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
Scale
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