Review: KFC - Hot Shot Bites

New KFC Hot Shot Bites are a spicy variation on the Original Recipe Bites that were introduced this time last year. The new spicy Bites feature chunks of white meat chicken marinated with spicy cayenne peppers before being battered and fried.

I paid $3.99 for a combo with a side and a drink, except they forgot to include my side and I neglected to check the bag before I left the restaurant. I did get three Hot Wings at 3 for $1.50 and 2 Biscuits for 99 cents off of a new "Snackables" menu they're offering here in Southern California though.

Unlike the Original Recipe Bites I tried last time, which I felt may have been siting under the heat lamps for some time, the Hot Shot Bites I got were nice and juicy. The chunks give you two sizable bites worth of chicken breast.

The breading is fairly thin and just slightly crispy with a reddish-orange hue to warn of the spiciness.

So how spicy are the new KFC Hot Shot Bites? They're actually pretty spicy! Probably the spiciest thing I've had off of the KFC menu. They're lightly-seasoned so you really get a feel for the heat. Whereas KFC Hot Wings are very mildly spicy, these are seriously, nose-runningly spicy. Here's a side by side visual comparison of the two:

The Hot Wings has a thicker shell that's much more crunchy, but I think the amount of meat is about the same.

And because I also got biscuits, here's a KFC Hot Shot Bites Biscuit sandwich!:

I still don't know why KFC doesn't offer Biscuit sandwiches. They are so good!

Overall, between the light breading, serious heat, and juicy chicken, KFC Hot Shot Bites are pretty good and the best thing I've seen from The House the Colonel Built so far this year. If you try them, get some ranch sauce to help you take the edge off.

Nutritional info not available. I'm told KFC doesn't release it for limited-time items, but that it shouldn't be too different from Original Recipe Bites, which I've posted below for reference.

Nutritional Info - KFC Original Recipe Bites - 6 pieces (100g)
Calories - 200 (from Fat - 80)
Fat - 9g (Saturated Fat - 1.5g)
Sodium - 660mg
Carbs - 7g (Sugar - 0g)
Protein - 22g