These Nashville Hot Chicken Bites are the perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a fiery hot sauce that packs a punch! The contrast between the crispy breadcrumbs and the intense heat of the sauce creates an irresistible flavor that’s sure to satisfy your spicy cravings.
With a little bit of sweet from the brown sugar and the perfect blend of spices, each bite is a fiery treat that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner, party, or game day, these Nashville Hot Chicken Bites are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold flavors and a little heat.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/4 cup buttermilk
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1 egg
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1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
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1/4 cup hot sauce
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika.
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In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg together. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk mixture, then coat with the flour mixture.
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Coat the chicken pieces with panko breadcrumbs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Drizzle olive oil over the chicken bites and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy on the outside.
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While the chicken is baking, prepare the Nashville hot sauce by whisking together hot sauce, melted butter, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.
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Once the chicken is done, toss the hot chicken bites in the Nashville hot sauce until fully coated.
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Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of pickles!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love Nashville Hot Chicken Bites
There are several reasons why this dish has become a beloved favorite across the United States. For starters, Nashville Hot Chicken Bites are an easy-to-make alternative to the classic fried chicken. The small size of the pieces makes them perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings, and they cook faster than whole chicken pieces, making them a convenient option when you’re short on time.
Another reason for their popularity is the incredible flavor. The crispy coating on the chicken provides a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the heat and richness of the spicy sauce. Whether you love heat or prefer a more mild kick, Nashville Hot Chicken Bites can be easily adjusted to suit your taste.
The versatility of this dish is also a key factor. You can pair these spicy bites with a variety of sides, from creamy coleslaw to a cooling ranch dip, or even serve them as an appetizer with pickles to balance out the heat. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your preferences and ensures that it will always be a hit at your next event.
The Origins of Nashville Hot Chicken
Nashville Hot Chicken has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s. It was created by a man named Thornton Prince, who is said to have been a victim of an angry girlfriend’s revenge. According to legend, after Prince came home late one night, his girlfriend decided to punish him by making a batch of fried chicken that was loaded with hot spices. Instead of being deterred by the spice, Prince loved it and opened his own fried chicken restaurant, which eventually became known for its spicy hot chicken.
Nashville Hot Chicken is now a staple of the city’s culinary scene and has gained widespread popularity across the U.S. The distinctiveness of the dish lies in the sauce – it’s not just hot but also flavorful, with a deep and smoky heat that is both bold and addictive.
Today, Nashville Hot Chicken is found at many restaurants and food trucks in Nashville, but it’s also a recipe that home cooks can easily recreate. The combination of crispy chicken with spicy seasoning makes it an incredibly satisfying dish for anyone who enjoys a little heat in their meals.
How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Bites at Home
Making Nashville Hot Chicken Bites at home is surprisingly simple, and it’s a great way to enjoy the bold flavors of this Southern classic without having to go out. The recipe starts with chicken breast, which is cut into bite-sized pieces, breaded, and then fried until golden and crispy. While the chicken is baking or frying, the signature Nashville hot sauce is made by combining hot sauce, butter, brown sugar, and various spices to create a tangy, spicy glaze.
Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, it’s tossed in the hot sauce, allowing the spicy coating to soak in. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper, depending on how much spice you like. For an extra level of flavor, some people even add a touch of maple syrup to the sauce for a slight sweetness that balances the heat.
To serve Nashville Hot Chicken Bites, you can pair them with a variety of side dishes. Traditional sides like coleslaw and pickles work wonderfully, as they provide a cooling contrast to the heat of the chicken. A tangy ranch or blue cheese dressing also makes a perfect dip, adding creaminess to offset the spiciness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
Nashville Hot Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to serve them to create the perfect meal. You can serve them as an appetizer or a main dish, and they pair well with a variety of sides, including:
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Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy flavors of coleslaw provide a refreshing balance to the spicy chicken.
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Pickles: Pickles are a classic accompaniment to Nashville Hot Chicken. The acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken and adds a cool crunch.
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Fries: Crispy fries or sweet potato fries make a perfect side dish, and they’re great for dipping in the Nashville hot sauce.
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Cornbread: The soft, slightly sweet flavor of cornbread pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken, giving you a perfect Southern-style meal.
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Mac and Cheese: Creamy macaroni and cheese is another comfort food that works well with spicy chicken, offering a rich, cheesy contrast.
For drinks, iced tea or lemonade are great choices to help cool down the heat. If you’re looking for a more adventurous pairing, a cold beer or a refreshing cocktail can also complement the spicy and savory flavors of the chicken.
Healthier Alternatives for Nashville Hot Chicken Bites
If you’re looking for a healthier take on Nashville Hot Chicken Bites, there are a few easy substitutions you can make to lighten the recipe. Instead of deep-frying the chicken, try baking it to cut down on the calories and fat. You can still achieve a crispy exterior by coating the chicken in a mixture of breadcrumbs and baking it in the oven at a high temperature.
Another option is to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and can be just as crispy when baked or air-fried. This adds more flavor to the dish while keeping it leaner.
You can also adjust the level of spice by using less cayenne pepper and adding in other herbs or spices like paprika, garlic powder, or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor without adding too much heat.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Spice Lovers
Nashville Hot Chicken Bites are a flavorful and exciting dish that’s perfect for spice lovers. With its crispy exterior and bold, spicy sauce, it’s a recipe that can easily be adapted to suit any taste. Whether you prefer your food mild or extra hot, you can customize the heat level to suit your preferences.
Not only do these bites make for a perfect appetizer or snack, but they can also be served as part of a larger meal. With the versatility of this dish, it’s easy to create a meal that will please everyone at your table. If you’re looking to spice things up at your next gathering or just want to treat yourself to something delicious, Nashville Hot Chicken Bites are a must-try. Their irresistible flavor and crunch are guaranteed to make them a crowd favorite every time.