There’s nothing quite like the thrill of uncovering a culinary masterpiece right in your own kitchen. One afternoon, the sizzling sound of bacon wrapped around creamy manicotti filled the air, and I knew I had stumbled upon something special: Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells. The irresistible combination of spicy chicken, a touch of sweetness from honey glaze, and crispy bacon creates an explosion of flavor that takes traditional comfort food to exhilarating new heights.
After a long week of mundane meals and fast food cravings, I found myself yearning for something exciting yet comforting. These shotgun shells deliver both with their bold taste and aesthetic appeal, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Imagine serving this dish, and watching as your friends and family dive in, their faces lighting up with delight—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ready to embark on this flavorful adventure? Let’s dive into this recipe that will transform your cooking game and leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why love Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells?
Crispy, Flavorful Crunch: Each bite is enveloped in perfectly cooked bacon, offering a delightful crispiness that contrasts beautifully with the tender, spicy chicken inside.
Spicy Meets Sweet: The honey glaze drizzled over the shells balances the heat, delivering a sweet layer that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
Visual Showstopper: With their vibrant presentation, these shotgun shells are bound to impress, making them ideal for dinner parties or special occasions.
Easy to Make: Despite their complex flavors, the recipe is straightforward and accessible for all home cooks.
Customization Potential: Feel free to adjust the spice levels or add your favorite dipping sauces, making it adaptable to everyone’s taste.
Elevate your next meal with these delicious creations that promise satisfaction and add a bit of excitement to your dinner table!
Essential Ingredients for Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells
Here’s what you need to create these unforgettable flavors in your kitchen:
For the Chicken
• Chicken Thighs – The juicy meat of thighs holds up well to the bold seasonings.
• Canola Oil – A light oil that helps the seasoning stick and promotes even cooking.
• Cayenne Pepper – The star of the show that gives you that Nashville heat!
• Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor by bringing out the best in the chicken.
• Mustard Powder – Adds depth and tanginess that pairs beautifully with the spices.
• Smoked Paprika – Infuses a subtle smoky flavor that complements the heat perfectly.
• Brown Sugar – Balances the spice with a hint of sweetness.
• Garlic Powder – Introduces an aromatic and savory element to the chicken.
For the Filling
• Cream Cheese – Provides creaminess and richness that binds the filling.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds a sharp flavor and gooey texture when melted.
• Sour Cream – Introduces a tangy note that brightens the overall taste.
• Mayonnaise – Helps achieve a creamy consistency in the filling.
• Buttermilk – Tenderizes the chicken and adds a slight tang.
• Pickle Juice – A secret ingredient that gives a delightful zing.
• Parsley & Dill – Fresh herbs that enhance flavor and add a pop of color.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – For seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Garlic Powder – A touch of additional garlic flavor to round it all out.
For the Shells
• Wright Brand Bacon – The irresistible crispy wrapper that elevates this dish.
• Manicotti Shells – The perfect vessel to hold each delicious layer of flavor.
• Nashville Hot Seasoning – For an extra kick on the outside of the bacon-wrapped shells.
• Honey for glaze – Sweetens and caramelizes into a beautiful finish during cooking.
Gather these ingredients and get ready to transform your meal into a Nashville feast with Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells that are sure to ignite your taste buds!
How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells
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Preheat your grill to a two-zone medium-high temperature, about 375°F. This setup will allow for searing and indirect cooking!
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Season the chicken thighs with canola oil and a generous sprinkling of Nashville Hot Seasoning. Letting them sit for a moment allows those flavors to penetrate.
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Mix together the Homemade Ranch ingredients in a bowl. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you focus on the chicken and pasta—this will ensure it’s nice and cool when served!
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Sear the seasoned chicken on the hot side of the grill for about 2 minutes on each side, creating that beautiful char!
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Move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 175°F, which should take roughly 20 minutes.
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Rest the chicken for about 5 minutes after removing it from the grill before chopping it into bite-sized pieces!
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Boil a large pot of water and get it to a rolling boil.
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Cook the manicotti shells in the boiling water for 2.5-3 minutes; you want them slightly firm to the bite while still retaining their shape.
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Cool the shells for 10 minutes after removing them from the pot—this makes handling them a breeze later!
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Combine all filling ingredients in a bowl, including your chopped chicken. This mixture will be packed with flavor and creaminess!
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Pipe the filling from a plastic bag (with a small corner cut off) into the manicotti shells, stuffing them generously!
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Wrap each filled manicotti shell completely with a slice of Wright Brand Hickory Bacon and place them on a rack.
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Season the outside of the bacon-wrapped shells with more Nashville Hot Seasoning, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours, to meld the flavors.
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Preheat your smoker to indirect cooking at 250°F. If you like, toss in wood chips for added smoky goodness!
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Cook the shells in the smoker for 1-1.5 hours. You’re aiming for that crispy bacon perfection!
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Glaze the shells with a delicious mixture of honey and a bit of Nashville Hot seasoning to enhance the flavor!
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Continue cooking until the glaze has become tacky and dried, adding that irresistible touch to your shells.
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Cool for 10 minutes after removing them from the smoker before slicing—this will help the fillings settle.
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Serve your Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells with your chilled Homemade Ranch on the side, and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Optional: Drizzle extra honey over the shells for an additional touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells
Fridge: Store leftover shotgun shells in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through for best results.
Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. These can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For a crispy finish, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave. Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and crisp.
Serving: Enjoy them hot, served with the homemade ranch dressing, making your meal feel just as fresh as the day you made these Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells!
Variations & Substitutions for Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells
Get ready to explore delightful twists and swaps that make this recipe your very own!
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Spicy Alternative: Replace cayenne pepper with a milder chili powder if you prefer less heat. It still packs flavor without overwhelming spice!
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Vegetarian Option: Swap out chicken for grilled zucchini or mushrooms for a plant-based delight that still gives that smokey flavor everyone loves.
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Bacon-Free: Use turkey bacon or even prosciutto to wrap the shells, retaining that crispy texture while cutting back on fat.
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Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack for an extra kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor that’s still ooey-gooey.
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Herb Booster: Add fresh basil or cilantro to the filling for a refreshing twist that elevates the flavor profile.
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Umami Punch: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the filling for a savory surprise that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
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Honey Twist: Swap honey with maple syrup in the glaze for a unique touch of sweetness that pairs well with the spice.
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Crunch Factor: Mix in crushed tortilla chips or panko crumbs into the filling for an exciting twist in both texture and flavor, giving each bite an extra crunch!
Expert Tips for Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells
Perfect Chicken: Ensure the chicken thighs are cooked to an internal temperature of 175°F for tenderness. Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
Shell Preparation: Cook the manicotti shells only until al dente; overcooked shells may break when you’re filling them with the delicious mixture.
Bacon Wrapping: Wrap the bacon tightly around the shells to prevent any filling from leaking out during cooking. A tight wrap ensures crispy edges!
Chilling Time: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Letting the wrapped shells chill for at least 2 hours melds the flavors and helps maintain their shape.
Glaze Strategy: Apply the honey glaze towards the end of the cooking process to avoid burning. This will give you that perfect caramelized finish without bitterness.
Serve Fresh: For the best flavor experience, serve the Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells immediately after cooking, paired with the homemade ranch for cooling contrasts.
Make Ahead Options
These Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeks! You can season and wrap the manicotti shells up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply prepare the filling and stuff the shells, then wrap them in bacon. For optimal quality, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, but up to 3 days is ideal. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them onto the smoker as directed and glaze with honey—rest assured, they’ll still be just as delicious with that perfect blend of spice and sweetness!
What to Serve with Nashville Hot Chicken Bacon Manicotti?
Creating a complete meal means pairing this delicious dish with complementary flavors and textures that will elevate your dining experience.
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Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw brings a refreshing and light contrast to the spicy manicotti, balancing the heat beautifully. The cool crunch pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the bacon and chicken.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks not only provide a delightful texture but also make for a perfect vehicle to scoop up any leftover ranch dressing on your plate.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Smoky and sweet, this seasonal favorite enhances the outdoor barbecue spirit and adds that perfect sweet note against the spicy shells. Slather on some herbed butter for an extra touch!
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Cucumber Salad: This light salad, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, adds a refreshing pop of flavor that cleanses the palate after each spicy bite. The coolness of cucumber is always a winning match!
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Classic Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy, this comfort food classic complements the heat of the Nashville Hot Chicken Bacon Manicotti while providing a delightful contrast in flavors. A true crowd-pleaser!
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Peach Iced Tea: The sweetness of peach iced tea cools down the spice and pairs beautifully with the savory elements of the meal. This drink option adds a refreshing element to your dining experience.
These pairings promise to enhance your meal, making it an unforgettable feast for family and friends!
Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Absolutely, I recommend using chicken thighs for this dish! Their dark meat is juicier and holds up better against the bold seasonings, ensuring a flavorful bite that won’t be dry.
How long can I store leftover Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells?
You can store your leftover shotgun shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let them cool completely before sealing to maintain their texture!
Can I freeze Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells?
Yes! To freeze, wrap each bacon-wrapped shell individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
How do I reheat Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells?
For the best results, reheat your shells in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This method will keep the bacon crisp rather than soggy, which is what you want for optimal enjoyment.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! If you’re serving these to guests with dietary restrictions, be mindful of the bacon and chicken if they are avoiding meat. You can substitute with plant-based alternatives, although keep in mind the flavor will differ. Always double-check for allergies related to ingredients like dairy in the Ranch dressing!
What if my manicotti shells break during cooking?
Not to worry! If your shells do break, you can still use them. Simply fill the broken pieces and bake them in a casserole dish instead. Just ensure they’re packed tightly together to mimic the traditional presentation!
Nashville Hot Chicken Shotgun Shells That Bring the Heat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your grill to a two-zone medium-high temperature, about 375°F.
- Season the chicken thighs with canola oil and Nashville Hot Seasoning.
- Mix together the filling ingredients in a bowl; chill in the fridge.
- Sear the chicken on the hot side of the grill for 2 minutes per side.
- Move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill until it reaches 175°F, about 20 minutes.
- Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
- Boil a large pot of water and cook manicotti shells for 2.5 to 3 minutes.
- Cool the shells for 10 minutes after boiling.
- Combine all filling ingredients with chopped chicken.
- Pipe the filling into manicotti shells.
- Wrap each filled shell with bacon and place them on a rack.
- Season outside of bacon-wrapped shells with more Nashville Hot Seasoning, refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
- Preheat your smoker to indirect cooking at 250°F.
- Cook shells in the smoker for 1-1.5 hours for crispy bacon.
- Glaze the shells with honey and Nashville Hot seasoning.
- Continue cooking until the glaze is tacky, about 10-15 minutes.
- Cool for 10 minutes after removing from the smoker.
- Serve with Homemade Ranch on the side.