Crispy Fried Chicken Tender Bites with Buffalo Ranch Dip

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to treat yourself to a crispy, golden indulgence? Today, we’re diving into a beloved comfort classic — Crispy Fried Chicken Tender Bites with Buffalo Ranch Dip. 🍗🔥 Nothing says “home-style goodness” quite like a plate of juicy, seasoned chicken coated in a perfectly crunchy crust, dipped in that tangy, spicy, creamy sauce we all crave. This dish captures the heart of Southern kitchens and game-day gatherings alike — it’s comfort food at its finest!

Imagine tender morsels of chicken marinated with buttermilk and spices, fried until golden perfection, then paired with a zesty buffalo ranch dip that makes every bite sing with flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends, preparing a family treat, or simply satisfying that irresistible fried chicken craving, this recipe will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds 😋).

So roll up your sleeves, heat that oil, and let’s bring the aroma of happiness straight to your kitchen! You’re about to create something crispy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying — a recipe that’ll make your heart (and your taste buds) smile. 💛

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs chicken breast tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Buffalo Ranch Dip:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp buffalo sauce (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Step-by-Step Directions

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken bites with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne. Mix well until each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for extra tenderness).

2️⃣ Prepare the Coating:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. This mix gives the chicken its signature crunch — light yet wonderfully crisp!

3️⃣ Heat the Oil:
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven — about 2 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on the temperature to ensure even frying.

4️⃣ Coat the Chicken:
Remove chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks. For extra crunch, dip back in the buttermilk and re-coat with flour (a double dip never hurts 😉).

5️⃣ Fry to Perfection:
Working in small batches, fry chicken bites for 4–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C). Place on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.

6️⃣ Make the Buffalo Ranch Dip:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, and parsley until smooth. Adjust spice level to your liking — mild, medium, or fiery! 🌶️

7️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
Pile those golden beauties onto a platter and serve warm with your Buffalo Ranch Dip on the side. Add celery sticks or fries if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

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#CrispyChicken #SouthernCooking #BuffaloRanchDip #ComfortFood #HomemadeGoodness

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️