Ever found yourself wondering what to snack on during a lazy afternoon? Well, let me introduce you to a dish that will spice up your snack time like no other: Longhorn spicy chicken bites. Not only are these bites packed with flavor, but they’re also pretty easy to whip up at home!
Longhorn Spicy Chicken Bites Recipe Overview
- Course: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
- Total Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into the magical culinary process, let’s gather our cooking tools. You’ll need the following to create these mouth-watering bites:
- Deep fryer or a heavy bottom pan
- Mixing bowls
- Kitchen tongs
Ingredients for Longhorn Spicy Chicken Bites
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast, cubed | 500g |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic powder | 2 tsp |
| Onion powder | 2 tsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
| Cayenne pepper | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Hot sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Honey | 2 tbsp |
Note: Combining milk and vinegar creates a homemade buttermilk, ideal for tenderizing the chicken and adding moisture.
Step by Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Mix the milk and vinegar in a bowl. Add the chicken cubes and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step ensures our chicken stays juicy and tender.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Ensure it’s mixed well for even coating.
Coating the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the milk mixture, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture until well coated. Shake off any excess.
Frying the Chicken
- Heat oil in your fryer or pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Don’t crowd the pan to keep the oil hot.
Tip: Always use a thermometer to check the oil’s temperature to ensure perfect crispiness.
Making the Sauce
- Combine hot sauce and honey in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until warm and thoroughly mixed.
Finishing Touch
- Toss the fried chicken bites in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Note: The key to perfect Longhorn spicy chicken bites is the balance of heat from the cayenne and the sweetness from the honey.
Additional Tips
- Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the right temperature ensures each bite is perfectly crispy.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to adjust the hot sauce and honey ratio to suit your taste.
Best Served With
These spicy bites go wonderfully with a side of cool ranch dressing or a crisp celery salad. They balance the heat and make a complete dish.
Nutrition in Longhorn Spicy Chicken Bites
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Sodium | 470 mg |
Approximation: These values are approximations and can vary based on exact ingredient types and quantities used.
What Makes Longhorn Spicy Chicken Bites Delicious
The real secret to why these bites are so irresistible lies in the combination of the crispy coating and the zesty, sweet and spicy sauce. It’s a treat for the taste buds that keeps you coming back for more.
Fact: Did you know the technique of dredging chicken in flour and spices before frying was popularized in the American South and quickly became a staple in comfort food cuisine?
FAQs about Longhorn Spicy Chicken Bites
How can I make these chicken bites gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free blend flour instead of all-purpose flour. Just make sure it’s a type that crisps well.
Can I bake these chicken bites instead of frying?
Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the coated chicken bites at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes or until crispy.
What are the best dips for these chicken bites?
Ranch dressing, blue cheese sauce, or a garlic aioli make great dipping options.
Can I make these chicken bites less spicy?
Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to adjust the heat to your liking.
How long can I store the leftover spicy chicken bites?
You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Put it back in the oven to keep it crispy.
Conclusion
Longhorn spicy chicken bites are more than just a snack; they’re a delightful experience that’s sure to liven up your taste palette. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, these bites are guaranteed to be a hit.
Feel free to leave any comments, questions, or your own tweaks to the recipe below. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Check out some more delicious appetizer recipes:
- Chicken Parm Sliders Recipe
- Wendy’s Garlic Fries Recipe
- On the Border Salsa Recipe
- Spicy Noodle Spring Rolls Recipe
- Dallas BBQ Sticky Wings Recipe
- Crispitos Recipe: Your New Favorite Snack!
Longhorn Spicy Chicken Bites Recipe
Equipment
- Deep fryer or a heavy bottom pan
- Mixing bowls
- Kitchen tongs
Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken breast cubed
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 2 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 tbsp Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Hot sauce
- 2 tbsp Honey
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Mix the milk and vinegar in a bowl. Add the chicken cubes and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step ensures our chicken stays juicy and tender.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Ensure it’s mixed well for even coating.
Coating the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the milk mixture, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture until well coated. Shake off any excess.
Frying the Chicken
- Heat oil in your fryer or pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Don’t crowd the pan to keep the oil hot.
Making the Sauce
- Combine hot sauce and honey in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until warm and thoroughly mixed.
Finishing Touch
- Toss the fried chicken bites in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
- Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the right temperature ensures each bite is perfectly crispy.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to adjust the hot sauce and honey ratio to suit your taste.
