Introduction
Discover the rich flavors of Nashville hot chicken, a dish that tantalizes your taste buds with a combination of spicy, tangy, and savory elements. This recipe incorporates a flavorful marinade, a crispy breading, and a spicy sauce that elevates the fried chicken to new heights. Whether you’re preparing for a gathering or just a satisfying meal, this dish is sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Marinade and Chicken:
– 2 cups buttermilk
– ½ cup pickle brine (from a jar of pickles)
– ¼ cup hot sauce
– 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For the Breading:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons ground paprika
– 1½ tablespoons seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s)
– 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 quarts canola oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
– ½ cup reserved frying oil (from frying the chicken)
– ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
– 2 tablespoons ground cayenne pepper
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
Prep Time
1 hour (up to 8 hours for marinating)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating)
Yield: 6 servings
Enjoy crafting this spicy delicacy and delight in the explosion of flavors that Nashville hot chicken brings to your dining table!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, pickle brine, and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 8 hours.
Prepare the Breading:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Bread the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Fry the Chicken:
In a large cast-iron skillet or deep fryer, heat the canola oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), about 6-8 minutes per side. Transfer the fried chicken to a clean wire rack to drain.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the reserved frying oil, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder until well combined.
Coat the Chicken:
Brush the spicy sauce over the fried chicken pieces, ensuring an even coating.
Serve:
Serve the Nashville hot chicken immediately, optionally with slices of white bread and pickles.
Notes
Marination Time:
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for the full 8 hours if possible.
Frying Temperature:
Ensure the oil remains at 350°F (175°C) during frying for optimal results.
Resting Time:
Letting the breaded chicken rest before frying helps the coating adhere better and results in a crunchier texture.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs beautifully with coleslaw and pickles to balance the heat.
Cook Techniques
Marinating
Marinating the chicken in buttermilk, pickle brine, and hot sauce helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Allowing the chicken to soak for at least 1 hour enhances its moisture and taste.
Breading
Creating a breading mixture of flour and spices adds texture and flavor. Dredging the marinated chicken in the flour mixture and allowing it to rest encourages a crispy coating during frying.
Frying
Frying the chicken at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking and a golden crust. Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy chicken.
Making the Sauce
The sauce combines reserved frying oil with butter and spices, creating a rich, spicy coating. Heating the ingredients together helps meld the flavors, resulting in a delightful sauce to brush over the fried chicken.
Coating the Chicken
Brushing the hot sauce over the fried chicken ensures that each piece is evenly coated, enhancing its spiciness and flavor. This final step is key to achieving the signature heat of Nashville hot chicken.
FAQ
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but for best results, refrigerate it for up to 8 hours.
Can I use different cuts of chicken?
Yes, you can use various cuts of chicken, but boneless, skinless breasts and thighs are recommended for optimal texture and flavor.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Canola oil is recommended for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but other frying oils can be utilized as well.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I make the sauce milder?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder in the sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.
How should I store leftover chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Conclusion
The Nashville hot chicken recipe combines the succulent flavors of marinated chicken with a perfectly spiced crispy coating. The addition of a rich and spicy sauce elevates the dish, making it a standout favorite for fried chicken enthusiasts. Enjoy it immediately with classic sides for a true southern experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Chicken Tacos
Use the same marinated chicken, shred it, and serve in corn tortillas with sliced radishes, onions, and a drizzle of lime crema.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
After frying, toss the chicken in buffalo sauce and serve on a toasted bun with coleslaw and pickles.
Chicken and Waffles
Pair the fried chicken with fluffy waffles and drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet and savory brunch dish.
Hot Chicken Salad
Chop the fried chicken and mix with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a spicy ranch dressing for a hearty salad.
Southern-Style Chicken and Rice
Serve the spicy fried chicken over a bed of creamy, seasoned rice for a comforting main dish.
Fried Chicken Biscuit Sliders
Layer the chicken between homemade biscuits with honey and butter for a delicious breakfast or snack option.
