Jalapeño Kitchen

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Craving a spicy Southern-inspired dish that’s both gluten free and dairy free? These Gluten Free and Dairy Free Nashville Hot Chicken Bites with Pickle De Gallo are the ultimate crispy, crave-worthy recipe. Made with tender chicken breast coated in cornstarch, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a homemade Nashville hot sauce, these chicken bites are packed with heat and flavor (without the gluten or dairy!). Topped with a fresh, tangy pickle de gallo, they’re perfect for meal prep, game day appetizers, or a bold weeknight dinner. If you’re looking for an easy gluten free Nashville chicken recipe, this one checks all the boxes.

The Inspiration

The inspiration came from a trip I took to Vancouver, Canada, where I had gluten free hot chicken bites that seriously blew me away. I wish I could remember the name of the restaurant, because those bites were some of the best things I’ve ever tasted. They were perfectly crispy, packed with heat, and topped with pickles, everything you want in a bite. That experience stuck with me, and I knew I had to recreate something similar that you could make at home, especially if you’re eating gluten or dairy free.

With all the buzz around pickle de Gallo, it felt like the perfect time to bring this recipe to life for those of you who crave a balance of spicy and tangy. The crispy chicken is tossed in a rich, homemade Nashville-style hot sauce, then topped with a fresh mix of pickles, cucumber, and red onion for the perfect finish. Whether you’re planning for game day, a backyard BBQ, or just want a weeknight meal that packs a punch, these chicken bites are your new go-to. These are easy, full of flavor, and completely gluten and dairy free.If you’re looking for another appetizer recipe, try my Superfood Potato Skin Bar with Lentil Telepathy!

Kitchenware you’ll need:

• Deep Fry Pan: We are frying these babies! Frying at home can be intimidating but I promise it’s easy as can be!
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a mixing bowl to coat your chicken in the egg mixture.
• Saucepan: You’ll need a saucepan to melt your dairy-free butter and make your sauce.

Additions and Substitutions for Gluten & Dairy Free Nashville Hot Chicken Bites

One of the best parts about this Gluten & Dairy-Free Nashville Hot Chicken Bites with Pickle De Gallo recipe is how customizable it is to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you’re looking to add a twist or need a simple swap, here are some great additions and substitutions to try.

Chicken Alternatives:
Not a fan of chicken breast? You can easily use chicken thighs for a juicier bite or swap in cauliflower florets or tofu cubes for a vegetarian version. Just follow the same breading and frying process for that crispy texture.

Cornstarch Substitutes:
If you’re out of cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch. Both are gluten free and will give your chicken a similar crisp.

Oil Options:
This recipe uses a blend of avocado and olive oil for frying, but you can also use refined coconut oil or canola oil if you prefer. Just be sure the oil you choose has a high smoke point for best results.

Dairy Free Butter:
If you don’t have dairy free butter on hand, try using refined coconut oil or another plant-based butter substitute. Just note that flavor and richness may vary slightly depending on the brand. I personally use Earth Balance’s Soy-Free Dairy-Free Butter.

Pickle De Gallo Customizations:
Feel free to get creative with the pickle de Gallo. Add chopped fresh dill, celery, or even a splash of lime juice for an extra tangy bite. If you prefer less heat, swap out the hot pickled jalapeños for milder banana peppers.

Make it Extra Spicy or Milder:
The heat level in this recipe is customizable. Add more cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicier version, or scale it back to suit your spice tolerance.

These easy additions and substitutions make the dish fun, flavorful, and totally adaptable while still keeping it 100% gluten free, dairy free, and full of that Nashville hot chicken flavor you love.

Step-by-Step Directions for Gluten & Dairy-Free Nashville Hot Chicken Bites with Pickle De Gallo

Ready to make Gluten & Dairy-Free Nashville Hot Chicken Bites with Pickle De Gallo? This crispy, spicy, and tangy recipe is sure to impress. Follow these easy steps for the perfect hot chicken bites every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Pickle De Gallo
Start by preparing the pickle de Gallo. In a bowl, combine:

• 1/2 cup diced pickles
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber (or 1 mini cucumber)
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup diced hot & sweet pickled jalapeños
• 2 tbsp pickle brine
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Mix everything together and set aside. This will be your cool, tangy topping that contrasts perfectly with the heat of the Nashville sauce.

Step 2: Make the Nashville Hot Sauce
Next, make the Nashville hot sauce. In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup dairy-free butter over low-medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. Once melted, whisk in:

• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Whisk until smooth and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, combine 1.5 lbs diced chicken breast with 3 whisked eggs. Once mixed, add:

• 2/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Toss the chicken until it’s evenly coated with the egg mixture and seasonings.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken
In a deep pan, heat 1 cup of oil (a blend of avocado and olive oil works well) over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Add the chicken in small batches, ensuring not to crowd the pan. Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the batter is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up the excess oil.

Step 5: Toss the Chicken in Nashville Sauce
Once the chicken has cooled slightly, toss it in the warm Nashville hot sauce. Start by adding half the sauce to coat the chicken, and reserve the rest for serving.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Place the sauced chicken bites on a plate and top with the prepared pickle de Gallo. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and tangy!

These Gluten & Dairy-Free Nashville Hot Chicken Bites with Pickle De Gallo are perfect for game day, BBQs, or any time you’re craving a flavorful, crispy meal. The step-by-step directions ensure you get the best results, with crispy chicken and just the right balance of heat and coolness from the pickle de Gallo.

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FAQ for Gluten & Dairy-Free Nashville Hot Chicken Bites with Pickle De Gallo

1. Can I use a different protein for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily substitute with chicken thighs, tofu, or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version. Just follow the same breading and frying process for a crispy bite.

2. Can I make the Nashville hot chicken bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can fry the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, toss it in the hot sauce and reheat it in the oven or air fryer for extra crispiness. The pickle de gallo can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a couple of days.

3. What can I substitute for cornstarch?
If you’re out of cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as an alternative. Both are gluten free and will give the chicken the same crispy texture.

4. How spicy are these Nashville hot chicken bites?
The level of heat can be adjusted based on your preference. The Nashville hot sauce calls for cayenne pepper, but you can add more or less depending on how spicy you like it. If you prefer milder heat, reduce the amount of cayenne or omit the pickled jalapeños from the pickle de gallo.

5. Can I make this recipe without the pickle de gallo?
While the pickle de gallo adds a refreshing, tangy contrast to the heat of the chicken, you can skip it if you’re not a fan of pickles. However, we highly recommend giving it a try—it complements the spiciness and adds a delicious crunch.

6. What type of oil is best for frying these chicken bites?
For best results, use an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or refined coconut oil. These oils will help you achieve crispy chicken without burning.

These Gluten & Dairy-Free Nashville Hot Chicken Bites with Pickle De Gallo are versatile and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking to adjust the heat, swap ingredients, or prep ahead, this recipe is flexible and perfect for any occasion.

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