Experience the bold and fiery flavors of Nashville Hot Chicken with this authentic recipe that brings together crispy fried chicken coated in a spicy and flavorful cayenne-based sauce. Originating in Nashville, Tennessee, this dish is a true Southern classic that packs a punch. Follow these step-by-step directions to create your own finger-licking Nashville Hot Chicken at home.
How Long Does It Take to Make Nashville Hot Chicken at Home?
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Serves: 4
Nashville Hot Chicken Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (such as thighs and drumsticks)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Hot Chicken Sauce:
- 1/4 cup cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For Serving:
- Sliced white bread or soft rolls
- Pickles
How To Make Nashville Hot Chicken
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to make the marinade.
- Place the chicken pieces in a zip-top bag or a bowl, and pour the buttermilk marinade over them.
- Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
- Preheat the Oil:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Prepare the Dredging Station:
- In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to make the dredging mixture.
- Dredge and Fry the Chicken:
- Remove a piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Carefully place the coated chicken in the preheated oil, skin-side down.
- Fry for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked.
- Drain and Rest:
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes.
- Prepare the Hot Chicken Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan until hot but not smoking.
- Carefully pour the hot oil over the spice mixture and whisk until well combined. Be prepared for a burst of aroma.
- Coat the Chicken with Hot Sauce:
- Using a basting brush, generously coat each piece of fried chicken with the prepared hot chicken sauce. Ensure an even coating for that signature Nashville heat.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Nashville Hot Chicken on slices of white bread or soft rolls.
- Add pickles on top to balance the heat with a touch of tanginess.
Experience the fiery, savory delight of Authentic Nashville Hot Chicken right in your own kitchen. The crispy fried chicken slathered in the spicy and flavorful hot sauce is a true Southern comfort food experience that's sure to leave you craving for more. Pair it with a Spicy Margarita for extra kick, or adapt the recipe for your next upland harvest and enjoy Nashville Hot pheasant or grouse.