What You’re Smashing
Golden, oven-baked or air-fried chicken bites with a crunchy panko crumb and a zesty dipping sauce. Big protein, big crunch, zero fluff.
Ingredients (Serves 2-4)
For the Chicken:
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500g chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized chunks
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1 cup buttermilk (or ½ cup yoghurt + ½ cup milk)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
For the Crumb:
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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ÂĽ cup grated parmesan (optional but adds flavour)
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp salt
For the Dipping Sauce:
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½ cup Greek yoghurt or sour cream
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1 Tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: chopped dill or parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Toss chicken pieces in buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 mins (or overnight if you're prepping ahead).
2. Prep the Crumb
Mix panko, parmesan, smoked paprika and salt in a shallow bowl.
3. Coat the Chicken
Take each marinated chicken piece, let excess drip off, and press into the crumb mix until well coated.
4. Bake or Air Fry
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Oven method: Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Place chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Air fryer: Cook at 200°C for 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix yoghurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Adjust to taste. Add chopped herbs if you like it fancy.
6. Serve like a beast
Pile your golden nuggets high, dip deep, and crunch with pride. Optional: hit with a sprinkle of flaky salt or fresh herbs to impress your mates.
Volk’s Tips
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Want it spicier? Add cayenne to the crumb or serve with hot sauce.
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No buttermilk? Mix plain yoghurt and milk, does the job.
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Thighs = juicier, breasts = leaner. Your call, champ.
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These reheat great in the air fryer. Make double.
Crispy, juicy chicken bites with a creamy dip. High-protein, low-fuss and 100% crowd-approved. Air fryer, oven or fight-night ready.
