing homework, sleeping, napping, working out, lounging, or laying with my dogs. I constantly struggle with my health it seems. At the beginning of 2012 I had a huge break through and lost over fifteen pounds, gained some muscle, then I slacked off this summer. Back to square one ;) I have known to crochet for years and randomly pick it up to complete a project every once in awhile. I love archery and hunting, I have been shooting for seven years and love the calming properties it presents. I spend other days with my airman, or playing with my niece, never a dull moment around that kid.

The Future?:
Well, I just want to get through the end f college. Could Spring 2015 come ANY faster? I know I want to work in public/human service. Point blankly, I want to help people. My heart has always been full of good, especially after years of bullying, I want to step out in the world and not just get rid of bad guys, but help bad guys become good guys. We all have some good in us.

Well, I believe that covers the main points. Look forward to the future, and what it shall hold.