Nashville Hot Chicken

There’s a certain magic in cooking that transforms ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. For me, that magic unfolds whenever I prepare Nashville Hot Chicken. It all started during a summer trip to Nashville, where I stumbled upon a small eatery buzzing with locals. The aroma of fried chicken wafting through the air was irresistible, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. As I took my first bite, the perfect combination of crispy exterior and spicy goodness left me craving more. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that mouthwatering experience at home. This recipe is my tribute to that unforgettable day and the joy of sharing delicious food with family and friends.

Ingredients for Nashville Hot Chicken

The ingredients for Nashville Hot Chicken are simple yet essential for achieving that authentic taste. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the crispy coating to the spicy sauce, these ingredients work together harmoniously to create a memorable dish.

• 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces – The star of the dish; the chicken should be fresh for the best flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – This creates the crispy coating and adds texture.
• 2 teaspoons Kosher salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Offers a mild garlic flavor that complements the spices.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds depth to the seasoning blend.
• Vegetable oil for frying – Necessary for achieving that crispy, golden exterior.
• 1 cup buttermilk – Tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture.
• 1/3 cup pickle brine – Provides a tangy flavor that elevates the dish.
• 2 tablespoons Louisiana-style hot sauce, or more if you want it really spicy – Gives the chicken its signature heat.
• 1 large egg – Helps the flour mixture adhere to the chicken.
• 1/3 cup butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
• 1/4 cup lard, or use butter instead – Helps achieve a crispy texture.
• 1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper – The key ingredient for the signature heat; adjust to taste.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar – Balances the spiciness with a touch of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness to the flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Extra garlic flavor to enhance the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt – Tailors the seasoning.
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Complements the other spices without overpowering them.

How to Assemble Nashville Hot Chicken

Cooking Nashville Hot Chicken is a rewarding process that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Follow these steps closely to achieve that perfect balance of crushing heat and savory goodness.

1. Begin by whisking together the marinade ingredients in a large mixing bowl until everything is fully combined. This is where the flavor magic happens, so ensure you mix well.
2. Add the pieces of chicken to the marinade, making sure to toss them until they are completely coated. This step infuses the chicken with all the rich flavors. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer, the better!
3. Next, in a shallow flat dish, mix the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and Kosher salt. This mixture will give the chicken its signature crispy coating, so be generous with your measurements.
4. When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade, carefully blotting each piece with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Arrange the chicken on a dish or cutting board. Remember to keep the marinade as you’ll need it later.
5. Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until they’re evenly coated. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered for maximum crispiness.
6. Next, dip each piece of chicken back into the marinade, ensuring all sides are coated. Let the excess drip back into the bowl; this will help the flour to stick better.
7. Once again, coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture and then arrange them on a wire rack to dry for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is crucial for creating that crispy exterior.
8. While the chicken is drying, combine the sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until everything is melted and fully combined. You want this sauce to be well-blended.
9. In the meantime, pour the vegetable oil into a deep cast iron skillet until it’s about a third full. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This is the right temperature for frying, giving you that perfect crunch.
10. Gently place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, skin side down. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature. Fry the chicken in batches, cooking each piece until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70°C), which should take about 8 minutes per side.
11. Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack placed in a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
12. After about 5 minutes, brush the chicken with the prepared sauce on both sides generously. This sauce is where the real flavor lies!
13. Finally, serve your Nashville Hot Chicken immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy every crispy, spicy bite!

Making Adjustments

Cooking is an art, and adjustments can make a recipe truly your own. Here are some tips to help you personalize your Nashville Hot Chicken.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.
• Freezing: This chicken can be frozen after frying. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
• Pairing: Serve with classic sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread for a true Southern meal.
• Heat Adjustment: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce based on your heat preference. You can also experiment with different hot sauces to find your favorite flavor.
• Sandwich Version: Turn your fried chicken into a sandwich with pickles and your favorite sauce on a soft bun for a delicious variation.

Serving This Nashville Hot Chicken

When it comes to serving Nashville Hot Chicken, the options are endless! Consider these delightful serving suggestions for a memorable experience:

• Classic Sides: Pair your fried chicken with traditional sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or crispy fries for a satisfying meal.
• Lunch or Dinner: This dish shines at any time of day, making it perfect for casual lunches or hearty dinners.
• Picnics and Gatherings: Nashville Hot Chicken is an excellent choice for outdoor picnics or family gatherings, where everyone can enjoy its bold flavor.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll keep well for a couple of days.
• Seasonal Pairings: This dish is versatile enough to enjoy year-round but pairs especially well with summer barbecues or cozy winter evenings.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nashville Hot Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that truly brings excitement to the table. Its perfectly crispy exterior and spicy kick create an unforgettable dining experience that everyone will love. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household!

Nashville Hot Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Nashville Hot Chicken is irresistibly crispy and packed with flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this spicy chicken dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Make it tonight for a deliciously fiery meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 470 kcal

Equipment

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

Ingredients

  

• 1 whole chicken cut into 8 pieces
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup pickle brine
• 2 tablespoons Louisiana-style hot sauce or more if you want it really spicy
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/4 cup lard or use butter instead
• 1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper you can use 2 tablespoons if you prefer the sauce spicier
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Whisk the marinade ingredients in a large mixing bowl until fully combined.
• Add the chicken pieces, and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, or overnight.
• Mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a shallow flat dish. Set aside.
• Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, blot with paper towels, and set them on a dish or cutting board. Don’t discard the marinade.
• Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
• Dip each chicken piece back into the marinade and coat all sides. Let the excess drip back into the bowl.
• Coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture again, then arrange them on a wire rack to dry – about 15-20 minutes.
• In the meantime, add the sauce ingredients to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until melted and fully combined.
• Pour the vegetable oil into a deep cast iron skillet until about 1/3 full. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
• Gently place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, skin side down, do NOT overcrowd the pan, and fry the chicken in batches. Fry the chicken pieces until the internal temperature reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70°) – about 8 minutes per side.
• Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack (placed in a baking sheet lined with paper towels) to drain.
• After about 5 minutes, brush the chicken with the prepared sauce on both sides.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.
• Freezing: This chicken can be frozen after frying. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
• Pairing: Serve with classic sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread for a true Southern meal.
• Heat Adjustment: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce based on your heat preference. You can also experiment with different hot sauces to find your favorite flavor.
• Sandwich Version: Turn your fried chicken into a sandwich with pickles and your favorite sauce on a soft bun for a delicious variation.

Keyword crispy fried chicken, Nashville Hot Chicken, Southern Comfort Food, spicy chicken recipe

Previous PostPeanut Chicken

Next Post Jamaican Chicken

Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.