Description
Nashville Hot Chicken Bites are crispy popcorn chicken pieces tossed in a spicy and flavorful cayenne butter sauce, baked to perfection for a deliciously fiery appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 (25.5 oz) bag frozen popcorn chicken
Spicy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp cayenne pepper
- 2¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp chili powder
- 2¼ tsp paprika
- 1½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 8 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF to prepare for baking the popcorn chicken.
- Bake Chicken: Place the frozen popcorn chicken evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes to start cooking and crisping the chicken.
- Make Spicy Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the melted butter, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, and brown sugar. Stir until the butter is fully melted and the sugar is dissolved, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Toss Chicken with Sauce: Remove the partially baked chicken from the oven and toss it with half of the spicy butter sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Bake Again: Return the coated chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to finish cooking and infuse flavors.
- Final Toss: Once out of the oven, toss the chicken bites with the remaining spicy sauce to maximize flavor and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spread chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount according to your heat preference.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the spiciness.
- This recipe works well with freshly cooked chicken tenders if you prefer.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
