Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hot chicken bowls are the perfect combination of spicy, crispy chicken paired with a hearty and flavorful base. Whether you serve it over rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad, this dish packs bold flavors with a satisfying crunch. Inspired by Nashville hot chicken, these bowls balance heat, texture, and taste in every bite. They are ideal for meal prep, customizable for different spice preferences, and a great way to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Buttermilk
- Hot sauce
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Seasonings (paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Honey or maple syrup (optional for a hint of sweetness)
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or mixed greens (for the base)
- Pickles
- Coleslaw
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce, then submerge the chicken pieces. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure a crispy texture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-6 minutes per side.
- Make the Hot Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cayenne pepper, paprika, and a bit of oil from the fryer to create a spicy paste. Brush over the fried chicken.
- Assemble the Bowls: In a serving bowl, layer your choice of base (rice, quinoa, or greens). Top with crispy hot chicken, pickles, coleslaw, and drizzle with honey if desired.
- Serve: Add ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side and enjoy!
Variations
- Grilled Option: Instead of frying, grill the chicken for a lighter version.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the cayenne pepper to make it milder or spicier.
- Different Bases: Try mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice for a unique twist.
- Sauce Swap: Use buffalo sauce instead of hot oil paste for a tangier flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To keep the chicken crispy, reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper used.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and remain juicier than chicken breasts.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for best results.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
What sides pair well with hot chicken bowls?
Coleslaw, mac and cheese, roasted veggies, or cornbread make great sides.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for a crispy, gluten-free option.
How can I make it less greasy?
Place fried chicken on a wire rack to allow excess oil to drain off.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken overnight and fry it when ready to serve.
Can I use pre-cooked frozen chicken?
Yes, but it won’t be as crispy as freshly fried chicken.
What’s the best way to serve this for meal prep?
Store the chicken separately from the base and toppings to keep it fresh.
Conclusion
Hot chicken bowls offer a spicy, crispy, and satisfying meal that can be customized to fit any taste preference. Whether you like it fiery or mild, served over rice or greens, this dish is sure to be a hit. Perfect for meal prep or a family dinner, these bowls bring restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. Try them today and enjoy the bold taste of Nashville hot chicken in every bite!
Print
Hot Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy the bold flavors of Nashville with these crispy, spicy Hot Chicken Bowls! Served over rice, quinoa, or greens, this customizable dish is perfect for meal prep and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Hot Sauce:
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ cup hot frying oil
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or mixed greens
- Pickles
- 1 cup coleslaw
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken – Mix buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. Submerge chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
- Prepare the Coating – In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Chicken – Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing firmly for a crispy texture.
- Fry the Chicken – Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
- Make the Hot Sauce – Mix cayenne, paprika, and hot frying oil to create a spicy paste. Brush it over the fried chicken.
- Assemble the Bowls – Layer rice, quinoa, or greens in a bowl. Top with crispy chicken, pickles, coleslaw, and drizzle with honey if desired.
- Serve – Add ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side and enjoy!
Notes
- Grilled Option – Grill the chicken instead of frying for a lighter version.
- Adjust the Spice – Increase or reduce cayenne pepper for different heat levels.
- Different Bases – Try mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice.
- Sauce Swap – Use buffalo sauce instead of hot oil paste for a tangy twist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: American,southern
Keywords: Hot chicken bowls, Nashville hot chicken, spicy fried chicken, meal prep chicken, crispy chicken bowls
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