Okay, lets be real. You know you want something spicy, and maybe even need something different from your same ole same ole chicken recipes. The crave is real and the perfect answer is these Nashville Hot Chicken Dumplings with Pickles! We’re taking the fiery flavors of Nashville hot chicken and stuffing them into adorable, bite-sized dumplings. What a fun idea! This recipe combines the comfort of dumplings with the intense heat of Nashville hot chicken, all balanced by the cool tang of dill pickles. Yes, pickles! Trust me on this one. It's a flavor explosion that's surprisingly addictive. The first time I tried this, I was at this little hole-in-the-wall place downtown that all the locals love, and I was floored. They even gave me extra pickles to go. What does this mean for you? No more boring dinners!
Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Dumplings and hot chicken? That sounds… unusual." And you’re not entirely wrong. But sometimes, the most unexpected combinations are the most delicious. These dumplings are surprisingly easy to make, and the recipe is totally customizable to your spice preference. Whether you're a seasoned spice fiend or a cautious chili novice, you can adjust the heat to your liking. Plus, they're a total crowd-pleaser and a great way to impress your friends and family. I made these for my book club last month, and even my friend Sarah (who claims to hate spicy food) couldn’t stop raving about them! Well, after she got over the intial shock of the heat!
Alright, lets get down to brass tacks. This recipe isn't just about heat; it's about flavor. The richness of the cream cheese, the freshness of the green onions, and the tangy crunch of the pickles all play a crucial role in balancing the spiciness of the chicken. And speaking of pickles, don’t skimp on the good stuff! Use your favorite dill pickles – the tangier, the better. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try adding a drizzle of hot sauce to each dumpling before serving. You can also add some honey, for a little something sweet. What I love most about this dish is that its so versatile. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, experiment with different fillings, and even use different types of dumplings. All you need to do is follow along and have fun!
Required Equipments
Large Pot
Mixing Bowls
Steamer Basket
Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper
Food Processor
Nashville Hot Chicken Dumplings with Pickles: Frequently Asked Questions
Nashville Hot Chicken Dumplings with Pickles
Spice up your dumpling game with these Nashville Hot Chicken Dumplings! These dumplings combine spicy chicken with the cool tang of pickles for a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. Perfect as an appetizer or a fun main course, this recipe is sure to impress!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:50 servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
đź“– Instructions
Prepare the Nashville Hot Chicken: In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with buttermilk, a tablespoon of hot sauce, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This is a critical step for flavor and juiciness!
Make the Spice Blend: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This is your Nashville Hot magic!
Fry the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and dredge it in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan!
Toss in Spice: Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil. While still hot, generously toss the chicken with the spice blend. Make sure every piece is well coated!
Prepare the Dumpling Filling: In a food processor, combine the spiced chicken, cream cheese, green onions, and a splash of hot sauce. Pulse until well combined but still slightly chunky. Be careful not to over-process; you want some texture!
Assemble the Dumplings: Lay out your wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Place a small spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each wrapper. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, then fold it over to form a triangle, pressing firmly to seal. You can also get fancy with pleats if you're feeling ambitious!
Cook the Dumplings: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring the water doesn't touch the bottom of the basket. Line the steamer basket with parchment paper and arrange the dumplings in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them.
Steam the Dumplings: Cover the pot and steam the dumplings for about 8-10 minutes, or until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is heated through. The dumplings should be tender and slightly puffy.
Serve and Garnish: Carefully remove the dumplings from the steamer basket. Serve them hot with dill pickle slices and a drizzle of extra hot sauce (optional). A side of coleslaw or ranch dressing complements the spice perfectly!
Optional: Pan-Fry for Extra Crisp: For an extra crispy texture, you can pan-fry the steamed dumplings in a little oil over medium heat for a few minutes per side, until golden brown. This adds a delightful crunch!