These Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious! Stuffed with spicy jalapeños and cheddar cheese, they make a fantastic appetizer.
Perfect for sharing or just for you, I can’t resist them when watching a game. Pair them with ranch dressing, and your taste buds will do the happy dance! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast for best results. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. Honestly, it adds extra flavor!
Cheddar Cheese: Mild or sharp cheddar works, but I lean towards sharp for more flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, Monterey Jack gives a nice melt, but it’s milder.
Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeños bring a nice heat. Want less spice? Remove the seeds and ribs inside. For a milder kick, use banana peppers instead.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ordinary milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. It works perfectly!
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?
The key to a crispy coating is the double-dipping method and the correct oil temperature. Here’s how to master it:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough at 350°F (175°C). If it’s too cool, the bites can absorb more oil and turn soggy.
- Use the double dipping method: coat in flour, dip in egg, and coat again in flour. This gives you that extra crunch.
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature consistent, which leads to even cooking and more crunch.
- Let the fried bites drain on paper towels — this helps them stay crispy!
Enjoy these crispy, cheesy bites that perfectly mimic the Texas Roadhouse classic! They’re an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Copycat Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2-3 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For Frying and Serving:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Ranch dressing (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to fry. So, in about 35 minutes, you’ll have delicious bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, finely chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until well combined.
2. Shape the Bites:
Once everything is mixed, take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into bite-sized balls, around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate while you prepare the coating.
3. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour and paprika. In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the buttermilk. This will create your three-step breading station.
4. Coat the Bites:
Take each chicken ball and first dip it into the flour mixture, coating it well. Next, dip it into the egg and buttermilk mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture for a second coat. This helps make them extra crispy!
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or large deep skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You need enough oil for the bites to be fully submerged while frying.
6. Fry the Bites:
Carefully place a few coated chicken balls into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd the pan!). Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to turn them occasionally for even cooking.
7. Drain and Serve:
Once golden and cooked, remove the bites from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve them warm with ranch dressing for dipping.
Enjoy your homemade Texas Roadhouse-style Rattlesnake Bites, crispy on the outside with a cheesy, spicy kick inside! Perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself!
FAQ for Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is traditional, you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack for a creamier texture or pepper jack for a spicier kick. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well.
How Can I Make These Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace it with more cheese or cooked veggies like spinach or mushrooms. You can also add black beans for added texture and protein!
Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese and jalapeño mixture and form the bites ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. Just keep in mind that they are best when served fresh and hot!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
