This Copycat Chicken Ring is a fun twist on a classic favorite! With tender chicken, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent dough, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any meal.
Honestly, it’s like a hug in food form! I love serving it with a side salad for a complete dinner. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you might find yourself wanting it every week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they cook quickly and are easy to stuff. If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs work well too!
Mayonnaise: I like using regular mayonnaise for creaminess, but Miracle Whip adds a nice tang. Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative, giving a similar consistency with less fat.
Cheese: I always use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a rich taste and melty texture. You can switch out mozzarella for pepper jack for a spicy kick or use a dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs make the chicken ring extra crispy. If you don’t have them, regular breadcrumbs will work too, just remember they might not be as crunchy.
Dipping Sauce: I love the combination of ranch dressing with mayonnaise for the sauce. You could use sour cream instead of mayo for a tangy twist or yogurt for a lighter option.
How Do You Stuff Chicken Without Making a Mess?
Stuffing chicken can feel a bit tricky, but it’s easier than you think! Here’s how I do it step-by-step:
- Take a cutlet and place the cheese mixture in the center, about 1-2 tablespoons should do.
- Fold or roll the chicken over to enclose the filling. Be careful not to rip it; gentle handling helps!
- Secure with a toothpick if needed, or just make sure the filling stays intact during breading and cooking.
- Remember to dip in egg and coat with breadcrumbs before frying—it helps the outside get crispy and holds the stuffing inside!
With practice, you’ll be a pro at stuffing chicken in no time!
How to Make a Copycat Chicken Ring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally (to make thinner cutlets)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip for a tangier taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Breading:
- 2 cups plain breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking oil spray or 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20-25 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for baking in the oven. Overall, you’ll be enjoying this tasty Chicken Ring in about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a bundt pan or a ring mold to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until it’s well combined. This cheesy filling is the heart of your chicken ring!
3. Set Up for Breading:
Now it’s time to prepare your breading station. In one shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well beaten.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Take each chicken cutlet half and carefully stuff it with about 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Fold or roll the chicken to enclose the filling nicely, keeping everything inside.
5. Bread the Chicken:
Dunk each stuffed chicken piece into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Then coat each piece completely in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this for all the chicken pieces!
6. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown on all sides, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Once they’re crispy, drain them briefly on paper towels.
7. Arrange in Bundt Pan:
Arrange the breaded chicken pieces snugly in the greased bundt pan, forming a ring shape. It might look a little crowded, but they will cook beautifully!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the loaded bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked. You can check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
9. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While your chicken is baking, mix together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Chill the sauce until you’re ready to serve.
10. Unmold and Garnish:
Once the chicken ring is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and gently invert it onto a serving plate.
11. Serve Warm:
Serve your delicious Copycat Chicken Ring warm with the dipping sauce poured over it or on the side for everyone to enjoy!
Enjoy this cheesy, crispy Chicken Ring that’s perfect to impress friends and family—it’s tasty and so much fun to eat!
Can I Use Thawed Frozen Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! Just make sure the frozen chicken is completely thawed before cutting and stuffing. It’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken ring in advance by assembling it up to the baking step and then covering it tightly. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time, since it will be cold when you put it in the oven.
What Should I Do With Leftover Chicken Ring?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, ensuring it heats through evenly.
Can I Customize the Cheese Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with the cheese. You can use different types like pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for alternatives. Just ensure that whatever cheese you choose melts well!
