Nashville Hot Chicken
4
15
minutes15
minutes300 to 400
kcalIngredients: For the Chicken:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can also use chicken breasts if preferred)
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as cayenne pepper sauce)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Oil for frying (vegetable oil or peanut oil works well)
- For the Spicy Coating:
½ cup hot chicken seasoning blend (you can adjust the amount depending on your spice preference)
1/4 cup hot sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, making sure they are fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, coating evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken is frying, prepare the spicy coating. In a small bowl, mix together the hot chicken seasoning blend, hot sauce, brown sugar, cayenne pepper (if using), and melted butter. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Immediately brush the spicy coating onto the hot chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
- To serve, place the hot chicken on sliced white bread or dinner rolls. Top with pickle slices and coleslaw if desired. Enjoy immediately while hot and crispy!
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: Nashville Hot Chicken is known for its fiery heat. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the coating mixture according to your spice tolerance. You can also use mild hot sauce or reduce the amount of cayenne pepper for a milder version.
- Buttermilk Marinade: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk not only helps tenderize the meat but also adds flavor. For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible, to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Frying Tips: Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) while frying the chicken to achieve a crispy exterior without burning. If using a skillet, fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Spicy Coating Application: Apply the spicy coating to the fried chicken while it’s still hot to ensure that it adheres well and infuses the chicken with flavor. Use a brush or spoon to evenly coat each piece with the spicy mixture for maximum flavor impact.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve Nashville Hot Chicken on sliced white bread or dinner rolls, accompanied by pickle slices and coleslaw for a classic Southern presentation. You can also enjoy it with other sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, or macaroni and cheese to create a hearty meal.
- Safety Precautions: When working with hot oil, exercise caution to prevent burns or accidents. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan. Always handle fried chicken with care to prevent oil splatters.
Spicy and Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe
Introduction:
Nashville Hot Chicken is a quintessential Southern dish renowned for its fiery kick and irresistible crunch. Originating from Nashville, Tennessee, this dish features tender chicken coated in a spicy seasoning blend, then fried to perfection. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or simply craving comfort food with a twist, this homemade Nashville Hot Chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Follow along to discover how to recreate this iconic dish right in your own home.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- ½ cup hot chicken seasoning blend
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Sliced white bread or dinner rolls
- Pickle slices (optional)
- Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine hot chicken seasoning blend, hot sauce, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and melted butter. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Brush spicy coating onto fried chicken while still hot, ensuring even coverage.
- Serve hot chicken on sliced bread or rolls. Top with pickle slices and coleslaw if desired.
Notes:
- Adjust the spice level according to preference.
- Marinate chicken for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- Maintain oil temperature for crispy results.
- Apply spicy coating while chicken is hot for maximum flavor infusion.
- Serve with traditional accompaniments like bread and pickles for an authentic Nashville experience.
Conclusion:
With its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, homemade Nashville Hot Chicken is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether enjoyed as a main dish, party snack, or indulgent treat, this spicy favorite captures the essence of Southern comfort food like no other. Embrace the heat and savor every bite of this iconic dish straight from the heart of Nashville.