Name: Nashville Hot Fried Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: Bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks, wings, breasts, etc.); Vegetable or peanut oil for frying; Buttermilk; Spices: paprika, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and more; Eggs and hot sauce for the egg wash; All-purpose flour; Baking powder for extra crunch; Homemade Nashville hot chicken sauce (butter, cayenne, and more)

Nashville Hot Fried Chicken is a fiery, crispy fried chicken coated with a spicy cayenne pepper glaze that packs a punch. This recipe delivers the bold flavors of the iconic Southern dish, ensuring each bite is crispy, tender, and irresistibly spicy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful: The chicken is marinated in a spiced buttermilk, coated with a seasoned breading, and drenched in a tangy hot sauce, ensuring bold flavors with every bite.
Crispy Perfection: Thanks to baking powder and double dredging, the chicken’s exterior comes out extra crispy, while staying juicy inside.
Customizable Spice: You can control the heat level, adjusting the cayenne pepper for a mild or extra spicy experience.
Easy-to-Follow: The step-by-step instructions make it easy for home cooks of any skill level to achieve restaurant-quality fried chicken at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks, wings, breasts, etc.)
Vegetable or peanut oil for frying
Buttermilk
Spices: paprika, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and more
Eggs and hot sauce for the egg wash
All-purpose flour
Baking powder for extra crunch
Homemade Nashville hot chicken sauce (butter, cayenne, and more)

Directions

Marinate Chicken: Combine buttermilk and spices to create the marinade. Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
Prepare Breading: In a bowl, mix flour, spices, and baking powder. Dip chicken pieces in the spicy egg wash, then dredge in the flour mixture.
Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 15-18 minutes.
Make Hot Sauce: While the chicken fries, prepare the spicy hot sauce using butter, cayenne pepper, and additional spices.
Coat Chicken: Once fried, brush the hot sauce generously over the chicken.
Serve: Enjoy hot with pickles and white bread, as traditionally served in Nashville.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding marinating time)

Variations

Milder Version: Reduce the cayenne pepper and hot sauce for a less spicy version.
Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Vegetarian Option: Try the hot sauce on fried cauliflower or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the fried chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for crispy results.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the hot sauce for extra heat.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust cooking time to ensure it cooks through.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Baking is an option but may not achieve the same crispy texture. You can bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes.

How can I make the chicken crispier?

Double dredging in flour and using baking powder in the coating ensures extra crunch.

Can I make the hot sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the hot sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

What type of oil should I use for frying?

Vegetable or peanut oil works best because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Is Nashville Hot Chicken gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by substituting the flour with gluten-free flour.

What should I serve with Nashville Hot Chicken?

Serve with pickles, white bread, or coleslaw for a traditional experience.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, wings, or thighs depending on your preference.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade and hot sauce to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Nashville Hot Fried Chicken is a fiery, flavorful dish that combines crispy, juicy chicken with a perfectly spicy glaze. Whether you’re craving heat or just looking for a Southern comfort meal with a twist, this recipe delivers it all.