Description
Nashville Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Poppers are crispy, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a flavorful flour mix, fried to golden perfection, and glazed with a sweet, tangy, and spicy pepper jelly sauce. Finished with fresh parsley and sesame seeds for an extra pop of texture and flavor, these poppers are perfect for an appetizer or snack with a southern twist.
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, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This dry mix will be used to coat the chicken for a flavorful crispy crust.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip the bite-sized chicken pieces into the buttermilk to moisten them, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour to avoid clumping.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet to reach about 1 inch in depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough for frying, usually around 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for 3–4 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain the poppers on paper towels to absorb 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 is fully dissolved and the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Coat the Chicken Poppers: Place the fried chicken poppers in a large bowl and toss them with the warm hot pepper jelly glaze, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the spicy-sweet sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the coated chicken poppers to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra freshness and a nutty crunch. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the glaze to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve crispiness; too low heat will result in greasy chicken.
- Use a thermometer to check oil temperature if possible for consistent results.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for an added creamy contrast.
