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Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Bites

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These Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Bites deliver a fiery, smoky, and sweet flavor with an irresistible crunch, perfect for game days, parties, or a spicy snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1 cup almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 min)
  • Vegetable oil for frying (peanut or canola oil recommended)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk the buttermilk with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Add chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
  4. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off extra.
  5. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Transfer to wire rack over baking sheet to drain.
  6. While frying, whisk melted butter with cayenne, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce until smooth.
  7. Once all chicken bites are fried, toss them in the Nashville hot sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Serve immediately for best crunch and flavor. Optionally garnish with pickles or chopped green onions.

Notes

Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt chicken. Use a wire rack to drain chicken to maintain crispness. For extra crunch, double coat chicken by dipping back into buttermilk and flour before frying. Baking option available at 425°F for 20-25 minutes but less crispy. Reheat in oven to restore crispiness; avoid microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, crispy chicken bites, spicy chicken snack, fried chicken, game day snack, party food

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/crispy-nashville-hot-chicken-bites-recipe-perfect-for-fiery-snack-lovers/