Authentic Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe
Master the art of making Nashville's signature dish at home with this traditional recipe.
This authentic Nashville hot chicken recipe brings the legendary heat and flavor of Music City right to your kitchen. Developed from traditional techniques passed down through generations of Nashville hot chicken masters, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of crispy coating and fiery spice that made Nashville famous.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- •4 bone-in chicken thighs (or 8 chicken tenders)
- •2 cups buttermilk
- •2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)
- •1 tablespoon salt
For the Coating:
- •2 cups all-purpose flour
- •1 tablespoon salt
- •1 tablespoon black pepper
- •1 teaspoon garlic powder
- •1 teaspoon onion powder
- •1 teaspoon paprika
For the Nashville Hot Oil:
- •1/2 cup vegetable oil (from frying)
- •1/2 cup cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- •2 tablespoons brown sugar
- •1 teaspoon paprika
- •1 teaspoon garlic powder
- •1 teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- •White bread slices
- •Dill pickle chips
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, and salt. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken.
Prepare the Coating
In a large shallow dish, whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices.
Heat the Oil
Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature for even cooking.
Coat the Chicken
Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure coating adheres well.
Fry the Chicken
Carefully place chicken in hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make the Hot Oil
While chicken is frying, combine cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Once chicken is done, carefully ladle 1/2 cup of hot frying oil into the spice mixture and whisk until smooth.
Apply the Heat
Place fried chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Immediately brush the hot oil mixture generously over all surfaces of the chicken while it's still hot. The oil should sizzle when it hits the chicken.
Serve Immediately
Serve hot chicken immediately on white bread with dill pickle chips. The traditional Nashville way is to let the spicy oil soak into the bread for the full experience.
Heat Level Guide
Pro Tips
- •Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F
- •Don't skip the overnight marination for best flavor
- •Apply hot oil immediately while chicken is hot
- •Use white bread to soak up the spicy oil
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Variations
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Use chicken tenderloins instead of thighs for a quicker cooking option. Reduce frying time to 8-10 minutes.
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Serve on a brioche bun with coleslaw and pickles for the classic Nashville hot chicken sandwich experience.
Oven-Baked Version
For a healthier option, bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, then brush with hot oil mixture.
Nashville Hot Cauliflower
Vegetarian version using cauliflower florets with the same coating and hot oil treatment.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Nashville hot chicken without buttermilk?
While buttermilk is traditional and provides the best flavor and tenderness, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup.
How do I store leftover Nashville hot chicken?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. The spice level may intensify after storage.
What oil is best for frying Nashville hot chicken?
Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil work best due to their high smoke points. Avoid olive oil as it can burn at the high temperatures needed for frying.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Start with less cayenne pepper and gradually increase to your preferred heat level. You can always add more, but you can't take it away once applied.
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