Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe | Irresistible Hot Chicken

Turn up the heat in your kitchen with this fiery Nashville Hot Chicken recipe! This Southern classic is all about that perfect blend of crispy, juicy chicken and a fiery, flavor-packed sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a spicy kick, this foolproof method guarantees crispy perfection with a spicy punch.

Why You'll Love This Craveworthy Chicken

• Bold Flavors. The combination of cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder creates a rich, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Ultimate Comfort. Nashville Hot Chicken is comfort food at its finest, with a perfect balance of crunchy coating and juicy meat.
• Customizable Heat. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper, making it perfect for everyone’s taste buds.

With this recipe, you’ll enjoy the rich, deep flavors of Southern cooking without needing to head to Nashville. It’s a spicy, crispy, and absolutely delicious meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

What Is Nashville Hot Chicken?

Nashville Hot Chicken is a fiery fried chicken dish that originated in Nashville, Tennessee.

The chicken is typically marinated, breaded, and deep-fried, then slathered with a spicy, cayenne pepper-laden sauce. It’s traditionally served with white bread and pickles, which help to balance the intense heat of the chicken.

Is Nashville Hot Chicken Wet Or Dry?

while Nashville Hot Chicken is most commonly wet due to the spicy oil-based sauce (as with this recipe), it can also be served dry for a different textural experience. Both versions are delicious and packed with flavor, with the choice largely depending on personal preference.

Ingredients You'll Need

For The Chicken

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs– Choose boneless, skinless chicken for easy preparation.
• Buttermilk– Helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
• Hot Sauce– Adds an extra layer of flavor to the marinade.
• All-Purpose Flour– Forms the base of the crispy coating.
• Cayenne Pepper– The star ingredient for that signature Nashville heat.
• Paprika– Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
• Garlic Powder– Enhances the overall flavor with a savory note.
• Salt and Pepper– To taste, for seasoning.
• Vegetable Oil– For frying the chicken to golden perfection.

For The Sauce

• Cayenne Pepper– Adjust to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Brown Sugar– Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
• Paprika– Deepens the color and flavor of the sauce.
• Garlic Powder– Adds depth to the sauce.
• Butter– The base of the sauce, making it rich and silky.
• Hot Sauce– For an additional kick of heat and flavor.

How To Make Nashville Hot Chicken

1. Prep the Chicken. Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating. In a separate shallow dish, mix the flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will form the crispy coating.
3. Coat the Chicken. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. For an extra crispy finish, you can double-dip the chicken by returning it to the buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture.
4. Fry the Chicken. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Make the Hot Sauce. While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Mix until well combined and heated through.
6. Coat the Chicken in Sauce. Once the chicken is done frying, place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Brush each piece generously with the hot sauce while it's still hot, ensuring it's well-coated.
7. Serve. Serve your Nashville Hot Chicken with slices of white bread and pickles on the side. This traditional pairing helps to balance the heat and adds a delightful contrast to the spicy chicken.

Tips And Tricks

Making Nashville Hot Chicken at home can be a rewarding experience, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve that perfect crispy, spicy result:

• Use a Meat Thermometer. To ensure your chicken is cooked through but still juicy, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. This also prevents overcooking and drying out the chicken.
• Fry at the Right Temperature. Maintain the frying oil at 350°F for the best results. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked; if it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Rest on a Wire Rack. After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, keeping it crispy while excess oil drains away.

Variations

Nashville Hot Chicken is a versatile dish that can be adapted to different tastes:

• Honey Hot Chicken– Drizzle honey over the fried chicken before adding the hot sauce for a sweet and spicy combo.
• BBQ Hot Chicken– Mix BBQ sauce with the hot sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Chicken Tenders– Use chicken tenders instead of thighs or breasts for a fun, bite-sized version.

What Is A Good Side Dish For Nashville Hot Chicken?

This spicy chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Coleslaw– The cool, creamy texture of coleslaw helps to balance the heat of the chicken.
• Mac and Cheese– Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is the perfect comfort food pairing.
• Pickles– Classic pickles add a tangy crunch that complements the spicy chicken.
• Cornbread– A sweet, moist slice of cornbread offers a delicious contrast to the heat.

How Long Does It Last?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to maintain the crispiness before serving.

Can You Freeze It?

Absolutely! After frying and cooling, freeze the chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes.

More Of Our Best Chicken Recipes

• Instant Pot Butter Chicken
• Tandoori Chicken
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Chicken Vindaloo
• Chicken Biryani
• Apricot Chicken

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