Whataburger Chicken Bites Recipe
As a food enthusiast and registered dietitian, I always find myself experimenting with flavors and exploring new recipes. One day, while reminiscing about my favorite fast food treats, I stumbled upon Whataburger chicken bites.
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Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 320kcal
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 2½ cups buttermilk
- 1½ pounds chicken tenderloins
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder instead of garlic salt for better control of saltiness
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika adds a subtle smokey depth
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
- Honey mustard sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for serving
Instructions
- Ready to make some magic? Let’s dive into the steps.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Start with the chicken tenderloins. You want them to be uniform in size for even cooking. Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Marinate
- In a large bowl, pour in the buttermilk. Add the chicken tenderloins to this creamy bath. Cover it and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This step is crucial; it infuses flavor and moisture into the meat.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
- While the chicken marinates, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a separate bowl. Whisk it together until well combined.
Step 4: Heat Oil
- In a deep skillet, heat about an inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want to get it hot enough for frying but not so hot that it smokes. A good test is to drop a pinch of flour in the oil. If it sizzles, you’re ready.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
- Remove each tenderloin from the buttermilk. Let any excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Ensure every part is coated well. Place them on a plate and let them rest for about 10 minutes; this helps the coating stick better.
Step 6: Fry
- Now comes the fun part! Carefully slide the chicken into the hot oil in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Notes
– Don’t Skip the Marination: This step ensures flavor and moisture.
– Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep it hot enough, so the chicken cooks quickly, preventing them from soaking up too much oil.
– Season Generously: The chicken needs good flavor, so don’t be shy with the seasoning.
– Let Rest After Frying: Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps maintain its juiciness.
– Experiment with Dips: Try different sauces like barbecue or ranch for a twist!