Crispy Cajun Chicken Ranch Bites
These crispy chicken bites are seasoned with smoky Cajun spices and creamy ranch, baked to perfection for a flavorful, easy Super Bowl snack or party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (recommend Zatarain’s)
- 1 packet (or 1 tablespoon) ranch seasoning mix
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (90 grams)
- 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil for baking
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces, keeping them uniform for even cooking (about 5 minutes).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, Cajun seasoning, and ranch seasoning mix. Submerge chicken pieces in the mixture and let soak for 15-20 minutes.
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place coated pieces evenly on the wire rack.
- Spray chicken bites lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the bites rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Use cold buttermilk for tender chicken. Don’t skip the soak for best flavor and juiciness. Use a wire rack to keep bites crispy. Double-dip in flour and buttermilk for extra crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper crisping. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or gluten-free flour and watch baking time. For dairy-free, use coconut milk with vinegar and dairy-free ranch seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4-5 pieces per
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Cajun chicken bites, crispy chicken, ranch chicken bites, Super Bowl snacks, easy chicken appetizer, baked chicken bites