Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe

Craving some fiery, flavorful Nashville hot chicken? This recipe brings the iconic taste of Music City right to your kitchen! Perfectly crispy, spicy, and full of flavor, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients for Nashville Hot Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs of chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Oil for frying (peanut or vegetable oil)

For the Hot Glaze:

• ½ cup melted butter
• 3 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt

For Serving:

• Sliced white bread
• Pickle chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Marinate: Combine buttermilk and egg in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge (overnight for maximum flavor).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Pro Tip: Adding a few tablespoons of the buttermilk marinade to the flour mixture creates a flaky, crispy coating.

2. Coat the Chicken

• Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
• Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even crust.

3. Fry the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: In a large, heavy skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oil is hot enough for a crisp crust but not too hot to burn the chicken.
2. Fry: Cook chicken in batches, ensuring pieces are not crowded. Fry for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Place cooked chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time.

4. Make the Hot Glaze

1. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
2. While the chicken is still hot, generously brush or drizzle the glaze over each piece.

Pro Tip: Adjust the cayenne pepper in the glaze for your preferred level of heat. Start with less and increase gradually.

5. Assemble and Serve

• Place slices of white bread on a plate. Top with the hot chicken and garnish with pickle chips. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on pieces work best for authentic flavor and juiciness.
• Temperature Matters: Maintain the frying oil temperature to avoid soggy or burnt chicken.
• Pair it Right: Serve with coleslaw or potato salad to balance the heat.

Conclusion

This Nashville hot chicken recipe is a must-try for spice lovers. With its crispy coating, fiery glaze, and juicy interior, it’s an unforgettable dish that captures the essence of Southern comfort food. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch it disappear in minutes!