Print

Nashville Hot Chicken

Nashville Hot Chicken
Print Recipe

Nashville Hot Chicken is a Southern classic that combines fiery spices with crispy, juicy fried chicken. Marinated in buttermilk and coated with a seasoned flour mixture, the chicken is fried to golden perfection and drenched in a spicy oil blend featuring cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. This bold and flavorful dish offers a perfect balance of heat, crunch, and comfort, making it a must-try for spice lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks), about 3-4 lbs
  • 2 cups buttermilk

Flour and Coating

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (set aside some for the oil)

Hot Oil Mixture

  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Frying Oil and Garnishes

  • Vegetable or peanut oil for frying (enough for deep frying)
  • Pickles for serving

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This tenderizes the meat and creates a sticky surface for the coating.
  2. Prepare the Spicy Flour Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and most of the cayenne pepper (reserve some for the oil). Mix thoroughly to ensure an even seasoning.
  3. Coat and Fry the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Thoroughly dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Make the Nashville Hot Oil: While frying, mix melted butter with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Adjust cayenne pepper based on your desired heat level to create the signature spicy oil.
  5. Drench and Serve: Use a brush or spoon to liberally coat the hot fried chicken with the spicy oil, ensuring every piece glows with flavor. Serve immediately with pickles and your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for juicier results.
  • Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 360°F for crispy, non-greasy chicken.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper gradually to control spiciness.
  • Double coat the chicken by dipping back into buttermilk and flour for extra crispiness.
  • Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack to keep the crust crunchy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville Hot Chicken, spicy fried chicken, Southern fried chicken, hot chicken recipe, gluten-free fried chicken, spicy chicken wings

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/nashville-hot-chicken/