I love the bold and zesty flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse’s Spicy Chicken Bites. These delicious bites are perfect for anyone who enjoys a mix of sweet and spicy in their appetizers.
Whether you’re preparing for game day or just want a tasty snack, these chicken bites are sure to be a hit.
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to make at home. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.
The crispy coating paired with a flavorful sauce brings the restaurant experience right to your dining table.
I’ll guide you through the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making Longhorn’s Spicy Chicken Bites at home. You’ll also find tips and answers to common questions.
Keep reading to create a dish that will impress your family and friends!
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to make crispy and spicy chicken bites at home.
- Discover essential ingredients and their measurements.
- Follow easy cooking steps and get quick answers to common questions.
Key Ingredients and Measurements
When making LongHorn Steakhouse Spicy Chicken Bites, it’s crucial to get the ingredients and their measurements just right.
Essential Spices and Seasonings
Spices and seasonings are the key to making these chicken bites flavorful.
I start with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and add 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
For a bit of heat, I mix in 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon of paprika.
To round out the flavors, I use 1 teaspoon of black pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt.
These basic spices help create that signature spicy taste you love.
Proteins and Their Preparations
The main protein in this recipe is chicken. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
Usually, 1 pound of chicken works well for family-sized portions.
Before coating the chicken, I marinate it in 1 cup of buttermilk.
The buttermilk tenderizes the meat and adds a slight tanginess.
The chicken needs to soak for at least 30 minutes, but it’s even better if I can marinate it overnight.
Oils and Fats
For frying, I use a neutral oil with a high smoke point. My go-to is vegetable oil or canola oil because they both are good at handling high temperatures without burning.
I usually heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying.
It’s essential to maintain this temperature, as it ensures the chicken bites cook evenly and get that desirable crispy texture.
Breading and Coating Mixtures
The coating process gives the chicken bites their crunch.
To start, I whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs in one bowl. The panko adds extra crispiness compared to regular breadcrumbs.
In another bowl, I prepare a mixture with 1/2 cup of cornstarch.
Each piece of chicken gets dredged in the flour-panko mix, then transferred to the cornstarch mixture.
This double coating makes them extra crispy and delicious. After that, the chicken bites are ready for frying.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making Longhorn Steakhouse Spicy Chicken Bites at home involves two key steps: properly mixing and coating the chicken, and cooking it at the right temperatures to achieve a perfectly crispy and spicy finish.
Mixing and Coating Techniques
First, I start by preparing the chicken. I chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
In a bowl, I mix flour, panko breadcrumbs, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination gives the chicken a crunchy and flavorful coating.
Next, I take three shallow bowls: one with beaten eggs, one with the flour mixture, and one with extra breadcrumbs.
I dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, dip it in the eggs, then coat it with the breadcrumbs.
I shake off any excess coating to ensure an even layer.
For an extra kick, I sometimes add Sambal oelek sauce or soy sauce before starting the coating process. This adds more spice and flavor, making the chicken bites even more delicious.
Cooking Methods and Temperatures
When it comes to cooking, there are a few options to choose from.
I usually prefer frying the chicken for a crispy texture.
I heat oil in a frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to about 350 degrees F. I use a thermometer to check the oil temperature.
Then, I fry the chicken bites in small batches, about 5-10 pieces at a time, until they are golden brown and crispy.
For a healthier option, I sometimes use an air fryer. I preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook the chicken bites for around 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
If I decide to bake the chicken, I place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes.
I make sure they are cooked through by checking that they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer.
Longhorn Steakhouse Spicy Chicken Bites Copycat
Course: LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes20
minutesThese Spicy Chicken Bites are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even a main dish paired with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Spicy Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
Salt to taste
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Spicy Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, hot sauce, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Toss and Serve:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried chicken bites with the spicy sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
I often get questions about LongHorn Steakhouse’s Spicy Chicken Bites. Here are some detailed answers on ingredients, pricing, recipes, and more.
What ingredients are in the Spicy Chicken Bites at LongHorn Steakhouse?
The Spicy Chicken Bites are made with bite-sized chicken pieces, spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, as well as a crispy coating of panko bread crumbs Them Bites.
How can I find the nutritional information for LongHorn Steakhouse’s Spicy Chicken Bites?
You can find the nutritional information on LongHorn Steakhouse’s official website. They usually provide a detailed breakdown including calories, fat, carbohydrates, and protein.
Is there a recipe available for making LongHorn Steakhouse’s Spicy Chicken Bites at home?
Yes, there are several copycat recipes available online. Websites like Conscious Eating and Cooking Frog have detailed recipes you can follow to make these delicious bites at home.
How much do the Spicy Chicken Bites cost at LongHorn Steakhouse?
The price for the Spicy Chicken Bites can vary by location. On average, you might expect to pay around $7.99 to $9.99 for an order.
Where can I purchase the sauce used in LongHorn Steakhouse’s Spicy Chicken Bites?
The specific sauce used in the Spicy Chicken Bites may not be available for purchase. However, you can try to recreate it at home using ingredients like Sambal oelek sauce, soy sauce, and garlic powder, as mentioned in some copycat recipes.
What dipping sauces come with the Spicy Chicken Bites at LongHorn Steakhouse?
Typically, the chicken bites are served with a side of a flavorful dipping sauce. Some common options include a tangy ranch, spicy mayo, or a sweet chili sauce.
Check with your local LongHorn for their current offerings.