The first time I had Nashville hot fried chicken, I wasn’t prepared for how spicy it would be. I thought I could handle the heat—I’d had plenty of spicy foods before—but this was something different. It was fiery, yes, but also packed with flavor. The crispy fried chicken, drenched in a spicy, slightly sweet, and smoky glaze, was unlike anything I’d ever had. After that first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it at home.
I’ll be honest, my first few attempts were not great. Either the coating wasn’t crispy enough, or the spice level was way off. But after some trial and error, I found the right balance. Now, this Nashville hot-fried chicken recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It’s crispy, spicy, and full of bold flavors, just like the kind you’d get in Nashville. If you love fried chicken with a kick, this recipe is for you.
Servings | Total |
6 | 35mins |
Where Did You Learn This Recipe?
Like most of my favorite recipes, this one started as a mix of research, restaurant inspiration, and good old-fashioned experimenting. I first had Nashville hot chicken at a small Southern-style restaurant, and I immediately knew I wanted to recreate it.
I started reading about the history of the dish and watching videos of chefs making it in Nashville. After trying a few different spice blends and cooking methods, I finally landed on a version that had the perfect balance of crispy coating, juicy chicken, and that signature spicy oil that gives it its heat.
Why Nashville Hot Fried Chicken?
If you’re wondering why Nashville hot fried chicken is so popular, the answer is simple: it’s the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and flavorful. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Crispy Coating: The double dredging method ensures a perfectly crunchy exterior.
- Juicy Chicken: The buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken tender and flavorful.
- Spicy and Smoky: The signature hot oil adds the perfect amount of heat without overpowering the chicken.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish always impresses.
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What Is Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Made Of?
Nashville hot chicken has three key components:
- The Chicken: Traditionally bone-in, but boneless works too.
- The Crispy Coating: A seasoned flour mixture and buttermilk marinade.
- The Spicy Oil: A mix of cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and other spices blended with hot frying oil.
What to Have with Nashville Hot Fried Chicken
Nashville hot fried chicken is bold and spicy, so it pairs well with simple, cooling sides. Here are some of my favorites:
- White Bread: The classic way to serve it—soak up the extra spicy oil.
- Pickles: The tangy crunch helps balance the heat.
- Coleslaw: A creamy slaw cools things down.
- Mac and Cheese: The richness helps offset the spice.
- Mashed Potatoes: Another great way to balance the heat.
Is Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Healthy?
Let’s be real—this is an indulgent dish. It’s deep-fried and coated in spicy oil, so it’s not something you’d eat every day. However, you can make it slightly lighter by air frying the chicken or using skinless pieces.
Kitchen Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A deep frying pan or Dutch oven
- A thermometer for oil temperature
- Mixing bowls
- A wire rack for draining the chicken
- Tongs for handling the chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Breading:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Frying:
- Vegetable or peanut oil (enough for frying)
For the Spicy Oil:
- ½ cup frying oil (reserved from the pan)
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
For Serving:
- Sliced white bread
- Pickle slices
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Directions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken.
- Dip the chicken back into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture again for a second coating.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
- Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil.
- Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack to drain.
Step 6: Make the Spicy Oil
- In a small bowl, mix cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Carefully whisk in ½ cup of the hot frying oil until combined.
Step 7: Coat the Chicken
- Using a brush or spoon, coat each piece of fried chicken with the spicy oil mixture.
Step 8: Serve
- Serve the chicken on slices of white bread with pickles on top. Enjoy!
Tips
- Double Coating: Dipping the chicken in the buttermilk and flour twice creates an extra crispy crust.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the breaded chicken sit for 10 minutes before frying helps the coating stick.
- Keep the Oil Temperature Steady: If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Too cool, and the chicken will be greasy.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer milder heat, reduce the cayenne in the spicy oil.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts work well. Just reduce the frying time slightly.
How spicy is Nashville hot chicken?
It’s pretty spicy! You can adjust the heat by using less cayenne in the spice blend and hot oil.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
Nashville hot fried chicken is crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor. It’s a dish that brings a little heat and a lot of satisfaction. Whether you’re making it for a weekend treat or a special dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out, and don’t forget the pickles!
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Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- A deep frying pan or Dutch oven
- A thermometer for oil temperature
- Mixing bowls
- A wire rack for draining the chicken
- Tongs for handling the chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable or peanut oil (enough for frying)
- ½ cup frying oil (reserved from the pan)
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Sliced white bread
- Pickle slices
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor).
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken.
- Dip the chicken back into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture again for a second coating.
- In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil.
- Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack to drain.
- In a small bowl, mix cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Carefully whisk in ½ cup of the hot frying oil until combined.
- Using a brush or spoon, coat each piece of fried chicken with the spicy oil mixture.
- Serve the chicken on slices of white bread with pickles on top. Enjoy!