If you’re looking for a game day crowd-pleaser or a delicious weeknight dinner with a spicy twist, Buffalo Chicken Bites with Creamy Ranch Pasta is the perfect choice. This dish combines the fiery kick of buffalo sauce-coated chicken bites with the smooth, tangy flavor of a creamy ranch pasta. It’s a match made in culinary heaven: spicy, cool, and indulgent all in one. Whether you’re serving this for a party or just to treat yourself, it’s sure to satisfy cravings for comfort food with a spicy edge.
Ingredients:
For the Buffalo Chicken Bites:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the Creamy Ranch Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade ranch mix)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the chicken bites in the seasoned flour until each piece is well-coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Bites
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the flour-coated chicken bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Buffalo Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter until well combined.
- Toss the cooked chicken bites in the buffalo sauce mixture until each piece is generously coated. You can adjust the amount of sauce based on how spicy you want the chicken bites to be.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini or penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
- Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, which can be used to adjust the sauce consistency later.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Ranch Sauce
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it up slightly, making it easier to coat the pasta.
Step 6: Toss the Pasta in Ranch Sauce
- Once the pasta is drained, return it to the pot and pour in the creamy ranch sauce. Toss the pasta until it’s well-coated with the sauce and creamy.
- Stir in the chopped chives for extra freshness and flavor, if using.
COOKING Note:
- For a crispy texture on the chicken, ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken bites. If the oil is too cool, the chicken won’t develop that golden crust.
- You can adjust the heat level of the buffalo chicken bites by choosing a milder or hotter buffalo sauce, depending on your preference. If you want a more intense flavor, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Buffalo Chicken Bites on top of the creamy ranch pasta or on the side. The spicy chicken pairs perfectly with the cooling ranch-flavored pasta.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional chives or green onions for added freshness and color.
- For an extra pop of flavor, drizzle a bit of ranch dressing or extra buffalo sauce over the entire dish before serving.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crunchy vegetables like celery or carrots on the side, especially if you’re serving it as a party platter.
Tips:
- For a healthier version, bake the chicken bites instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- You can prepare the buffalo sauce-coated chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day before reheating and serving.
- If you prefer homemade ranch seasoning, mix together 1 tablespoon dried dill, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon dried chives.
- Adding shredded cheese, like sharp cheddar or mozzarella, to the pasta will make it extra cheesy and indulgent.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 25 minutes for the chicken and sauce
- 10 minutes for the pasta
Total Time:
- 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4):
- Calories: 760
- Protein: 38g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Conclusion:
This recipe for Buffalo Chicken Bites with Creamy Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a kick. The spicy, tangy buffalo chicken contrasts perfectly with the creamy, cool ranch-flavored pasta, making every bite a delight. Whether you’re serving this at a game day gathering or as a weeknight treat, it’s sure to be a hit. The flavors are bold, the textures are satisfying, and best of all, it’s easy to make in under an hour. Bring a taste of your favorite bar-style food right into your home with this delicious meal.
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Buffalo Chicken Bites with Creamy Ranch Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
For the Buffalo Chicken Bites:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the Creamy Ranch Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade ranch mix)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the chicken bites in the seasoned flour until each piece is well-coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Bites
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the flour-coated chicken bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Buffalo Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter until well combined.
- Toss the cooked chicken bites in the buffalo sauce mixture until each piece is generously coated. You can adjust the amount of sauce based on how spicy you want the chicken bites to be.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini or penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
- Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, which can be used to adjust the sauce consistency later.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Ranch Sauce
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it up slightly, making it easier to coat the pasta.
Step 6: Toss the Pasta in Ranch Sauce
- Once the pasta is drained, return it to the pot and pour in the creamy ranch sauce. Toss the pasta until it’s well-coated with the sauce and creamy.
- Stir in the chopped chives for extra freshness and flavor, if using.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes for the chicken and sauce 10 minutes for the pasta
Nutrition
- Calories: 760
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Protein: 38g