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
Scale
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.
