Nashville hot chicken hits your plate with a crackly, paprika spiced crust that’s bold, fiery, and impossible to ignore. Juicy chicken thighs soak in a tangy buttermilk style marinade made from milk and lemon juice, flavored with garlic, onion, and a touch of brown sugar for balance. After frying to golden perfection, each piece gets coated in a smoky, cayenne driven glaze that wakes up your taste buds with every bite. Serve with crisp pickles and creamy coleslaw for the perfect cool crunch, and get ready for a feast that disappears fast.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Nashville hot chicken
- It’s irresistibly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- The spicy kick will awaken your taste buds and leave you craving more.
- Easy to make at home, perfect for impressing friends and family.
- Customize the heat level to suit your personal preference.
- It’s a true Southern comfort food that brings warmth to any meal.
Nashville hot chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs. Submerge chicken pieces in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Set aside on a rack.
- Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain on a wire rack.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter, then stir in cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Cook over low heat until combined.
- Brush the spicy butter mixture generously over the hot fried chicken.
- Serve immediately on slices of white bread with pickles on top.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Fat | 25g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 20g |
Ingredients
Get ready to whip up some deliciously spicy Nashville hot chicken with these simple ingredients!
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs – for a juicy and flavorful base
- 4 bone-in chicken drumsticks – perfect for extra crunch
- 2 cups buttermilk – for tenderizing the chicken
- 2 large eggs – helps with the batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – creates the crispy coating
- 1 tablespoon paprika – adds color and taste
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper – for that signature heat
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – enhances flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – complements the spices
- 1 teaspoon salt – to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper – for extra seasoning
- vegetable oil – for frying the chicken
- 1/2 cup melted butter – makes the sauce rich
- 2 tablespoons more cayenne pepper – adds even more heat
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar – balances the spice
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika – adds a smoky flavor
- pickles – for serving, adds crunch
- white bread – for serving, perfect for soaking up flavors
How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken
This Nashville hot chicken recipe is a delightful journey into crispy, spicy goodness. With a preparation time of at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results), cooking time of about 12–15 minutes, and a little extra time for the chicken to rest, you’ll be savoring this Southern classic in no time!
Step 1: Whisk Together
In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs. Submerge chicken pieces in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Set aside on a rack.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain on a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Spicy Butter
In a small saucepan, melt butter, then stir in cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Cook over low heat until combined.
Step 7: Brush the Chicken
Brush the spicy butter mixture generously over the hot fried chicken.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately on slices of white bread with pickles on top.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Southern |
| Prep Time | 240 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 255 minutes |
| Dietary | Not specified |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | With pickles and white bread |
Pro Tips for Making Nashville Hot Chicken
- Brine the chicken overnight for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Use a mix of cayenne pepper and smoked paprika for a balanced heat.
- Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Let the chicken rest after frying to enhance the crunch.
- Serve with pickles and white bread to balance the spice.
How to Serve this Nashville hot chicken
- Serve on a fluffy bun with pickles for a classic sandwich.
- Pair with creamy coleslaw to balance the heat.
- Enjoy with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a hearty meal.
- Top with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Serve alongside cornbread for a true Southern experience.
- Accompany with a refreshing cucumber salad to cool down the spice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your Nashville hot chicken later is easy!
Storing Nashville hot chicken Leftovers
- Allow chicken to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing Nashville hot chicken
- Wrap each piece in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place wrapped chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and type of chicken.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Nashville hot chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover loosely with foil to retain moisture.
- Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What’s the most famous hot chicken in Nashville?
The most famous hot chicken in Nashville is undoubtedly Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. This iconic eatery has been serving up its spicy fried chicken since the 1940s and is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Nashville hot chicken. The unique blend of spices and the crispy texture make it a standout dish that locals and tourists alike rave about!
2. What is Nashville hot chicken sauce made of?
Nashville hot chicken sauce is typically made from a combination of cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices mixed with oil. This spicy blend is brushed onto the fried chicken after it’s cooked, giving it that signature heat and flavor. Some recipes also include a touch of sugar for balance, making it both spicy and slightly sweet!
3. What does Nashville hot chicken taste like?
Nashville hot chicken is known for its bold and spicy flavor profile. The crispy exterior is seasoned with a fiery blend of spices, while the meat inside remains juicy and tender. The heat can be intense, but it’s balanced by the crunchiness of the fried coating, making each bite a delightful experience for spice lovers!
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the best Nashville hot chicken recipe in your hands, it’s time to get cooking! This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with crispy, spicy goodness. Gather your friends and family, and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade hot chicken. You’ll be amazed at how rewarding it is to create this Southern classic!