Fried Chicken Tender Bites with Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce

Fried Chicken Tender Bites with Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce is more than just a dish; it’s a flavorful experience that kicks off with an irresistible crunch. This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and fry to perfection. What sets it apart is the crispy, tender chicken paired with the creamy and zesty Buffalo ranch dipping sauce—a combination that will elevate any meal or snack.

This recipe is perfect for game day gatherings, family dinners, or even a fun weekend treat. You can prep the Buffalo ranch sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days, making this dish not only delicious but also convenient.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Each bite offers a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy chicken.
• The authentic Buffalo ranch sauce adds a kick of flavor that’s hard to resist.
• The two-step dredging technique ensures an extra crispy coating.
• Quick to make, this dish is ready to impress in just half an hour.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create your flavorful chicken bites and dipping sauce:

For the Chicken

• 1 1/2 – 2 pounds Smart Chicken Organic Chicken Tenderloins, cut into thirds
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying
• Kosher salt
• Cayenne pepper

For the Flour Dredge

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt

For the Beer Batter Dredge

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/4 cup beer
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt

For the Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 2-3 tbsp hot pepper sauce
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• Squeeze of lemon juice
• Kosher salt to taste

Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken can be swapped for turkey tenderloins.
• Use a non-alcoholic beer for a non-alcohol version.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
• Can use ranch dressing instead of homemade Buffalo ranch.

How to Make It

Follow these steps to create your fried chicken tender bites:

Whisk sauce

Whisk together the buffalo ranch dipping sauce ingredients and set aside.

Heat oil

Heat a large pot of oil a few inches deep to 375°F and set out a large sheet tray lined with a wire rack.

Prepare dredges

In one bowl, whisk together the flour dredge ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the beer batter dredge ingredients.

Season chicken

Season the chicken tender pieces with kosher salt.

Dredge chicken

Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into the beer batter, letting excess batter drip off, and return to the flour.

Fry chicken

Fry in batches in the pot until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Maintain oil temperature between 350°F-375°F.

Transfer and season

Transfer fried chicken to the wire rack and season with kosher salt and cayenne pepper.

Serve

Serve the fried chicken bites with the buffalo ranch dipping sauce.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, best enjoyed fresh.
Reheat: Bake in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the oil is at the right temperature to achieve a crispy texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot while frying; this helps maintain oil temperature.
• Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack to preserve its crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a game day appetizer with a side of celery sticks.
• Pair with a cold beer for a casual evening snack.
• Include as a flavorful addition to a backyard barbecue spread.