We’ve always been fans of recreating iconic restaurant favorites right in our own kitchen and the Longhorn Steakhouse Spicy Chicken Bites are no exception. These crispy bites deliver a bold spicy kick inspired by the chain’s crave-worthy appetizer making them a hit at gatherings or game nights.
What we love most is how this recipe captures that perfect balance of heat and flavor using simple ingredients you’ll likely have on hand. Let’s dive into why it’s become one of our go-to treats for adding excitement to any meal.
Ingredients
To recreate our take on Longhorn Steakhouse’s Spicy Chicken Bites, we start by assembling these key ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they’re used for efficient prep, ensuring a balance of heat and flavor that makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for gatherings and game nights.
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: 1 pound, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces for even cooking and crispiness.
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup, used as the base for breading to create a golden, crunchy exterior.
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten to help the breading adhere smoothly to the chicken pieces.
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup of panko for extra crunch, mixed with spices for that signature texture.
- Spicy seasoning blend: 2 tablespoons, including 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder to deliver the bold, fiery kick that defines these bites.
- Salt and black pepper: 1 teaspoon each, added to the seasoning for enhanced flavor depth before coating.
- Vegetable oil: 2 cups, for frying to achieve a perfectly crispy finish without overwhelming the spices.
- Optional sauce ingredients: ¼ cup hot sauce and 2 tablespoons honey, combined for a quick dip that amplifies the heat while adding a touch of sweetness.
Tools and Equipment
To bring our Longhorn Steakhouse Spicy Chicken Bites to life, we need a selection of essential tools and equipment that streamline the preparation and cooking process. Having the right items on hand ensures efficiency and safety, especially when handling breading and frying tasks.
Must-Have Tools
We recommend gathering these key pieces before starting:
- Cutting board: A sturdy, non-slip cutting board for safely slicing chicken breasts or thighs into uniform bite-sized pieces, minimizing mess and ensuring even cooking.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp chef’s knife to precisely cut the chicken, allowing us to achieve the perfect size for crispy bites.
- Mixing bowls: At least three medium-sized mixing bowls—one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for panko breadcrumbs—to keep our breading station organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Measuring cups and spoons: A set of measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning ingredients like flour, seasoning, and oil, which helps replicate the recipe’s balanced flavors.
- Frying pan or deep fryer: A large frying pan or deep fryer with a capacity of at least 2-3 quarts for frying the bites in hot vegetable oil, ensuring they turn golden and crispy without overcrowding.
- Tongs or slotted spoon: Heat-resistant tongs or a slotted spoon for flipping and removing the chicken bites from the oil, reducing the risk of burns and maintaining their shape.
- Instant-read thermometer: An instant-read thermometer to monitor oil temperature (aim for 350-375°F), guaranteeing the bites cook evenly and stay juicy inside while crisp outside.
With these tools ready, we’re set to transition smoothly from gathering ingredients to the hands-on preparation, making our homemade version of Longhorn Steakhouse Spicy Chicken Bites a success.
Instructions
With our ingredients and tools prepared, we’re ready to transform simple chicken into these crave-worthy Spicy Chicken Bites, capturing their signature crispy texture and bold, spicy flavor that everyone loves.
Prep the Chicken
First, we pat dry 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts or thighs using paper towels to ensure the breading adheres perfectly and promotes crispiness. Next, we cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces for even cooking and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
We season the pieces generously with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons spicy seasoning blend (like a mix of cayenne, paprika, and garlic powder) to infuse that fiery essence reminiscent of Longhorn Steakhouse.
We set up a breading station: In one bowl, we whisk 2 large eggs with 2 tablespoons water for a smooth coating. In a second bowl, we place 1 cup all-purpose flour. In a third bowl, we mix 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs with an extra pinch of spicy seasoning blend for added kick.
We dredge each chicken piece first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create a sturdy, golden crust that will deliver that irresistible crunch.
Cook the Chicken
We heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C), using an instant-read thermometer for precision to avoid greasy results and ensure safety.
In batches, we carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil with tongs, frying for 4-5 minutes per side until they turn a deep golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for juicy, fully cooked meat. We remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, allowing the excess oil to drip off while the bites cool slightly—this step locks in that perfect spicy, crispy exterior we all crave.
Assemble and Serve
If desired, we whip up a quick sauce by whisking together ¼ cup hot sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a bowl, creating a sweet-heat glaze that elevates the bites.
We toss the cooked chicken in the sauce mixture for a glossy finish, or serve it on the side for dipping. Arrange the bites on a platter with fresh veggies or dipping options, and enjoy their vibrant spice and tender interior as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings or game nights.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We understand that life gets busy, so preparing our Longhorn Steakhouse Spicy Chicken Bites ahead of time can make gatherings and game nights even easier without sacrificing that crispy texture and bold spicy flavor. Follow these steps to prep components in advance, ensuring your bites remain fresh and ready to impress.
Preparing the Chicken in Advance
To maintain the dish’s signature crunch, we recommend breading the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Here’s how:
- Step 1: After cutting the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and seasoning with the spicy blend, salt, and black pepper, pat them dry as outlined in our earlier instructions.
- Step 2: Set up your breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Coat each piece thoroughly, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 3: Arrange the breaded pieces in a single layer without touching to prevent sticking. Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This keeps the coating intact and locks in that irresistible spicy aroma.
Making the Sauce Ahead
Our optional spicy sauce—featuring hot sauce, honey, and melted butter—can be prepared up to 3 days in advance for a quick finish.
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup hot sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, and 2 tablespoons melted butter until smooth.
- Step 2: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until warm and glossy to preserve its sweet-spicy tang.
Storage and Reheating Tips
For optimal results, proper storage is key to retaining the chicken’s golden-brown exterior and juicy interior. Below is a quick reference for storage times and methods:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 24 hours | Keep breaded chicken on a baking sheet; use within a day for the best texture and flavor. |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Flash-freeze breaded pieces on a tray for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frying. |
| Sauce | Up to 3 days | Store in the fridge in a sealed container; stir well before reheating to maintain its vibrant, finger-licking glaze. |
When you’re ready to serve, fry the chicken as per our main instructions, heating the oil to 350°F until golden and cooked through. This approach ensures your Spicy Chicken Bites deliver that same crowd-pleasing heat and crunch, making them a go-to appetizer for any occasion.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing how to bring Longhorn Steakhouse’s Spicy Chicken Bites into your kitchen, turning simple ingredients into a hit for any gathering.
It’s rewarding to create dishes that deliver bold flavors and memorable moments, boosting your home cooking game effortlessly.
Give this recipe a go and watch it become a staple in our mealtime routines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key ingredients for Longhorn Steakhouse’s Spicy Chicken Bites?
The main ingredients include boneless chicken breasts or thighs, all-purpose flour, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, a spicy seasoning blend, salt, black pepper, and vegetable oil for frying. Optional sauce components are hot sauce, honey, and butter for added kick and sweetness. These simple, readily available items create a crispy, flavorful dish perfect for gatherings.
How do I prepare the chicken for frying?
Start by patting the chicken dry and cutting it into uniform pieces for even cooking. Season with salt, pepper, and spicy blend. Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs, then coat each piece thoroughly. Fry in heated vegetable oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You’ll need a sturdy cutting board, sharp chef’s knife, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a frying pan or deep fryer, heat-resistant tongs or slotted spoon, and an instant-read thermometer for safety. These essentials ensure efficient prep and frying while minimizing risks.
Can I make Spicy Chicken Bites ahead of time?
Yes, bread the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the refrigerator. The optional spicy sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and kept in an airtight container. This simplifies busy schedules while maintaining crunch when fried later.
How should I store leftover Spicy Chicken Bites?
Refrigerate cooked bites in an airtight container for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to a month to preserve texture. Reheat in an oven or fryer to restore crispiness. Always ensure they’re reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and best flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely, it’s straightforward with simple steps and common ingredients. Just follow the instructions for breading and frying carefully. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness, and start with milder spices if you’re new to cooking to build confidence.
How spicy are these chicken bites, and can I adjust the heat?
The bites have a bold, medium heat from the seasoning blend and optional sauce. To adjust, reduce or omit hot sauce for milder flavor, or add more for extra spice. Taste as you go to balance heat with the crispy texture and sweetness from honey.