Nashville Hot Chicken Bites are a crowd-pleaser that bring a spicy twist to your dinner table. This recipe gives you crispy, juicy chicken, all tossed in a fiery sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance! Perfect for gatherings or a festive family meal, these bites are easy to make and so delicious!
Why Make This Recipe
Why not? If you love spicy, crunchy food, then Nashville Hot Chicken Bites are for you! They are packed with flavor and are a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, making them at home is simple and allows you to tweak the spices to fit your taste. It’s a fantastic way to spice up your dinner or serve an exciting snack at a party!
How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Pickles and ranch dressing for serving
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine chicken with buttermilk. Let sit for 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Mix melted butter, cayenne, brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika to make the hot sauce. Brush the sauce over the fried chicken.
- Serve with pickles and ranch dressing.
How to Serve Nashville Hot Chicken Bites
These Nashville Hot Chicken Bites are best served hot and fresh! Arrange them on a platter with a side of pickles and ranch dressing for dipping. They make a great appetizer for game day or a fun weekend meal. You can also pair them with coleslaw or fries for a full spread!
How to Store Nashville Hot Chicken Bites
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), let them cool and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for about 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness!
Tips to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Bites
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture.
- Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference.
- If you love garlic, adding more garlic powder to the mix is a great idea!
Variation
You can easily switch things up by using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite. If you want to skip the frying, you can bake the chicken bites in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for around 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating in buttermilk.
2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken up to the frying step and store it in the fridge. Fry them fresh just before serving for the best taste!