This post is proudly sponsored by McCain Foods. All opinions and text are my own. #MyMcCainPotatoes #CollectiveBias
Irresistible Nashville Hot Chicken Waffle Bites: The Ultimate Spicy & Crispy Appetizer
For many households, including mine, game day isn’t just an occasional event – it’s a year-round tradition. Whether it’s the roar of a football crowd, the crack of a baseball bat, the intense action of a hockey match, or the quiet focus of a golf tournament, there’s almost always a game on. And with any great sporting event comes the essential element: fantastic game day food. That’s why I always make sure my pantry and freezer are stocked with convenient, crowd-pleasing options, especially delicious potato products like those from McCain®.
McCain offers a diverse range of frozen potato products that are perfect for any occasion, from quick weeknight dinners to elaborate party platters. You can often find great deals on participating McCain products at retailers like Walmart. Keep an eye out for current promotions to stock up on your favorites and discover new ones!
The Rise of a Flavor Sensation: Nashville Hot Chicken
When Nashville Hot Chicken first burst onto the culinary scene, I was immediately captivated. The concept of crispy, tender chicken coated in a fiery, flavor-packed sauce, often served simply on white bread with a pickle, was revolutionary. It’s a dish that perfectly balances heat with savory depth, creating an unforgettable taste experience. But what if you could take that incredible flavor profile and transform it into the ultimate bite-sized appetizer? That’s precisely where these Nashville Hot Chicken Waffle Bites come in.
These delectable morsels are not just a smaller version of the classic; they’re an elevated, poppable snack designed for sharing. Imagine the spicy kick of Nashville Hot Chicken, perfectly complemented by the crispy, golden goodness of McCain® Seasoned Waffle Fries, all in one easy-to-handle bite. They’re the ideal appetizer for game day gatherings, impromptu parties, or simply a fun, flavor-packed snack any time you’re craving something special.
Effortless Entertaining with McCain Foods
Life can be busy, and convenience is key, especially when it comes to preparing after-school snacks, entertaining guests, or getting dinner on the table. This is why I consistently turn to McCain Foods. Their products are made with real potatoes, offering a quality and flavor that my family loves, all while saving me precious time in the kitchen.
My kids adore McCain® Smiles® Mashed Potato Shapes – they’re fun, crispy, and make any meal feel a little more special. As a parent, I appreciate that they’re crafted from real potatoes, providing a wholesome option that everyone enjoys. On my last shopping trip, I made sure to grab a variety of McCain favorites: a bag of Smiles, some McCain® Seasoned Curly Fries, and, of course, the star of this recipe, McCain® Seasoned Waffle Fries. The waffle fries are absolutely perfect for these Nashville Hot Chicken Waffle Bites, providing a sturdy, flavorful base that holds up beautifully to the spicy chicken.
Crafting Your Own Nashville Hot Chicken Waffle Bites: A Simple Guide
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. You can have these incredible bites ready in under 20 minutes – essentially, the time it takes to cook the waffle fries and chicken. While your McCain® Seasoned Waffle Fries and boneless chicken wings are getting crispy in the oven according to their package directions, you can easily whip up the iconic Nashville Hot Chicken sauce. This sauce is where the magic happens, transforming ordinary chicken into a fiery, flavorful sensation.
The Signature Nashville Hot Sauce
Creating the authentic Nashville Hot sauce is a straightforward process, combining a few key spices to achieve that perfect balance of heat and flavor. You’ll need:
- Cayenne pepper: The primary source of heat, adjustable to your preference.
- Brown sugar: Adds a crucial touch of sweetness, balancing the spice and creating a delicious glaze.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: For aromatic depth and savory notes.
- Paprika: Contributes a mild, sweet pepper flavor and a beautiful reddish hue.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
Once your spices are measured out, the next step is to incorporate melted butter. This not only binds the spices together but also creates that rich, glossy texture characteristic of Nashville Hot Chicken. The butter infusion helps carry the flavor evenly and adds a delightful mouthfeel.
Whisk all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined, forming a vibrant, aromatic sauce that’s ready for its star ingredient.
Now take those cooked chicken pieces for a hot and spicy bath, fully coating them in the sauce. Gently toss the chicken in the freshly made Nashville Hot sauce, ensuring each piece is fully coated. This step is crucial for infusing every bite with that signature fiery flavor.
Finally, assemble your bites: place a saucy piece of chicken atop a crispy McCain® Seasoned Waffle Fry. Crown it with a tangy dill pickle slice – a non-negotiable component that provides a refreshing contrast to the heat – and secure it all with a toothpick. Before you know it, you’ll have a platter full of these irresistible Nashville Hot Chicken Waffle Bites, guaranteed to disappear in a flash at any gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nashville Hot Chicken Waffle Bites
Is Nashville Hot Chicken Extremely Spicy?
Nashville Hot Chicken is renowned for its heat, and yes, it can be quite spicy! The level of spiciness largely depends on the amount of cayenne pepper used in the sauce. For those who love a serious kick, feel free to be generous with the cayenne. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can easily dial back the spice by reducing the cayenne pepper. Another excellent trick to temper the heat is to increase the amount of brown sugar, which adds more sweetness and helps balance the fiery notes. A drizzle of honey over the finished bites can also provide a wonderful sweet counterpoint to the spice.
Can Children Enjoy Nashville Hot Chicken Waffle Bites?
Absolutely! You can certainly serve these delicious chicken waffle bites to children. As mentioned above, if your kids aren’t big fans of spicy foods, you can easily adjust the heat level of the sauce. Alternatively, consider preparing a separate batch of chicken pieces coated in a different, kid-friendly sauce. BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic parmesan sauce would all be fantastic options. These non-spicy chicken pieces can then be placed on top of the crispy waffle fries, with or without the pickle slice. While I highly recommend the pickle for its classic pairing, it’s always best to tailor to individual preferences!
What is the Best Way to Make Chicken Waffle Bites?
Making chicken waffle bites is incredibly straightforward. Here’s a quick recap:
- Start by cooking your boneless chicken wings and McCain® Seasoned Waffle Fries according to their package instructions in the oven until they are golden and crispy.
- While they cook, prepare your spicy sauce by combining cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Melt your unsalted butter and whisk it into the spice mixture until smooth and well-combined.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer the pieces to the sauce and toss them thoroughly, ensuring every piece is evenly coated in that glorious Nashville Hot flavor.
- Finally, place each coated chicken piece on top of a warm, crispy waffle fry. Add a thin dill pickle slice on top and secure the entire bite with a toothpick. Prepare for them to vanish in minutes!
Recipe: Nashville Hot Chicken Waffle Bites
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Author: Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield: 6 servings
These Nashville Hot Chicken Waffle Bites are spicy, crispy, and incredibly simple to assemble, making them the perfect appetizer for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 (27 oz bag) McCain® Seasoned Waffle Fries
- 1 (22 oz bag) Boneless Chicken Wings
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- dill pickle slices
Instructions
- Cook McCain® Seasoned Waffle Fries and boneless chicken wings according to package directions in the oven until crispy and fully cooked.
- While the fries and chicken are cooking, prepare the Nashville Hot sauce. In a medium bowl, mix together cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk the melted unsalted butter into the spice mixture until well combined and smooth.
- Once the chicken pieces are cooked, transfer them to the bowl with the sauce and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is fully coated.
- Place each saucy chicken piece on top of a warm McCain® Seasoned Waffle Fry. Top with a dill pickle slice and secure with a toothpick. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Courses: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
A Staple for Your Home: Versatile and Delicious!
These Nashville Hot Chicken Waffle Bites are destined to become a staple in your home, not just for special occasions but for everyday enjoyment too. Their versatility is unmatched. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd for the big game, hosting a casual get-together, or simply looking for a fun and exciting dinner option, these bites fit the bill perfectly. Don’t feel limited to appetizers; pair them with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
For families with varying taste preferences, remember the adaptability of this recipe. You can easily prepare a batch of the spicy chicken for the adults and a separate, non-spicy version for the kids, using their favorite sauces. This way, everyone gets to enjoy the crispy goodness of the McCain waffle fries and delicious chicken, tailored to their liking.
