If you’re craving a finger-licking appetizer with a perfect punch of sweet heat, look no further than this Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe. These crispy, juicy chicken bites coated in a mouthwatering, spicy-sweet glaze will have everyone reaching for more. The combination of tender chicken, a perfectly crunchy crust, and that signature Nashville hot kick elevated by pepper jelly creates a flavor explosion that’s just impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe just right starts with a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a unique role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that vivid pop of color you want on your plate.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for tender, quick-frying poppers that are juicy inside.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the light, crispy coating that crunches with every bite.
- Buttermilk: Acts as a marinade to keep the chicken moist and tender, while helping the flour coating stick perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for boosting the flavor at every layer—season well!
- Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder: These spices add warmth and depth to the flour coating.
- Vegetable oil: For frying: heats up to a perfect temperature that crisps without greasiness.
- Pepper jelly: The star ingredient in the glaze, bringing that sublime sweet heat.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds tanginess to cut through the richness and balance the sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the glaze just enough to counter the spicy punch.
- Red pepper flakes: Bring heat and a little texture to the glaze — adjust to taste!
- Fresh parsley and sesame seeds (optional): For garnish—these add color and a fresh finish.
How to Make Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Poppers
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—perfectly poppable portions. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoned flour will give your chicken that irresistible crispy coating. Next, dip each piece of chicken into buttermilk, which not only tenderizes but also helps the flour mixture stick evenly. Then, coat each piece in the flour blend, shaking off the excess so you get a light, crisp crust.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken Poppers
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot but not smoking, fry your chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Each batch should cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning golden brown and crisp. When done, drain the poppers on paper towels to remove excess oil—this keeps them from getting greasy and ensures maximum crunch.
Step 3: Make the Pepper Jelly Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine your pepper jelly, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and salt. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the glaze becomes glossy and smooth. This glaze is the soul of the Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe, marrying sweetness, acidity, and heat into one luscious coating.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Poppers in Glaze
Once your glaze is ready, toss the fried chicken poppers gently in the warm mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. The heat and sticky texture of the glaze will cling beautifully to the crispy exterior, infusing every bite with bold flavor.
How to Serve Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers pop visually and add extra flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds on top. The parsley gives a burst of fresh green color and a bright herbal note, while sesame seeds add subtle crunch and nuttiness that complement the glaze perfectly.
Side Dishes
These chicken poppers are incredible on their own but pair wonderfully with classic Southern sides like creamy coleslaw, crisp pickles, or buttery cornbread. For a lighter option, try a simple mixed greens salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the spicy-sweet richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, arrange the Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe in a festive platter lined with lettuce leaves or edible flowers. Serve with small bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and consider toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacking. They also work wonderfully as sliders when paired with pickle slices and a soft bun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftovers (which might be rare!), store the chicken poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay tasty for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy quick snacks or reheated appetizers without losing too much crunch.
Freezing
To freeze, place the fried but unglazed chicken poppers on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze the glaze separately in a small container. This method helps maintain texture and allows you to glaze fresh after reheating. Frozen chicken poppers can keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your leftover or frozen poppers in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crunchiness before tossing in the freshly warmed glaze. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy. A quick 8–10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) should do the trick to bring back that delightful crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a bit more juiciness and flavor, though the texture will be slightly different. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and follow the same process.
How spicy is the Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe?
The heat level depends on the type and amount of pepper jelly and red pepper flakes you use. You can adjust the spice by using milder pepper jelly or reducing the red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, and make sure your pepper jelly gluten-free as well. The poppers will still be delicious and crunchy.
Can I bake the chicken poppers instead of frying?
While frying gives the crispiest texture, you can bake the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be a little different but still tasty.
What else can I use the pepper jelly glaze on?
This glaze is incredibly versatile! Try it on grilled shrimp, roasted vegetables, or even as a sauce for pulled pork sandwiches. Its sweet heat elevates many dishes wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into these Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers, especially when you know how easy they are to make at home. This recipe blends familiar Southern flavors with a playful twist that brings a little heat, a little sweetness, and a whole lot of joy to your table. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want a special treat, the Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers Recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again!
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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
These Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers are crispy, bite-sized fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy pepper jelly glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they combine the classic heat of Nashville hot chicken with a flavorful, tangy glaze featuring pepper jelly, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Garnished with fresh parsley and sesame seeds, these poppers deliver a satisfying crunch and a kick of spice in every bite.
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, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the seasoned flour mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip the bite-sized chicken pieces into the buttermilk, then dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour before cooking.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough for frying.
- Fry the Chicken Poppers: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 3–4 minutes until 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 mixture becomes a smooth glaze.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the fried chicken poppers in a large bowl and toss them with the hot pepper jelly glaze until evenly coated.
- Serve: Transfer the glazed chicken poppers to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness to your liking.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy coating and to prevent the chicken from becoming greasy.
- Use fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and taste.
- Serve immediately after coating for optimal crispiness.
- Leftover poppers can be reheated in a hot oven to retain crispness but are best enjoyed fresh.
