Description
These Crispy Ranch Cajun Chicken Bites are packed with bold flavor and a crunchy coating, perfectly paired with a creamy jalapeño parmesan dip for the ultimate appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk with half the ranch seasoning and half the Cajun seasoning. Add chicken pieces, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and remaining seasonings.
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour-breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Fry chicken bites in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- To make the dip: combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, jalapeño, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve chicken bites hot with creamy jalapeño parmesan dip.
Notes
- For extra spice, add cayenne pepper to the breading.
- Chicken can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes for a lighter version.
- Dip can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 bites with dip
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: crispy chicken bites, ranch cajun chicken, jalapeño parmesan dip, appetizer recipe