These Texas Roadhouse-inspired Rattlesnake Bites are crispy, cheesy, and a little spicy! Made with cream cheese and jalapeños, they are perfect for sharing—or not!
Whenever I make these, they get gobbled up quickly! I like to serve them with ranch dressing, and they always bring smiles to the table. Who can resist cheesy goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Diced Cooked Chicken: The recipe calls for cooked chicken breast, but you can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. It adds great flavor and saves time!
Cream Cheese: This provides creaminess to the bites. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt, but keep in mind the texture will be a bit different.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives that cheesy goodness. For a twist, try pepper jack cheese for extra spice, or even mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor.
Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeños add spice and flavor. If you want to reduce heat, use roasted red peppers instead, or opt for bell peppers for added color without heat.
Green Onions: These add freshness. Chives can be a nice substitute if you want a milder onion taste.
How Do I Get My Rattlesnake Bites Extra Crispy?
Getting that crispy texture is key! Here are some tips to help you:
- First, make sure to double coat your bites. Dip them in flour, then egg, and then back to flour. This creates a thicker crust.
- Use cold ingredients for the coating. Keeping your egg mixture cold helps the batter to become crispy when it hits the hot oil.
- Fry in small batches to avoid crowding. This keeps the temperature of the oil steady and ensures even cooking.
- Maintain proper oil temperature (around 350°F). If it’s too hot, the bites will burn before cooking inside; if it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil.
Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Recipe Copycat
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- 1-2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total: 15 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking. In no time, you’ll have deliciously crispy bites ready to share (or keep all to yourself, no judgments here!).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Filling:
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. Combine the diced cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and chopped green onions. Get in there and mix everything together until it’s nice and creamy. This is the flavorful filling that makes these bites so special!
2. Season the Mixture:
Next, it’s time to add some flavor. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly again until everything is well combined. Taste a little bit if you like, just to make sure it’s to your liking!
3. Form the Bites:
Now, using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If they’re not perfectly round, that’s okay! The important part is that they hold together well.
4. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Get ready to fry! In one bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with a tablespoon of milk or water. This will help create a crispy coating for your bites.
5. Coat the Bites:
Dip each bite first into the flour, coating it lightly. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, and finally back into the flour for extra crunch. For an even crispier texture, you can double dip the bites!
6. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You want it hot enough for frying—this is what gives those bites that beautiful golden color.
7. Fry Away:
Carefully place the coated bites into the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them while they cook!
8. Drain and Serve:
Once they’re done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bites from the oil. Set them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. They’ll be hot, so let them cool for a minute!
9. Enjoy!
Serve your Rattlesnake Bites hot with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Grab a plate and enjoy these scrumptious bites with family and friends!
Happy cooking! 😄
FAQ for Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
Can I Use Raw Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
It’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe to ensure the bites are safe to eat and perfectly cooked throughout. Feel free to use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or bake some chicken breast in advance for easy prep!
Can I Make These Bites Spicier?
Absolutely! If you love heat, keep the seeds in the jalapeños or add some chopped serrano peppers for an extra kick. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the cheese mixture for added spice!
How Do I Store Leftover Rattlesnake Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up!
Can I Prepare the Mixture in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping, breading, and frying. It’s a great time-saver if you’re entertaining!
