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If you’re craving a dish that packs a perfect punch of heat balanced with sweet and tangy charm, then this Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine crispy, golden-brown chicken bites enveloped in a luscious glaze made from fiery pepper jelly, bright apple cider vinegar, and a touch of brown sugar. Every popper delivers that irresistible Nashville hot heat, heightened by the silky sticky coating that clings just right, making it impossible to stop at one. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just spoiling yourself, these chicken poppers bring excitement to any table and are downright addictive from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe calls for ingredients that are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential. Each one plays a key role: the spices bring warmth, the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, and the pepper jelly glaze delivers that signature punch. Get ready to gather these basics that transform your kitchen into a hotspot of exhilarating flavors and textures.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect popper portions that fry up crispy and tender.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms the crunchy coating when seasoned and fried.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances every flavor, in the flour mix and glaze alike.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds mild heat and depth.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Brings a smoky tone that’s hall-of-fame worthy.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Lends a subtle savory punch.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Complements garlic with sweet and aromatic notes.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Tenderizes chicken and helps the flour coating stick perfectly.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to golden perfection—choose one with a high smoke point.
- Pepper jelly (1/2 cup): The star of the glaze, packing sweet heat that sings.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Brightens the glaze with a tangy zip that cuts through the richness.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the heat with gentle sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp): Adjustable, for those who like to dial the heat up or down.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color for garnish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Toasted for a nutty crunch on top.
How to Make Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Poppers
Start by setting up your crispy chicken coating. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoning blend will give your poppers that deep, flavorful crust that’s essential to the dish’s signature crunch.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, letting it soak up that moisture and tang. Then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure every piece is evenly coated. Shake off any extra flour so your poppers fry up crisp without a heavy batter.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken Poppers
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, fry the chicken bites in batches, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. The goal is a golden, crunchy exterior wrapping juicy, tender chicken inside. Drain the fried poppers on paper towels to keep them perfectly crisp.
Step 4: Make the Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Glaze
While your chicken fries, whisk together the pepper jelly, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and salt in a small saucepan. Warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the glaze becomes smooth and glossy—this sticky, flavor-packed sauce is what makes the recipe unforgettable.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken in Glaze
Once your poppers are cool enough to handle but still warm, toss them gently in the pepper jelly glaze. Every bite gets luscious coverage, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy with every heavenly mouthful.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the coated poppers to a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and sesame seeds if you like. These simple garnishes add just the right touch of freshness and nuttiness to your Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe.
How to Serve Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is like a breath of green air cutting through the intense flavors, brightening the dish visually and taste-wise. Toasted sesame seeds add a wonderful crunch and a subtle nuttiness. Don’t underestimate the power of garnish—they transform the poppers from delicious to absolutely crave-worthy.
Side Dishes
These chicken poppers shine alongside cool, creamy coleslaw or a crisp green salad to balance the heat. For heartier meals, pair them with buttery mashed potatoes or simple roasted vegetables. They also make a fantastic snack with crunchy celery sticks or crisp cucumber slices alongside for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe on a platter lined with lettuce leaves and arrange with colorful dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. For parties, skewer the poppers with toothpicks and place them in cocktail glasses filled with extra glaze—it’s finger food elevated to a whole new level of fun and sophistication.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover poppers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keeping them coated in the pepper jelly glaze helps maintain moisture, but be aware the coating will soften in the fridge.
Freezing
If you want to save these spicy delights for later, flash freeze the fried chicken pieces on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Freeze the pepper jelly glaze separately to preserve texture and reapply after reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the frozen or refrigerated chicken poppers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes to regain crispiness. Brush with fresh pepper jelly glaze after reheating if needed to revive that glossy, flavorful coating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to stay juicier. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps for coating and frying.
How spicy is this Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and adjustable thanks to the red pepper flakes and pepper jelly. You can increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your tolerance for spice.
What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour. The texture will still be wonderfully crispy and delicious.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Place the coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Is the pepper jelly available in all grocery stores?
Pepper jelly is typically found in the condiment or specialty sauce aisle in many supermarkets, or you can easily order it online. Making your own is also an option if you prefer homemade perfection!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with something finger-licking good and bursting with bold flavors, the Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe is an absolute must-try. The vibrant blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors wrapped in crispy chicken bites will have everyone asking for seconds. So grab your ingredients, gather some eager taste-testers, and enjoy this fiery little dish that delivers big on deliciousness every single time.
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Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 to 6 servings depending on portion size)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy fried chicken poppers coated in a spicy and sweet Nashville hot pepper jelly glaze, perfect for an appetizer or snack that packs a flavorful punch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Poppers:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Glaze:
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Poppers: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip the bite-sized chicken pieces into the buttermilk, then dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, around 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, frying for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the pepper jelly, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes a smooth glaze, about 5 minutes.
- Coat the Chicken Poppers: Place the fried chicken poppers in a large bowl and pour the hot pepper jelly glaze over them. Toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated in the spicy-sweet glaze.
- Serve: Transfer the glazed chicken poppers to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes in the glaze.
- For best crispiness, fry chicken in small batches and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Use fresh vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying to get a clean, crisp flavor.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
