Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsNorthern Lights Pizza (118)Chicken Dippers Recipe

Chicken Dippers Recipe

Time35m
Serves2

Half a pound of tender breaded all-white-meat chicken breast served with your choice of ranch, bleu cheese, hot sauce or BBQ sauce.

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Ingredients

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Chicken Dippers

Method

Chicken Dippers

  1. 1

    Prep the chicken

    Trim any fat from the chicken breast and cut into 1-inch wide strips or bite-size dippers. Aim for uniform thickness so they cook evenly. Pat pieces dry with paper towel.

  2. 2

    Marinate in buttermilk

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the egg until combined. Add the chicken pieces, stir to coat, then cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour). This tenderizes and helps the breading stick.

  3. 3

    Make the breading

    In a shallow dish, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper and optional cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly so spices are evenly distributed.

  4. 4

    Dredge the chicken

    Remove one piece of chicken at a time from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so a compact coating forms. Place breaded dippers on a plate or baking sheet with a rack; repeat for all pieces.

  5. 5

    Heat the oil

    In a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) or sauté pan, pour in about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of vegetable oil (approximately 1 cup). Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or a breadcrumb dropped in sizzles immediately and rises to the surface.

  6. 6

    Fry the dippers

    Working in a single layer and not overcrowding the pan, carefully add chicken dippers to the hot oil. Fry for 2.5–3.5 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest piece reads 165°F (74°C). Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. Cook remaining dippers in batches, adding more oil if necessary.

  7. 7

    Drain and keep warm

    Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer cooked dippers to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack set over a sheet pan to drain excess oil. If making multiple batches, keep finished dippers in a 200°F (95°C) oven to stay warm and crisp while others cook.

  8. 8

    Serve

    Arrange the chicken dippers on a platter with lemon wedges and the 1/2 cup of ranch (or bleu cheese, hot sauce, or BBQ sauce as chosen). Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

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