This fun and tasty Copycat Chicken Ring features flaky crescent dough wrapped around juicy chicken and creamy cheese. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or family!
Let’s be real, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Just watch everyone gather around to grab a slice! I love serving it with a side of dipping sauce for a little extra flavor.
Making this chicken ring is so easy! Just mix, wrap, and bake until golden. It’s a go-to for family movie nights and always gone way too quickly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast Tenders: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders for tenderness. If you don’t have them, chicken thighs work well too; just chop them into similar-sized pieces.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunch, panko is the best choice. If you don’t have any, regular breadcrumbs can serve as a substitute, but the texture won’t be quite as crispy.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: I love adding Parmesan for flavor depth. You can swap it for any hard cheese, like Pecorino or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch on the Chicken?
To achieve that delicious crunchy exterior, it’s all about the breading technique. Follow these steps carefully:
- **Marination:** Let the chicken marinate in a seasoned buttermilk mixture. This not only flavors the chicken but also helps the breading stick.
- **Three-Step Breading:** Dredge chicken in flour, dip it in egg, and coat it with panko. Make sure to press the panko onto the chicken so it sticks well!
- **Frying:** Heat enough oil in your skillet, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for even cooking and crispiness.
Letting the chicken rest on paper towels after frying helps preserve that crunch by soaking up excess oil. Serve immediately for the best results!
How to Make Copycat Chicken Ring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coating:
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Frying:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped green onions or chives
For the Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 garlic clove, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 30 minutes to 1 hour for marination, plus an additional 20-30 minutes for preparation and cooking. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying this delicious chicken ring in less than two hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders into the mixture, making sure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps the chicken absorb all the wonderful flavors!
2. Prepare the Breading Stations:
While your chicken is marinating, set up a breading station. In one shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In a second dish, place the flour. In a third dish, crack and beat the two eggs.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Once the chicken is marinated, remove it from the buttermilk. Start by dredging each tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly in the panko-Parmesan mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated so you get that nice crunch when frying!
4. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. After frying, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil.
5. Arrange and Garnish:
To create the chicken ring, arrange the fried tenders standing up in a circular ring shape on a serving board or platter. It looks fantastic and makes for an impressive presentation! Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or chives for a pop of color.
6. Make the Dipping Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. This sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken ring immediately while it’s hot and crispy. Let everyone dip the golden chicken pieces into the delightful sauce, and enjoy the smiles all around!
This crispy chicken ring is truly perfect for any gathering or casual night at home. It’s fun to eat, full of flavor, and sure to be a hit with everyone!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will also work great in this recipe. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes as the tenders for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No problem! You can use regular breadcrumbs instead, but keep in mind that the texture won’t be as crispy. For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Can I Prep This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and bread it a few hours in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to fry. This makes the process quicker when it’s time to cook!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness instead of using the microwave, which may make them soggy.
