Nashville Hot Chicken is a crispy fried chicken dish coated in a spicy, flavorful oil-based paste. Traditionally served with white bread and pickles, it delivers an irresistible combination of heat, crunch, and zest.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Nashville Hot Chicken
Creating authentic Nashville Hot Chicken at home can be an art form. Here are some tried-and-true tips to nail the recipe:
- Marination Matters: Soak the chicken in buttermilk with a dash of hot sauce for several hours or overnight. This ensures juicy, tender meat and helps the spicy coating adhere better.
- Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: For that signature crispiness, double-coat the chicken in seasoned flour. Adding a bit of cornstarch to the flour mixture works wonders.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper and chili powder levels in the spice blend to suit your heat tolerance. For the boldest flavor, use a variety of chili powders like smoked paprika or ancho.
- Oil Infusion: Combine hot frying oil with your spice mix to create the fiery paste. Use a ladle to carefully mix—it’s hot and aromatic!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Variations of Nashville Hot Chicken
While the classic recipe reigns supreme, these creative variations add a unique twist:
- Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders: Perfect for appetizers or parties, these bite-sized delights are a family favorite.
- Sandwich Style: Nestle the spicy chicken between two brioche buns with slaw, pickles, and a dollop of ranch dressing.
- Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for a vegan spin.
- Oven-Baked Hot Chicken: Skip the deep-frying and opt for a healthier baked version. It’s not as crispy but still delicious.
- Hot Chicken Wings: Turn up the heat on classic wings for game-day snacks with a Nashville twist.
How to Serve Nashville Hot Chicken
Traditionally, Nashville Hot Chicken is served with white bread and pickles to offset the fiery flavors. Here are some other serving suggestions:
- With Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, crunchy texture of coleslaw balances the heat perfectly.
- Paired with Southern Sides: Serve alongside collard greens, macaroni and cheese, or baked beans for a hearty meal.
- As a Salad Topper: Chop leftover chicken and use it to spice up your greens.
- Breakfast with a Twist: Pair with waffles or biscuits for a sweet-and-spicy brunch dish.
How to Store Nashville Hot Chicken
If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
- Refrigeration: Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Tips: To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Recipe FAQs
1. What makes Nashville Hot Chicken so spicy?
The heat comes from a spice mix dominated by cayenne pepper, chili powder, and paprika. The spices are infused into hot oil, which is then brushed onto the fried chicken.
2. Can I make Nashville Hot Chicken gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs in the dredging process. Ensure all other ingredients, like hot sauce, are gluten-free.
3. Is Nashville Hot Chicken keto-friendly?
To make it keto-friendly, replace the flour with almond or coconut flour and avoid serving it with bread.
4. How do I tone down the spice?
To reduce the heat, decrease the cayenne and chili powder or add a little sugar to the spice mix. Serving with ranch dressing or extra bread can also help.
5. What’s the history of Nashville Hot Chicken?
Legend has it that this dish originated in the 1930s when a scorned lover added extra spice to her partner’s fried chicken. Instead of being deterred, he loved it—and the dish was born.
Nashville Hot Chicken
Nashville Hot Chicken is a crispy fried chicken dish coated in a spicy, flavorful oil-based paste. Traditionally served with white bread and pickles, it delivers an irresistible combination of heat, crunch, and zest.
Ingredients
Chicken Brine
- 4 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (I used Cholula)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 6-8 pieces of chicken breasts
Flour Dredge
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
Hot Oil Sauce
- 1/4 cup cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (regular is fine)
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder (regular is fine)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- For the Chicken: In a large bowl put the hot sauce, buttermilk, salt, pepper, and paprika then whisk all together until well combined.
- Add the chicken and make sure it’s well covered into the marinade. Refrigerate up to 4 hours or even overnight.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all of the flour dredge ingredients until well combined.
- Remove the chicken pieces one by one from the buttermilk mixture and let any excess drip off
- Put the chicken pieces into the flour mixture and coat well, repeat for all the pieces, shake off any excess then again into the buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture and put on a plate or a rack on a baking sheet and repeat this step with all the chicken pieces.
- Heat a large cast-iron pan about 1/3 to 325 degrees or either fill a deep fryer with oil.
- Slowly add 3 to 4 chicken pieces at a time and cook for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crisp on both sides and the chicken reaches 160 to165 degrees.
- While you finish cooking the remaining pieces move the fried chicken pieces to a rack covered baking sheet and place in a 250-degree oven.
- When all the chicken pieces are done frying, combine 1 cup of the hot frying oil and the oil ingredients in a medium bowl and stir well to combine.
- Finally, brush the cooked chicken with the sauce and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
8Amount Per Serving Calories 640Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 107mgSodium 830mgCarbohydrates 85gFiber 5gSugar 10gProtein 52g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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Conclusion
Nashville Hot Chicken is a celebration of bold flavors, crispy textures, and rich history. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or perfecting your signature recipe, this dish is sure to spice up your culinary adventures. With our comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to tackle this iconic Southern specialty in your kitchen.
