Buffalo Wild Wings is famous for its bold flavors, and one of its hidden gems is the Buffalo Wild Wings Southwest Dippers Recipe. These crispy, golden pockets filled with seasoned ingredients and served with a delicious dipping sauce make the perfect appetizer. If you’re craving this snack but don’t want to head to the restaurant, you can make them at home!
This guide will walk you through an easy copycat recipe to bring the flavors of Buffalo Wild Wings’ Southwest Dippers to your kitchen.
Quick & Easy Cooking Time
One of the best things about Southwest Dippers is that they don’t take long to prepare. The total cooking time depends on your method:
- Frying: Takes about 2-3 minutes per side in hot oil.
- Baking: Requires 15-18 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Air Frying: Needs around 10 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway through.
With minimal prep and fast cooking, you can have these delicious dippers ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients for Southwest Dippers
To recreate these tasty dippers, you’ll need a combination of flavorful ingredients that come together perfectly.
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced green onions
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Dipper Wrapping:
- 10 small flour tortillas or wonton wrappers
- 1 egg (beaten, for sealing)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Southwest Ranch Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Essential Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
To make Buffalo Wild Wings-style Southwest Dippers at home, you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing the filling.
- Knife & Cutting Board: To dice vegetables and chicken.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For safely frying and removing dippers from hot oil.
- Pastry Brush: To apply the egg wash for sealing.
- Deep Frying Pan or Air Fryer: Depending on your cooking method.
- Paper Towels: For draining excess oil after frying.
- Baking Sheet (if baking): To ensure even cooking in the oven.
Having these tools ready will make your cooking process smoother and quicker.
How to Make Buffalo Wild Wings Southwest Dippers?
Now that you have your ingredients ready, follow these step-by-step instructions to create these irresistible dippers.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, green onions, shredded cheese, and cream cheese. Mix well. Add the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated and combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Dippers
- Lay out the tortillas or wonton wrappers on a flat surface.
- Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of each wrapper.
- Fold the edges over the filling and roll them tightly to form a sealed pouch or mini burrito shape.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg to seal them completely.
Step 3: Fry the Dippers
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place a few dippers into the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the process until all dippers are fried.
Step 4: Make the Southwest Ranch Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until smooth.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange the crispy Southwest Dippers on a plate and serve them with the Southwest Ranch dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy them hot and fresh for the best flavor!
How to Store and Reheat Southwest Dippers?
If you have leftovers, storing and reheating them properly is key to keeping them crispy and flavorful.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store cooled dippers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a ziplock bag. They can last up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes for crispy results.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan with a tiny bit of oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Microwave (Not Recommended): This will soften the dippers, losing their crunch.
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Southwest Dippers?
These dippers taste amazing on their own, but pairing them with the right sides and drinks makes for an even better meal!
Best Side Dishes:
- Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice – A great way to turn them into a full meal.
- Loaded Nachos – Keep the Southwest flavors going!
- Guacamole & Chips – A creamy, fresh contrast to the crispy dippers.
- Coleslaw – Adds a refreshing crunch to balance the richness.
Best Dipping Sauces:
- Southwest Ranch (from the recipe)
- Chipotle Mayo – Smoky and spicy.
- Classic Salsa or Pico de Gallo – Fresh and tangy.
- Queso Dip – For a cheesy twist!
Drinks to Pair With:
- Margaritas – Classic and refreshing.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade – A non-alcoholic option to cleanse the palate.
- Mexican Beer – Light and crisp beers pair well with the spicy flavors.
For even more delicious pairings, check out the sides and extras menu to find the perfect match for your Southwest Dippers.
Tips for the Perfect Southwest Dippers
- Baking Alternative: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the dippers instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the dippers on a baking sheet, brush with a little oil, and bake for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook the dippers in an air fryer at 375°F for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Customization: Feel free to add diced jalapeños for extra spice or swap the chicken for shredded beef or pulled pork.
- Dipping Sauce Variations: You can add a touch of hot sauce or chipotle peppers to the dipping sauce for a smoky kick.
Final Thoughts
Making Buffalo Wild Wings Southwest Dippers at home is easier than you think! With their crispy texture, creamy filling, and bold flavors, they make the perfect snack, appetizer, or party dish. Try this simple recipe and enjoy the flavors of Buffalo Wild Wings from the comfort of your own home.
