This Copycat Chicken Ring is a fun twist on your favorite chicken dish! It features juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent dough all wrapped up together.
It’s perfect for parties or family dinners! I love how it looks impressive but is super easy to make—just roll, fill, and bake. You’ll be the star of the meal! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless chicken breast is ideal for this recipe due to its tenderness. You can also use chicken thighs for an extra juicy option. They may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
Coating: Crushed seasoned croutons give this dish a crunchy texture. If you don’t have them, crispy fried onions make a great substitute for an extra savory flavor. You can even use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter coating.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well for the breading. If you want a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead.
Dipping Sauce: Sour cream is classic, but for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works great too. If you want some heat, add a bit of hot sauce to the sauce mixture!
What’s the Best Way to Coat the Chicken for Crunchiness?
Coating the chicken properly is key to that crispy texture. You’ll want to use the three-step method: flour, egg, then your crunchy coating. Here’s how:
- First, coat the chicken in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s covered well. This helps the egg stick.
- Next, dip it in the egg wash. Make sure it’s fully coated; this is what helps the crunchy topping adhere.
- Finally, roll it in the croutons or crushed onions. Press down slightly for the breading to stick better.
Using this method will give you a beautifully crispy coating that contrasts nicely with the juicy chicken inside! Remember to bake it on a greased pan for an even crunch. Enjoy cooking!
Copycat Chicken Ring Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Ring:
- 1 whole boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup crushed seasoned croutons or crispy fried onions (for coating)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh or dried dill
- 1 tablespoon fresh or dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 25-30 minutes to bake. So, you’ll spend roughly 45-50 minutes total before your delicious Copycat Chicken Ring is ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a bundt pan or a round cake pan with a hole in the center. This will keep your chicken ring from sticking!
2. Set Up Your Breading Stations:
Get three shallow dishes ready: one for the seasoned flour mixture (combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper), one for the egg wash (beat the eggs with milk), and one for the crumbs (crushed croutons or fried onions).
3. Prep the Chicken:
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the chicken breast almost through horizontally. It should open up like a book—this will help it fit neatly around the bundt pan, giving you that lovely ring shape.
4. Bread the Chicken:
Pick up a slice of chicken and dip it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. Next, dip it in the egg wash, and finally, roll it in the crouton mixture to get a nice, crunchy coating. Repeat for all pieces!
5. Arrange in the Pan:
Stand the chicken slices up in your greased bundt pan, slightly angled so they create a ring shape. Don’t be afraid to leave a little space—this will help with even cooking!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Lightly spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray to help it crisp up. Bake it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
7. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While your chicken is baking, mix together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, dill, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well until combined.
8. Serve It Up:
When the chicken ring is finished baking, carefully remove it from the pan using oven mitts. It should come out easily! Place it on a serving plate and garnish with some fresh parsley.
9. Enjoy!
Serve warm with your delicious dipping sauce on the side. This Copycat Chicken Ring is crispy, juicy, and perfect for sharing—enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for optimal flavor and texture. However, if you only have frozen chicken, make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge overnight or using the cold water method before slicing and breading.
What Can I Use Instead of Croutons?
If you don’t have croutons, try using crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or crispy fried onions for a similar crunchy texture. Just season them slightly if they’re unseasoned.
How Do I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prep the chicken ring a few hours in advance. Assemble the chicken in the bundt pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to help keep the coating crispy, or use a microwave but be aware it may soften the texture.
