If you crave fiery flavor and southern comfort in one irresistible bite, you’ll fall head over heels for this Nashville Hot Chicken & Potato Skewers Recipe. Juicy chicken cubes and creamy new potatoes get a spicy, smoky rub, are fire-kissed on the grill, and then served with a zippy bread & butter pickle dipping sauce. It’s bold, playful, and everything a summer cookout should be—just wait until you see how easy it is to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, Bold Flavor: The irresistible heat of Nashville-style seasoning paired with creamy potatoes is a spicy-satisfying combo you’ll crave again and again.
- Dinner or Party-Ready: Perfect for weeknight grilling, backyard gatherings, or even an impromptu appetizer—the presentation is as fun as the taste.
- Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice by tweaking the Nashville hot seasoning—perfect for fans of mild or wild.
- Tangy Pickle Dip: Don’t sleep on the creamy, crunchy bread & butter pickle dip—it’s the cool-down to all that savory heat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about this Nashville Hot Chicken & Potato Skewers Recipe is how each ingredient plays a starring role, bringing its own irresistible flair. The ingredient list is simple and straightforward, but every component adds a crave-worthy touch of flavor, juicy texture, or eye-catching color.
- Boneless Chicken (1 lb, cubed): Juicy, lean chicken soaks up the bold Nashville hot seasoning, providing protein and that golden, grill-marked bite.
- Nashville Hot Seasoning (4 tsp, divided): This fiery blend brings authentic southern heat and a smoky kick—adjust how much you use to suit your spice threshold.
- Baby New Potatoes (1 lb, parboiled): Creamy and tender, these potatoes balance out the heat and hold their shape beautifully on the grill. Cut any larger ones in half for even cooking.
- Olive Oil (3 Tbsp): Helps the seasonings stick, keeps everything moist, and promotes that restaurant-worthy char.
- Sour Cream (3/4 cup): The base of our cooling dip—rich, tangy, and the perfect contrast to the heat.
- Cream Cheese (1 cup, softened): Makes the dip ultra creamy and decadent, just begging for dunking.
- Bread & Butter Pickles (1 cup, minced): The sweet tang and signature crunch give the dipping sauce personality and zip.
- Pickle Juice (2 Tbsp): Adds extra zing—don’t skip this if you love that sweet-sour flavor burst.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper (1 tsp each): Essential for balancing flavors, seasoning both the dip and the skewers.
- Green Onions (2, minced): For color, crunch, and a little herby lift in the sauce.
- Garlic Powder (2 tsp): A mellow hint of garlic laces the dip with even more depth.
- Onion Powder (1/2 tsp) & Paprika (1/2 tsp): For earthy warmth and that extra pop of color in the dip.
Variations
This Nashville Hot Chicken & Potato Skewers Recipe is a true flavor chameleon—don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it! Whether you want to adjust the heat, use different veggies, or keep things gluten-free, customizing is as simple as swapping a couple of ingredients.
- Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini to the skewers for extra color and sweet contrast to the heat.
- Different Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist (just adjust your grilling time accordingly).
- Spice Switch: Use a milder Cajun or barbecue seasoning if you want smoky flavor without as much heat, or dial up the fire with a pinch of cayenne.
- Dairy-Free Dip: Use your favorite plant-based sour cream and cream cheese for a completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly sauce.
How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken & Potato Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Make the Bread & Butter Pickle Dipping Sauce
In a medium bowl, stir together the sour cream, softened cream cheese, minced bread & butter pickles, pickle juice, green onions, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix until creamy and fully blended—it’s totally fine if you see some pickle bits! Cover and chill for at least an hour; this helps the flavors mingle and makes the dip extra delicious alongside the spicy skewers.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken and Potatoes
While the sauce is chilling, separate the cubed chicken and parboiled potatoes into two bowls. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken, and the remaining 2 tablespoons over the potatoes. Sprinkle half the Nashville hot seasoning over each, then gently toss to coat everything evenly—you want every bite to burst with that iconic spicy southern flavor!
Step 3: Skewer and Grill
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes so they don’t burn. Now, thread the chicken and potato pieces onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, alternating between the two for a gorgeous look. Preheat your grill to 400°F. Lightly brush the grill grates with neutral oil to prevent sticking, and carefully lay the skewers on the grill. Let them cook for 3–4 minutes per side; don’t rush the turn! The chicken will easily release from the grill when it’s ready—if it sticks, give it a little longer so you don’t tear those tasty pieces.
Step 4: Serve with Dipping Sauce and Extras
Once perfectly charred and juicy, transfer the Nashville Hot Chicken & Potato Skewers to a platter. Serve hot with slices of buttered toast and extra bread & butter pickles on the side. Don’t forget the creamy dipping sauce that’s been chilling—it’s the ultimate cool finish after every spicy bite!
Pro Tips for Making Nashville Hot Chicken & Potato Skewers Recipe
- Skewer Like a Pro: Alternate chicken and potato pieces evenly for perfect grilling and a show-stopping presentation.
- Spice to Your Liking: Mix a small tester batch of seasoning first and taste—add more or less depending on your personal heat preference.
- Don’t Rush the Turn: Let the chicken release naturally from the grill—if it sticks, it’s not ready to be flipped, and this keeps the pieces juicy and whole.
- Sauce Success: For an ultra-creamy dip, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing, and let the dip chill for at least an hour for best flavor.
How to Serve Nashville Hot Chicken & Potato Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onion, an extra dusting of Nashville hot seasoning, or a scatter of thinly sliced pickles instantly elevates your platter. You can also drizzle a little extra pickle juice for a tangy finish or add a swirl of the bread & butter pickle dip over the skewers for an artsy, appetizing look.
Side Dishes
These skewers shine beside simple sides like buttery grilled corn, a cool crisp coleslaw, or classic southern mac and cheese. For lighter fare, serve with a lemony green salad—each bite makes this Nashville Hot Chicken & Potato Skewers Recipe even more of a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these skewers on a large wooden board with piles of buttered Texas toast and buckets of pickles for a southern-inspired spread. For parties, cut each skewer in half and arrange on mini plates with a dollop of dipping sauce—finger food bliss! Or wrap them up picnic-style for a spicy, portable meal you’ll want to take everywhere.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Nashville Hot Chicken & Potato Skewers hold up surprisingly well! Store cooled skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—the chicken stays flavorful, and the potatoes absorb even more of that smoky spice.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and potato pieces (off the skewers) in a zip-top bag for up to one month. The textures hold up well after reheating—just avoid freezing the dipping sauce as the dairy can separate.
Reheating
To reheat, spread the skewers or pieces on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too—but the oven keeps the outsides a little crispier.
FAQs
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Can I make Nashville Hot Chicken & Potato Skewers Recipe in the oven instead of on the grill?
Absolutely! Prepare the skewers as directed, line them on a foil-lined, greased baking sheet, and roast at 425°F. Flip halfway through, and bake until the chicken is cooked through with a nice golden char—about 15–18 minutes total.
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Can I use store-bought Nashville hot seasoning for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought blends work wonderfully, and they save time. If you prefer to make your own, you can mix cayenne, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt for a homemade version tailored to your preferred heat level.
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Is the bread & butter pickle dipping sauce a must?
While completely optional, the dip brings a cool, tangy contrast that tempers the spicy kick and adds tons of flavor. If you’re short on time, you could substitute with ranch, but the pickle dip truly makes this Nashville Hot Chicken & Potato Skewers Recipe shine.
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What should I do if my skewers stick to the grill?
If your skewers stick, simply wait another minute before trying to flip. Chicken naturally releases when it’s properly seared. Brushing the grill with oil before cooking also helps prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard party or turning weeknight dinner into something special, this Nashville Hot Chicken & Potato Skewers Recipe never fails to get rave reviews. I hope you give it a try—get ready for spicy, savory, southern comfort on a stick!
Print
Nashville Hot Chicken & Potato Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: ~4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Nashville Hot Chicken & Potato Skewers are a delicious twist on the classic Nashville hot chicken, served in a convenient skewer form. Perfect for grilling season or a fun appetizer at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken & Potatoes:
- 1 lb cubed boneless chicken
- 4 teaspoon Nashville hot seasoning, divided
- 1 lb par boiled baby new potatoes, cut in half if large
- 3 Tbl olive oil
Bread & Butter Pickle Dipping Sauce:
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup softened cream cheese
- 1 cup minced bread & butter pickles, drained and patted dry
- 2 Tablespoons pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 whole green onions, minced
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Bread & Butter Pickle Dipping Sauce: Mix all ingredients together, cover, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Nashville Hot Chicken & Potato Bites: Preheat the grill to 400F. Prepare chicken and potatoes with seasoning and oil. Skewer them alternately onto metal skewers. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side.
Notes
- Nutritional Information is without the dipping sauce
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
