Hot Chicken Recipe

Best Hot Chicken Recipes

Get ready to experience the fiery deliciousness of Nashville-style hot chicken with this easy-to-follow recipe. Prepare to be blown away by the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and crispy flavors, which will transport your taste buds to the heart of Music City.

Whether you’re a fan of the legendary hot chicken from Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack or Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, this homemade version will satisfy your cravings. It will leave you craving more.

Nashville-Style Fried Chicken Perfection

Dive into the sizzling, spicy world of Nashville hot chicken. This dish has won hearts across the nation. It comes from Nashville, Tennessee, and is loved for its crispy, golden fried chicken and cayenne-based sauce.

The flavors mix in a way that’s both fiery and irresistible. You can find it from mildly spicy to extremely hot.

The Origins and Flavors of Nashville Hot Chicken

The tale of Nashville hot chicken goes back nearly 70 years. It was first sold in Nashville’s Black communities. The recipe, perfected at Prince’s Chicken Shack, has become famous.

People come from everywhere to taste its unique spices and bold heat. The secret is in the fried chicken and the special spice mix.

Customizing the Heat: From Mild to Scorching

Nashville hot chicken lets you choose how spicy you want it. You can have it mild or very hot. Just adjust the cayenne pepper in the sauce.

This makes it perfect for everyone. You can enjoy it just the way you like it, no matter your spice level.

“The combination of the crunchy fried chicken and the complex, multilayered spice mixture is what makes this dish so special and craved by many.”

Ingredients for the Crispy Fried Chicken Base

To make the perfect base for Nashville hot chicken, you need bone-in chicken pieces. These include drumsticks, thighs, and breasts. The chicken is brined in a mix of warm pickle juice and sugar. This makes the meat juicy and flavorful during frying.

Bone-in Chicken Pieces and Pickle Juice Brine

The recipe calls for 4 pounds of bone-in chicken pieces. You’ll need breasts, thighs, and drumsticks. To brine the chicken, mix 8 cups of cold water, 2 tablespoons of kosher salt, and 4 tablespoons of sugar. Let the chicken soak in this brine for 60 minutes before frying.

Buttermilk, Flour, Cornstarch, and Seasoning Blend

The breading for the fried chicken is a mix of 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of cornstarch. Add a blend of seasonings like 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of salt. Also, include 1 3/4 cups of water and spices like creole seasoning, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. This double-dredging method makes the chicken crunchy and flavorful.

IngredientQuantity
Bone-in Chicken Pieces4 pounds
Pickle Juice Brine
  • 8 cups cold water
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
Breading Ingredients
  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup cornstarch
  3. 2 teaspoons baking powder
  4. 1 teaspoon salt
  5. 1 3/4 cups water
  6. Creole seasoning, paprika, cayenne, black pepper

The pickle juice brine and seasoned breading make the ultimate base for Nashville-style hot chicken. This crispy, flavorful base is the start of the spicy and delicious final dish.

Hot Chicken Recipe

To make authentic Nashville-style hot chicken, you need a spicy oil mix. This mix is made from the leftover frying oil, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. The cayenne pepper gives it a fiery kick. The brown sugar and spices add a rich, layered flavor.

Cayenne Pepper, Brown Sugar, and Spice Mixture

Start by saving some of the hot frying oil. In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Then, whisk in 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Stir until the spices and sugar mix well and the butter melts.

Combining Spicy Oil with Fried Chicken

After frying your chicken recipe until crispy, put the chicken in a large bowl. Slowly pour the spicy spicy chicken oil over it. Use a basting brush to cover it evenly. This will make the chicken taste amazing, with a cayenne pepper rub on the outside.

Enjoy your hot chicken recipe right away. You can add more spicy oil if you like it hotter. Nashville hot chicken is usually served on soft white bread or a bun. It comes with dill or bread and butter pickles.

Preparation: Brining and Breading

To get your fried chicken just right, start with brining. This step adds moisture and flavor. Soak the chicken in a mix of pickle juice, sugar, and spices for 4 to 24 hours.

The brine has ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of kosher salt. It also has 2 tablespoons of paprika, cayenne, garlic, onion powder, and black pepper. This mix tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor.

Once the chicken is brined, it’s time for the double-dredging technique. Coat it in flour, cornstarch, and spices first. Then, dip it in buttermilk and hot sauce. Finally, coat it in flour again. This makes the chicken crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

double-dredge breading

This recipe makes fried chicken for 6 people. Make sure you have enough breading for everyone. With patience and care, you’ll get Nashville-style fried chicken perfection.

Frying Instructions and Tips

To get the crispy outside and juicy inside of Nashville hot chicken, you need to fry it right. Use 2 to 2 1/2 inches of hot oil, like peanut or vegetable oil, at 350°F. A deep-fry thermometer is key to keep the fried chicken temperature steady.

Fry 3 to 4 pieces at a time for 12-15 minutes, until it hits 170°F-175°F. This fried chicken doneness makes sure the meat is cooked and the outside is crispy. Keep the chicken warm in a 200°F oven while frying the rest.

For the best oil frying tips, keep the oil at 350°F. If it’s too low, the chicken gets greasy. If it’s too high, the outside burns before the inside is done. Watch the oil temperature closely with a thermometer for perfect frying.

Frying ParameterRecommended Value
Oil Depth2 to 2 1/2 inches
Oil Temperature350°F
Frying Time (per batch)12-15 minutes
Internal Temperature (Doneness)170°F-175°F

By following these steps, your Nashville hot chicken will always be crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

Assembling the Nashville Hot Chicken

The final step in making the perfect Nashville hot chicken is adding the spicy oil. After frying the chicken until it’s golden, mix some of the oil with cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and spices. This creates a flavorful, peppery seasoning oil.

Brush or drizzle this oil over the crispy chicken. This ensures each piece is covered in the signature fiery seasoning.

The traditional way to serve Nashville hot chicken is on soft, white sandwich bread. Add crunchy dill pickle slices on top. This classic combo balances the chicken’s heat with the cool, tangy flavors of the bread and pickles.

IngredientQuantity
Fried chicken6 pieces
Spicy chicken oil2 1/2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
White bread slices6 slices
Dill pickle slicesAs needed

To assemble the Nashville hot chicken, place the crispy fried chicken on white bread slices. Drizzle or brush the spicy chicken oil over the top. Make sure to cover evenly.

Serve the hot chicken right away, with dill pickle slices on the side. This way, diners can adjust the heat to their liking and enjoy the mix of flavors.

nashville hot chicken assembly

Customizing Heat Levels and Flavors

This Nashville hot chicken recipe lets you adjust the heat to your liking. You can change the amount of cayenne pepper in the spicy oil. For less heat, use less cayenne and add more smoked paprika and chili powder. For more heat, add more cayenne.

You can also try different spices and seasonings to make the chicken taste unique. Adding brown sugar gives it a sweet-and-spicy flavor. Mixing in herbs and garlic makes it savory.

If you love spicy food, serve the chicken with extra spicy oil. This makes every bite flavorful and spicy. It will make you want more.

Spice LevelCayenne Pepper AdjustmentFlavor Profile
Mild1-2 teaspoonsBalanced with other spices like smoked paprika and chili powder
Medium3-4 teaspoonsModerately spicy with a kick of heat
Extra-Spicy5-6 teaspoonsFiery and sweat-inducing, for the bold and adventurous

This recipe is all about making it your own. Try different spice levels and seasonings. Find the perfect mix of adjusting spice levels and hot chicken heat customization for you.

Complementary Side Dish Suggestions

Pairing Nashville hot chicken with classic Southern side dishes is perfect. Creamy mac and cheese and tangy coleslaw balance the heat. They make for a true Southern dining experience.

Southern Classics to Complement the Hot Chicken

Creamy mac and cheese is a top choice. It’s a cool contrast to the spicy chicken. Tangy coleslaw also cleanses your palate between bites.

Baked beans offer a comforting side. They pair well with the bold flavors of the hot chicken side dishes. Collard greens, with bacon and vinegar, add freshness and balance to the southern fried chicken sides.

For a complete Southern meal, serve the hot chicken with white bread and dill pickle chips. The bread soaks up spicy oil. The tangy pickles refresh your taste buds.

Side DishRatioFrequency
Vegetable Side Dishes15:97 out of 30
Potato Side DishesN/A8 out of 40
Bacon-Included Side DishesN/A4 out of 30
Tomato-Based Side DishesN/A4 out of 30
Pasta-Based Side DishesN/A2 out of 30

Adding these classic hot chicken side dishes and southern fried chicken sides makes a balanced meal. It perfectly complements the bold flavors of Nashville hot chicken.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers of this tasty Nashville hot chicken can be stored for later. Let the fried chicken cool down completely. Then, put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.

To reheat, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Place the pieces on a baking sheet. Brush them with the reserved spicy oil mixture. Cover with foil and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.

This method keeps the outside crispy and the inside juicy and flavorful. It’s the best way to reheat fried chicken.

For longer storage, freeze the storing hot chicken for 2 to 6 months. To reheat frozen chicken, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the same baking instructions.

This helps keep the chicken’s texture and prevents it from drying out. To reheat smaller portions, use the microwave. Add water or chicken broth, cover, and heat at 50% power for a few minutes. Check often to avoid overcooking.

Always use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should be at least 165°F before serving.

FAQ

What are the key ingredients needed to make authentic Nashville-style hot chicken?

To make Nashville hot chicken, you need bone-in chicken pieces, pickle juice, and buttermilk. You also need all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and spices. These include cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt.

How do you brine the chicken for this recipe?

Brine the chicken in warm pickle juice and sugar for at least 1 hour. Or, you can brine it overnight. This step seasons the meat and keeps it juicy.

What technique is used to create the super crispy fried chicken?

For crispy fried chicken, use a double-dredge method. First, coat the chicken in a flour, cornstarch, and seasoning mix. Then, dip it in buttermilk and hot sauce. Finally, coat it in the flour mix again.

How do you make the signature spicy oil mixture for the Nashville hot chicken?

To make the spicy oil, mix reserved frying oil with cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Brush or drizzle this flavorful oil over the fried chicken.

Can you adjust the heat level of the Nashville hot chicken?

Yes, you can adjust the heat. Change the amount of cayenne pepper in the spicy oil to make it mild, medium, or extra-spicy.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Nashville hot chicken?

Serve Nashville hot chicken with creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, hearty baked beans, and fresh collard greens. These sides balance the chicken’s heat.

How do you properly reheat and store any leftover Nashville hot chicken?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, let it come to room temperature. Then, place it on a baking sheet, brush with spicy oil, cover with foil, and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.

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