If you love bold, mouthwatering flavors with just the right kick, the Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe is about to become your new go-to snack or appetizer. These bite-sized chicken morsels are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, then slathered with a vibrant, spicy-sweet pepper jelly glaze that brings a glorious punch of heat balanced with a touch of fruity sweetness. It’s an irresistible combination of textures and tastes that’s simply unforgettable — once you try this recipe, it will hold a special place in your heart and your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the bold flavors and irresistible crunch you crave. From the seasoned flour that adds depth to the chicken, to the tangy-sweet glaze that gives these poppers their signature kick, every component works together like a flavorful symphony.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect tender base that’s easy to cut into popper-sized pieces.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a crispy exterior that locks in juicy goodness.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances overall flavor and seasons the flour coating.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and balance.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Lends a smoky undertone and beautiful color.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a savory depth that’s absolutely essential.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Keeps the chicken tender and helps the flour coating stick exceptionally well.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to golden perfection.
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly: The star of the glaze, providing a fiery, fruity heat that sets this recipe apart.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds tang that brightens the glaze and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the glaze naturally with rich molasses notes.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: Adjustable to your preferred heat level, for that classic Nashville spice kick.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances glaze flavor and ties everything together.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a burst of color and freshness as a garnish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Provide a subtle nuttiness and crunch for visual and textural contrast.
How to Make Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Poppers
Start by mixing the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. This seasoned flour mixture is what gives the chicken its incredible flavor and crispiness. Next, dip each bite-sized chicken piece into the buttermilk, which tenderizes the meat and helps the flour adhere perfectly, ensuring every bite is coated with that irresistible crunchy seasoning.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken Poppers
Heat about one inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough for frying but not smoking, so the chicken cooks evenly without burning. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and the inside is cooked through. Once fried, transfer the poppers to paper towels to drain excess oil — this keeps them crispy and light.
Step 3: Make the Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Glaze
While your chicken is frying, prepare the glaze by combining pepper jelly, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and salt in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely and the glaze becomes smooth and glossy. This glaze is where all the spicy, sweet, and tangy magic happens that makes this recipe truly stand out.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Poppers
Once your glaze is ready and your chicken poppers are freshly fried, toss the crispy pieces gently in the warm glaze until they are evenly coated. This step ensures each popper is bursting with flavor and has that signature sticky, spicy exterior that Nashville hot chicken lovers will adore.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Transfer your glazed chicken poppers to a serving platter, and if you love a bit of extra color and crunch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and a handful of sesame seeds on top. Serve these up immediately while they’re still warm and delightfully crispy for the best eating experience.
How to Serve Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a fresh, bright contrast to the deep, spicy glaze and crispy chicken. Sesame seeds not only add visual appeal but also a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that beautifully complement the heat.
Side Dishes
These chicken poppers play well with a variety of sides. Creamy coleslaw cools down the spice and adds a refreshing crunch, while classic potato wedges or seasoned fries bring out a comforting, hearty vibe. For a healthier option, try serving with a crisp cucumber salad or charred corn on the cob for a touch of summer sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Arrange your Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe on a large wooden board with small bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also skewer a few poppers and serve them as bite-sized hors d’oeuvres perfect for parties. For a fun twist, add some pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of honey alongside to customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store your chicken poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the glaze separate if possible to preserve the crispiness; otherwise, the coating may soften but will still taste delicious.
Freezing
Chicken poppers freeze wonderfully! Freeze fried, uncoated poppers on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can also freeze them after glazing, but the texture will be best if you glaze them fresh after reheating. Frozen poppers keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the best crispiness when reheating, bake leftover chicken poppers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for around 10-12 minutes. If you froze them unglazed, reapply the warm Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly glaze after reheating for that fresh-from-the-kitchen flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add a richer flavor, but they will also be a bit more tender and slightly less uniform in shape. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even frying.
How spicy is the glaze, and can I adjust it?
The glaze has a moderate heat level from the red pepper flakes and pepper jelly, but you can easily adjust it by adding more or less red pepper flakes or choosing a milder or hotter pepper jelly depending on your spice preference.
Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?
Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and allows the seasoned flour to stick better, which creates that amazing crispy crust. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying. Make sure all other ingredients, especially the pepper jelly, are gluten-free as well.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve them on a large platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Pair with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese, and maybe some pickles or sliced veggies on the side. They’re perfect finger foods that guests will love!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make the Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite dishes to whip up for family, friends, or treat-yourself nights. The balance of heat, sweetness, and crispy chicken is simply unbeatable — so grab your ingredients, have fun making it, and get ready to devour some seriously delicious poppers that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Print
Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers are crispy, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a flavorful blend of spices, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a sweet and spicy pepper jelly glaze. This appetizer combines the heat of Nashville hot chicken with a tangy and slightly sweet glaze, making it a perfect finger food for gatherings or a spicy snack.
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 the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder together to create a flavorful coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip the bite-sized chicken pieces into the buttermilk to soak, then dredge them in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour to ensure even frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches a suitable frying temperature.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches for about 3–4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the pepper jelly, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Coat the Chicken Poppers: Toss the fried chicken pieces gently in the warm glaze until they are evenly coated with the Nashville hot pepper jelly mixture.
- Serve: Transfer the glazed chicken poppers to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the glaze according to your heat preference.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy crust without absorbing too much oil.
- These poppers are best served immediately to enjoy the crispy texture and glossy glaze.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture if preferred.
- Use a candy thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying results.
