Nashville Hot Chicken is a true culinary institution in the United States, especially in Tennessee. Its secret? An ultra-crispy coating, a spicy glaze that awakens the taste buds, and a touch of sweetness from white bread and pickles. If you love fried chicken with a kick, this recipe is for you!
History of Nashville Hot Chicken
The origin of this dish dates back to the 1930s in Nashville. Legend has it that Thorton Prince, a food lover and notorious ladies’ man, came home late one night. To get back at him, his girlfriend prepared an extremely spicy fried chicken, thinking he wouldn’t be able to eat it. To her surprise, he loved it so much that he opened his own restaurant: Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. Since then, this chicken has become an iconic dish!
Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4)
For the chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs or fillets
- 300 ml buttermilk (or diluted plain yogurt)
- 1 egg
- 200 g flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Frying oil
For the spicy sauce:
- 4 tbsp frying oil (taken after frying the chicken)
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
For serving:
- Slices of white bread
- Pickles
Preparation
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and egg.
- Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
Crispy Coating
- Mix the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in another bowl.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and coat it well with the seasoned flour.
Frying the Chicken
- Heat the oil to 170°C (340°F) in a deep fryer or large pan.
- Fry the chicken for 7 to 10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Spicy Sauce
- Take 4 tbsp of hot frying oil.
- Mix with paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt.
- Generously brush the fried chicken with this spicy sauce.
Serving
- Serve on white bread with pickles for an authentic experience!
Tips and Variations
Spice Level: If you love extra heat, add more cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the amount.
Double Coating: For an even crunchier crust, dip the chicken a second time in flour.
Healthier Version: Bake the chicken at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes, brushing it lightly with oil.
Side Dishes: Serve with ranch dressing, homemade fries, or coleslaw for an even more indulgent meal.
Why Try Nashville Hot Chicken?
Crispy and Tender: Juicy meat inside with an ultra-crispy crust. Spicy and Flavorful: The perfect balance between heat, sweetness, and crunch. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients, you can prepare it at home. A True American Experience: Taste one of the most iconic street foods in the U.S.!
Time to Cook!
Do you love spicy and delicious dishes? Try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments! You can also customize it by adjusting the spices. Enjoy! 