Today, Kevin and I are trying the First We Feast presents Hot Ones chicken strips. We have two varieties: Spicy Garlic Chicken Strips and Smoky Habanero Chicken Strips. The Spicy Garlic is medium heat, while the Smoky Habanero is mild heat. We purchased these at Kroger for $11.49 per bag, thanks to a tip from Heather on Instagram.
Product Details
Both bags are 22.5 oz (1.4 lb, 638 g). The heating instructions recommend preheating your oven to 375°F. While the instructions suggest using cooking spray on a baking sheet, I prefer parchment paper for easier cleanup. Arrange the chicken strips in a single layer, bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake for another 10 minutes.
Opening the Bags
The bags are resealable. To open, pull apart at the red arrow and press back together to close. We had a bit of trouble at first, but eventually figured it out. Each bag contains a mix of larger and smaller pieces.
Cooking and Tasting
After baking, the chicken strips were easy to handle. We tried the Spicy Garlic variety first. Despite being labeled as mild, they had a surprising amount of heat. The garlic flavor was present but overshadowed by the spice, making it less enjoyable for those expecting a milder taste.
Next, we tried the Smoky Habanero strips. These were hotter than the Spicy Garlic, with a smoky flavor that had a bit of a funky undertone. The heat from the habanero was pervasive, affecting the whole mouth and lingering for a long time.
Final Thoughts
Overall, both varieties were much spicier than expected. The Spicy Garlic, labeled as mild, was hotter than many might find comfortable, especially for children. The Smoky Habanero, labeled medium, was intensely hot. We found the heat overpowered the flavors, making the eating experience less enjoyable.
If you enjoy very spicy food, these might be for you. Otherwise, consider a different product from John Soules Foods, which offers a variety of chicken options without such intense heat.
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