Nashville Fried Chicken

There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of Nashville Fried Chicken. I remember the first time I tried it; the crispy exterior and spicy kick left a lasting impression. It was one of those moments where the flavors just danced together perfectly. As I bit into the juicy, tender chicken, I knew I had to recreate this dish in my own kitchen. The thrill of frying chicken at home might seem daunting, but trust me, it’s an adventure you won’t regret. With just a few spices and some patience, you can achieve that iconic Nashville flavor right in your own home. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, Nashville Fried Chicken is a dish that brings everyone together and creates unforgettable memories. So let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe.

Nashville Fried Chicken Shopping List

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for making the perfect Nashville Fried Chicken. The philosophy behind these ingredients is simple: freshness and quality lead to the best results. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Boneless and skinless chicken tenders: The star of the dish. Opt for tenders for easier frying and tenderness, or use chicken breasts cut into strips.
• Cayenne pepper: This adds the essential heat. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
• Garlic powder: A must-have for that savory flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Onion powder: This adds depth and sweetness to the seasoning mix.
• Cajun spice: A flavorful blend that enhances the authenticity of your Nashville Fried Chicken.
• Oregano: Provides a subtle herbal note to balance the spices.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing flavor.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and flavor.
• Buttermilk: The secret to tender, flavorful chicken. It creates a moist brine that infuses flavor.
• All-purpose flour: This is the base for the crispy coating.
• Paprika: For color and a mild sweetness.
• Oil: For frying, choose a high smoke-point oil for best results.

Cooking Method for Nashville Fried Chicken

Frying chicken might seem intimidating, but with the right approach, it can be quite straightforward. Let’s break it down into manageable steps so you can create your very own Nashville Fried Chicken masterpiece.

1. Start by placing the chicken tenders in a large mixing bowl. If you’re using chicken breasts, ensure they are cut into long strips for even cooking. Add in the cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun spice, oregano, salt, ground black pepper, and buttermilk. Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated. This will be the key to flavorful, tender chicken.

2. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours. This step is crucial for letting those flavors penetrate the meat, resulting in juicy chicken.

3. After marinating, it’s time to prepare the coating. In a separate large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed. This blend will create the crispy crust.

4. Once the chicken is done marinating, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This is essential as it helps the coating stick better. After that, coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring they’re fully covered.

5. Now, for the frying! Heat your oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Aim for a temperature between 350°F to 375°F (176°C to 190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small piece of the coating into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to fry.

6. Gently place the coated chicken strips in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on the color; you want that perfect crispy exterior!

7. Once golden brown, transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This will ensure that your chicken stays crispy.

8. For an extra kick, prepare a small mixture of oil, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Once the chicken is done, drizzle this spiced oil over the crispy chicken for added flavor.

9. Serve your Nashville Fried Chicken hot and enjoy the fruits of your labor. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family!

Tips for Success

To get the most out of your Nashville Fried Chicken, consider these helpful tips:

• Storage: Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven to maintain its crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze pieces in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Pairing: Serve with coleslaw, pickles, or a side of cornbread to balance the heat.
• Adjusting spice levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to reduce the amount of cayenne pepper used in the marinade.
• Cooking in batches: If you’re making a larger amount, fry in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid temperature drops in the oil.

How to Enjoy Nashville Fried Chicken

This Nashville Fried Chicken is perfect for a variety of settings:

• Casual gatherings: Serve it at your next picnic or BBQ, where everyone can munch on delicious bites.
• Game day: This chicken is the ultimate finger food for watching your favorite sports game.
• Sandwiches: Pile the fried chicken onto a bun with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and a spicy sauce for a delightful sandwich.
• Sharing is caring: This dish is great for family-style dinners where everyone can dig in and share their love for this Southern classic.
• Seasonal pairings: Enjoy it with seasonal sides like potato salad in summer or mashed potatoes in colder months.
• Leftover creativity: Use any leftover chicken in salads, wraps, or as a tangy topping on pizzas.

FAQ

Conclusion

Nashville Fried Chicken is truly a dish that brings joy to any table. Its bold flavors and crispy texture make it unforgettable, ensuring that each bite is satisfying. I encourage you to try making this delightful recipe yourself; you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a delicious meal at home. So roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Nashville Fried Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Nashville Fried Chicken offers a perfect blend of crispy coating and spicy flavor. This easy weeknight dinner is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Make it tonight for a delightful meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 2 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Whisk
• Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz Boneless and skinless chicken tenders preferred, or chicken breasts (cut into long strips)
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Cajun spice
• 1 teaspoon Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 300 ml Buttermilk
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• Oil for deep frying
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 tablespoon Frying oil

Instructions

 

• Place the chicken tenders in a bowl. If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut them into long strips. Add cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun spice, oregano, salt, pepper, and buttermilk. Mix well and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
• Combine all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl, and stir to combine well. Set aside.
• After 4 hours, remove the chicken strips from the marinade and coat them evenly with the flour mixture in the bowl. Place the coated chicken strips on a plate and let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to absorb.
• After resting, dip the chicken strips in the flour mixture once more before frying. Heat cooking oil in a frying pan to 350°F – 375°F (176°C – 190°C). Deep fry the chicken for 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
• Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Drizzle the spiced oil over the chicken and serve immediately.
• After frying the chicken tenders, let the frying oil cool for 10 minutes. Combine 1 tablespoon of the oil with cayenne pepper and paprika in a small dish and whisk until well mixed.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven to maintain its crispiness.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze pieces in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Tip 3: Serve with coleslaw, pickles, or a side of cornbread to balance the heat.
• Tip 4: If you're sensitive to heat, feel free to reduce the amount of cayenne pepper used in the marinade.
• Tip 5: If you're making a larger amount, fry in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid temperature drops in the oil.

Keyword best fried chicken, crispy fried chicken, Nashville fried chicken recipe, spicy chicken recipe

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Meet Penny Porter

I bring the energy to our cooking sessions. I don’t have a “specialty” because I love it all I’m just as happy kneading dough as I am stirring a spicy curry. My favorite part of being on this team is the variety. One day we’re making pasta from scratch, and the next we’re grilling outdoors. I love the fast-paced creative process and am always the first one to grab an apron when a new idea pops up.