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Longhorn Spicy Chicken Bites Recipe

Inspired by the irresistible vibes of Longhorn Steakhouse appetizers, I whipped up this copycat Longhorn Spicy Chicken Bites recipe after one too many late-night cravings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce adjust to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.

Prepare the Coating:

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Coat the Chicken:

  • Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator.
  • Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
  • Place the coated pieces on a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the coating to adhere.

Fry the Chicken:

  • In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there's enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces.
  • Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
  • Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Sauce:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, grated ginger, honey, and lemon juice.
  • Whisk until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.

Toss Chicken in Sauce:

  • Place the fried chicken bites in a large bowl.
  • Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken.
  • Gently toss until each piece is evenly coated with the sauce.

Serve:

  • Arrange the spicy chicken bites on a serving platter.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
  • Serve immediately, perhaps with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dip to balance the heat.
Keyword Copycat Longhorn Chicken Bites, Crispy Chicken Appetizer, Longhorn Chicken Bites Sauce, Spicy Fried Chicken Bites