Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Feel free to substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option, and adjust the hot sauce based on your spice tolerance. The ranch dressing can be homemade or store-bought, but if you’re like me and enjoy making everything from scratch, a homemade version adds an extra layer of love!
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 200°F to keep the chicken warm while you fry in batches.
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
- Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, dip it into the eggs, and roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Heat a deep skillet with about an inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F for optimal frying.
- Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven.
- In a small saucepan, combine the ranch dressing, honey, and hot sauce over medium heat. Stir until smooth and heated through.
- Toss the fried chicken bites in the hot honey ranch sauce until well-coated.
Growing up, I loved helping my mom in the kitchen, and frying chicken was one of those tasks that made me feel like a real chef. Just remember to be cautious with the hot oil!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International