Golden, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, these Fried Chicken Tender Bites are an irresistible indulgence. The double-dredging technique ensures maximum crunch, while the beer batter adds a subtle depth of flavor. Fried to a beautiful golden brown and sprinkled with a hint of cayenne, these bites are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Paired with a rich and tangy Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce, these chicken bites deliver the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and bold flavor. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, game-day snack, or a fun dinner option, this recipe will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Chicken & Dredging:
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds organic chicken tenderloins, cut into thirds
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
- Kosher salt
- Cayenne pepper
Flour Dredge:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Beer Batter Dredge:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 ¼ cup light beer
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 2-3 tbsp hot pepper sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot®)
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Kosher salt, to taste
Directions:
- In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the buffalo ranch sauce and set aside.
- Heat a large pot with oil, ensuring it’s a few inches deep. Bring it to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare a sheet tray lined with a wire rack for placing fried chicken.
- In a large bowl, mix all the flour dredge ingredients.
- In another large bowl, whisk together the beer batter dredge ingredients. If the batter thickens over time, thin it out with more beer.
- Season the chicken tender pieces with kosher salt.
- Toss chicken pieces in the flour dredge, ensuring an even coat.
- Shake off excess flour, dip them into the beer batter dredge, letting excess drip off.
- Place battered chicken back into the flour dredge for a final coating.
- Working in batches, fry the chicken in hot oil for about 5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F-375°F (175°C-190°C).
- Transfer fried chicken to the wire rack and season with kosher salt and a light sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Serve immediately with buffalo ranch dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 480 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful – The combination of a beer batter and flour dredge results in a crunchy, well-seasoned coating that locks in moisture.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re serving it at a party, a family gathering, or just making a fun snack, these bites are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Quick and Easy to Make – Unlike traditional fried chicken that requires brining or marinating, this recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
- A Delicious Dipping Sauce – The Buffalo Ranch Sauce adds a creamy, tangy, and spicy kick that complements the crispy chicken beautifully.
- Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the cayenne and hot sauce levels to make it as mild or as spicy as you prefer.
What Makes This Fried Chicken Extra Crispy?
The double-dredging method is what gives these chicken bites an incredibly crispy texture. Instead of just using a dry flour coating, this recipe uses a beer batter in between flour dredging layers. Here’s why this method works so well:
- First flour dredge: Helps absorb moisture from the chicken, creating a dry surface for the batter to stick to.
- Beer batter: The carbonation in the beer creates a light and airy texture, making the fried coating crispy rather than dense.
- Final flour dredge: Seals in the batter and adds an extra layer of crispiness when fried.
This technique prevents the batter from becoming soggy and ensures each bite is crispy and golden brown.
The Secret to a Perfect Buffalo Ranch Sauce
Fried chicken is even better with a great dipping sauce, and this Buffalo Ranch Sauce is the perfect match. It brings together the cool, creamy tang of ranch dressing with the spicy heat of buffalo sauce. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Mayo, sour cream, and buttermilk create a rich and smooth base.
- Fresh parsley and chives add an herby freshness.
- Hot sauce and grated garlic bring in a bold kick of flavor.
- A squeeze of lemon juice balances everything with a bit of acidity.
This sauce is incredibly versatile you can also drizzle it over salads, tacos, or sandwiches!
Frying Tips for the Best Crispy Chicken
Frying chicken at home might seem intimidating, but with these tips, you’ll get crispy, golden-brown results every time:
- Use the Right Oil – Vegetable oil or peanut oil works best for frying because of their high smoke points. Avoid olive oil, as it burns at a lower temperature.
- Maintain the Right Temperature – Keep the oil between 350°F-375°F (175°C-190°C). If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot – Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Cook in small batches for even frying.
- Drain Properly – After frying, place the chicken bites on a wire rack (not paper towels) to keep them crispy. Paper towels can cause steam buildup, making them soggy.
- Season Immediately – Sprinkle a little extra kosher salt and cayenne pepper on the chicken right after frying to enhance the flavor.
Ways to Serve Fried Chicken Tender Bites
These chicken bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many delicious ways:
- Classic Snack – Serve them hot with a side of Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Wraps – Toss the bites in buffalo sauce and wrap them in a tortilla with lettuce and cheese.
- Loaded Chicken Bites – Top them with melted cheese, jalapeños, and a drizzle of ranch for an indulgent twist.
- Chicken Sliders – Sandwich them in mini buns with pickles and coleslaw.
- Salad Topping – Use them as a crispy topping on a Caesar or Cobb salad.
- Game-Day Platter – Pair them with fries, onion rings, or mozzarella sticks for the ultimate snack board.
No matter how you serve them, these chicken bites are guaranteed to disappear fast!
Conclusion:
Fried Chicken Tender Bites with Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce are the ultimate crispy, flavorful, and satisfying snack. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party, or just to satisfy a craving, they deliver the perfect balance of crunch, juiciness, and bold flavors.
The beer batter technique ensures that each bite is golden and crispy, while the Buffalo Ranch Sauce adds a delicious kick that keeps you coming back for more. With customizable spice levels, versatile serving options, and easy cooking tips, this dish is one you’ll want to make again and again.