There’s something undeniably mouth-watering about the combination of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing. When paired with juicy chicken bites, this dynamic duo transforms a simple dish into a highlight-worthy appetizer. These Buffalo Ranch Chicken Bites are perfect for parties, game-day gatherings, or just a delightful snack to enjoy with family and friends. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, they promise to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Frying pan
- Paper towels
- Tongs
How to Make Buffalo Ranch Chicken Bites – Step By Step
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels as this helps in better coating and frying. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Step 2: Making the Coating
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk this mixture well to evenly distribute the seasonings. This seasoned flour mixture is what will give the chicken a deliciously crispy outer layer.
Step 3: Coating the Chicken
Take each chicken piece and dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Make sure the chicken is well-coated on all sides, pressing the flour gently into the chicken to help it adhere. Once coated, place the pieces on a clean plate.
Step 4: Frying the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Combining with Buffalo and Ranch
In a separate bowl, mix together the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Once the chicken pieces are drained of excess oil, toss them in the buffalo ranch mixture until each piece is evenly coated. The contrasting textures of the crispy chicken and smooth sauce create a delightful culinary experience.
How to Serve Buffalo Ranch Chicken Bites
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Bites are best served hot out of the pan, leaving them tantalizingly crispy. Consider garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Accompany them with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and serve with celery sticks to balance out the heat.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To achieve the crispiest bites, ensure your oil is at the right temperature before adding the chicken. Use a thermometer if necessary and aim for 350°F. If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes instead of frying.
Energizing High-Protein Version: Power Up Your Buffalo Bites
Looking for a boost of protein? Simply swap the all-purpose flour with protein powder-based coating mixes or almond flour. These alternatives not only add to the nutritional value but also maintain the crunchy texture, making your buffalo bites an energizing high-protein snack.
Low-Carb Delight: Guilt-Free Buffalo Ranch Chicken Bites
If you’re watching your carb intake, transforming this recipe into a low-carb masterpiece is easy! Opt for almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. These choices keep the carb count low while delivering a delectable crunch. Enjoy these bites guilt-free while sticking to your dietary preferences.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This helps retain their crispy texture.
FAQs
- Q: Can these be prepared in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coat it with flour a day ahead, but fry it fresh for the best texture. - Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add a dash of hot sauce to the buffalo mixture or include cayenne pepper in the flour coating. - Q: What other dipping sauces work well?
A: Blue cheese dressing, barbeque sauce, or a spicy aioli can complement the flavors wonderfully. - Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well and give an even juicier result.
Why You’ll Love Making These Buffalo Ranch Chicken Bites
Enjoy creating these Buffalo Ranch Chicken Bites, where each piece perfectly fuses the heat of buffalo with the cool tang of ranch. Whether you make them slightly altered to fit a high-protein or low-carb diet, you’re in for a treat that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Give this recipe a try and share your delicious creations with us!
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breast
- buffalo sauce
- ranch dressing
- all-purpose flour
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
Steps
- Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix flour with garlic and onion powder in a bowl.
- Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture thoroughly, then set aside.
- Heat oil in a frying pan and fry chicken pieces until golden brown.
- Toss fried chicken pieces in buffalo and ranch mixture until coated.