This recipe for Nashville Hot Chicken is incredibly easy to make. I’m not even going to say that it’s better than Hattie B’s or any other Nashville joint that’s been making it forever, but if you’re looking for a quick way to make it, here’s your recipe. It’s only a handful of ingredients and for the finish – you can kick it up to the heat level that floats your fried chicken boat with extra cayenne. It’s a fast recipe and you can increase or decrease the portions easily below. Make a batch for your next picnic and don’t forget the pickles and white bread to offset the chickens spicy deliciousness.
Nashville Hot Chicken
- Prep Time: 24 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours, 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs with thigh
- 5 tablespoons Nashville Hot Chicken blend, divided
- 1 quart buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- Oil for frying
- Pickles & white bread, for serving
Instructions
- Add the chicken legs, 3 tablespoons Nashville Hot Chicken blend and the quart of buttermilk to a zip top bag. Seal well and massage to combine the mixture. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 6-24 hours.
- In a large dutch oven or frying pan, add a quart of vegetable or canola oil. Bring to 350º F over medium high heat.
- On a plate, add 1 cup flour and 1 tablespoon Nashville Hot Chicken blend and mix with a fork. Try to drain off the buttermilk as much as possible before dredging in the flour mixture. Set on a plate and repeat with each piece of chicken. Repeat the dredge one last time and add to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd and fry the chicken for 18-20 minutes. Remove to a wire rack and continue with the remaining chicken.
- In a medium bowl, add 1 cup frying oil and 1 tablespoon Nashville Hot Chicken blend (plus cayenne to taste if you like it with extra heat), stir to combine. Brush the fried chicken with the oil blend and serve immediately with pickles and white bread.
What is Nashville Hot Chicken?
Origin and history
The fiery kick of Nashville hot chicken didn’t just appear out of thin air. It was the result of one man’s spicy revenge gone deliciously right in the 1930s. Legend has it that Thornton Prince, a reputed womanizer, came home to find his lover less than thrilled with his late-night escapades.
In an act of culinary retaliation, she served up a fried chicken breakfast drenched with enough hot pepper to set anyone’s mouth ablaze. But her plan backfired; instead of wincing in agony, Prince savored every bite and saw potential in this tongue-tingling treat.
Prince perfected the fried chicken recipe, turning up the heat with cayenne pepper and other spices until he created what many consider being today’s best Nashville hot chicken. His clever combination soon became a sensation.
The daring dish gained fame far beyond Tennessee borders as more chefs tried their hand at recreating that iconic blend of frying chicken coated in a spice-laden flour mixture and finished with a sizzling sauce that leaves taste buds dancing.
Now seen as a cultural staple, this red-hot delicacy keeps food enthusiasts flocking to Nashville for an authentic taste of spicy perfection.
Key components of the dish
To create the iconic taste of Nashville hot chicken, you’ll blend spices like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder into a fiery paste. This spicy sauce gets its kick from generous amounts of cayenne and additional heat from chili powder.
Brushing this mixture onto golden-brown fried chicken infuses it with that signature Nashville flavor.
In preparing the chicken breading, mix flour with a touch of brown sugar for a hint of sweetness to balance the spice. Soak your chicken pieces in buttermilk and hot sauce before coating them; this step ensures they stay juicy while frying in hot vegetable oil.
After reaching a crispy perfection on a baking sheet or skillet, slather each piece with the spicy sauce for an unforgettable punch of heat and flavor.
Famous locations for hot chicken in Nashville
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken stands tall as a Nashville legend, drawing crowds with its secret blend of spices and varying heat levels. Diners line up to taste the golden brown crust that encases tender chicken breasts, slathered in that famous spicy oil.
Another must-visit spot is Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, where the whole hot chicken craze supposedly began. This iconic eatery has been serving up fiery fried chicken pieces for decades, leaving taste buds tingling and customers coming back for more.
Pepperfire takes innovation a step further by offering their unique take on the hot chicken sandwich – a cheesy wonder paired perfectly with onion powder-kissed fries. Meanwhile, Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish blends traditions by marrying flavorsome fish options with their renowned mouthwatering hot chicken recipe.
One bite into any of these Nashville institutions’ offerings and you’ll understand why people can’t get enough of this intensely flavored delight!
Variations and Additions
For a healthier option, consider using skinless chicken pieces to reduce the fat content. You can also opt for an air fryer instead of deep frying the chicken to cut down on calories.
Experiment with different spice blends or hot sauces to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.
To add a flavorful kick, marinate the chicken in a buttermilk mixture infused with additional spices such as paprika and garlic powder before breading and frying. For an extra crunch, mix in some panko breadcrumbs into the flour coating for the chicken pieces.
How to Store and Reheat Nashville Hot Chicken
Storage tips
Store any remaining chicken pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, wrap the chicken tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the container to help retain its moisture.
When reheating, ensure that the chicken is thoroughly heated, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F to enjoy it safely.
To keep fried chicken at its best, let it cool for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating and consume within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and quality. If freezing, use a freezer-safe container within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating instructions
To reheat Nashville hot chicken, place it on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee that it’s thoroughly heated.
Avoid using the microwave as it may make the chicken soggy. Once heated, enjoy the spicy, crispy goodness of this iconic dish.
After refrigerating leftover Nashville hot chicken, follow these simple reheating instructions to ensure that each bite is just as delicious as when it first came out of the fryer.
Shelf life
The shelf life of Nashville hot chicken is typically 3 to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness, place the leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
When properly stored, the spicy, crispy chicken will retain its flavor and texture for a few days. It’s important to note that the longer the chicken sits in the fridge, the quality may deteriorate slightly and become less crispy upon reheating.
After cooking this fiery fried delicacy, it’s recommended to consume it within a few days to enjoy its full flavor and texture. If you can’t finish it within that time frame, consider freezing portions for later enjoyment.
FAQs
1. What is Nashville Hot Chicken?
Nashville Hot Chicken is a type of fried chicken that’s famous for its spicy, crispy coating and it originates from Nashville, Tennessee.
2. What do I need to make Nashville Hot Chicken at home?
To make this dish at home, you’ll need ingredients like chicken pieces, flour for breading, spices for heat, and oil for frying to get that classic taste and crispiness.
3. How spicy is the recipe for Nashville Hot Chicken?
The spiciness can vary; you can adjust how much heat you want by changing the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce in your recipe.
4. Can I still enjoy Nashville Hot Chicken if I don’t like it too spicy?
Absolutely! Just use less of the spicy ingredients to make a milder version that’s just as tasty but not as fiery.
