Nashville Hot Chicken

Classic Nashville Hot Fried Chicken

prep

25 Min

cook

15 min

feeds

6

This is a super classic take on the Nashville Hot. The spice rub is perfectly on point bringing a helluva lot of heat while also being insanely balanced. The Ingredients are a little original but they allow the heat to balance itself in your mouth and around your tongue.

What is Nashville hot chicken, and how is it different from regular fried chicken?

Nashville hot chicken is a spicy and crispy fried chicken dish that originated in Nashville, Tennessee. The chicken is typically marinated in a spicy blend of buttermilk and hot sauce before being coated in a flour mixture and deep-fried until crispy. What sets Nashville hot chicken apart from regular fried chicken is the use of a spicy oil or paste made with cayenne pepper, paprika, and other spices that is brushed onto the chicken after frying. The result is a fiery and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy spicy food lovers.

How spicy is Nashville hot chicken, and can I adjust the level of heat?

Nashville hot chicken is known for being very spicy, with heat levels ranging from mild to extra hot. The level of heat can be adjusted by altering the amount of cayenne pepper and other spices used in the hot oil or paste. If you're not a fan of spicy food, you can still enjoy Nashville hot chicken by using less cayenne pepper or using a milder hot sauce in the marinade.

How long should I marinate the chicken for Nashville hot chicken?

The recommended marinating time for Nashville hot chicken is at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade and become more tender and juicy.

Can I make Nashville hot chicken without a deep fryer?

Yes, you can make Nashville hot chicken without a deep fryer by using a large skillet or Dutch oven filled with oil. Heat the oil to 350°F and fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through. It's important to maintain the temperature of the oil while frying to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn't become greasy.

What are some traditional sides and accompaniments for Nashville hot chicken?

Traditional sides and accompaniments for Nashville hot chicken include pickles, white bread, coleslaw, potato salad, and mac and cheese. These dishes help to balance out the spiciness of the chicken and provide a variety of textures and flavors. Additionally, a cold beer or sweet tea is a perfect beverage to enjoy with Nashville hot chicken.

Ingredients

Nashville Hot spice rub

3 tablespoons smoked paprika

3 tablespoons cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon ground yellow mustard

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon ancho chili powder

1 teaspoon guajillo chili powder

1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder

1 teaspoon thyme

1 teaspoon cracked fennel seed

1 teaspoon marjoram

1 teaspoon mexican oregano,

1 teaspoon habanero powder

1 teaspoon ghost pepper powder

All Ingredients

Nashville Hot Spice Rub

6 Boneless skinless chicken thighs

6 eggs, beaten

Buns for the sandwiches. Or glazed donuts

Mayonnaise

Dill pickles

Oil or shortening for frying.

4.5 cups AP flour

Butter for toasting the buns

Instructions

Spice Rub

Step 1

Mix together your spice rub.

Step 2

Once that's finished, mix 1 tablespoon of the rub for every 1.5 cups of flour. For this recipe that will be 4.5 cups of flour and 3 tablespoons of the rub. Set the dredge aside in a bowl.

Chicken

Step 1

Beat up 3 eggs with a small splash of water and set aside in another bowl.

Step 2

Turn your oil on and get the temperature up to 350°F.

Step 3

Toast the buns. If your butter is soft you can spread it directly on the bun and place the bun on the flat top or pan to toast up. If your butter is cold, add it to a warm pan and place the bun on top of the melted butter. Either way works as long as the bun is toasting up.

Step 4

As the buns are toasting, take your untrimmed boneless skinless chicken thighs and place them in the flour dredge, be sure to coat them completely with the flour mixture. Tap off the excess and place the dredged chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it covers the flour completely.

Step 5

Now place the egged chicken into the flour again, re-coating for that extra crispness. Tap off the excess again and place the chicken into the 350°F oil, laying it away from you as to not splash yourself.

Step 6

Allow it to fry for 3-4 minutes until it reaches 165°F internally and remove it and allow it to rest on a rack.

Step 7

Lay out your toasted bun and spread a little mayonnaise over the top and bottom to keep the bun moist and juicy.

Step 8

Place 3-5 pickles on the bottom bun and lay the fried chicken over it.

Step 9

In a new bowl add about 1 tablespoon of the Nashville Hot spice mix, then adding a little at a time ladle about ¼ cup hot frying oil into the bowl of spices and mix it up. Use a basting brush to paint the hot oil over the fried chicken on the bun, allowing it to drip and run over the chicken and bottom bun. Add the top bun and enjoy an amazing chicken sandwich.