Nashville hot chicken is a spicy fried chicken dish that originated in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a local specialty that has gained popularity across the country in recent years. The dish is characterized by chicken pieces that are fried then coated in a cayenne pepper-infused oil sauce, making the exterior crispy and extremely spicy while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside. The combination of flavors and textures is what makes Nashville hot chicken unique. While the exact origins are disputed, most accounts credit the creation of Nashville hot chicken to the Thornton Prince family back in the 1930s. Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that go into this fiery Southern specialty.
The Fried Chicken
At the heart of Nashville hot chicken is, of course, fried chicken. To make it, chicken pieces are soaked in buttermilk then dredged in a spiced flour mixture before being fried in oil until crispy on the outside. The buttermilk helps the flour adhere evenly to the chicken while also tenderizing the meat. The flour brings crunch and additional seasoning. As for the spice blend, most recipes call for a mixture of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and other dried herbs and spices. The chicken is generally fried in a cast iron skillet or deep fryer with peanut oil or lard to achieve maximum crispness.
While any cut of chicken can be used, boneless chicken breasts and thighs are most common since they remain juicy when fried. The chicken is usually marinated ahead of time then fried to order so that it achieves an ideal golden brown exterior while the interior stays succulent and fully cooked. Frying the chicken properly is essential for Nashville hot chicken, as it provides the base texture and flavor that the spicy sauce clings to.
The Spicy Cayenne Sauce
The feature that gives Nashville hot chicken its signature heat is the cayenne pepper sauce poured over the fried chicken pieces immediately after coming out of the oil. This thin sauce permeates the crunchy exterior coating of the chicken while also providing intense spicy flavor. Recipes vary, but the basic ingredients in a Nashville hot sauce are:
- Cayenne pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- White pepper
- Brown sugar or honey
- Oil (lard, peanut oil, etc.)
The cayenne pepper obviously provides the spicy kick, while the additional seasonings add complexity. The sweetness from the brown sugar or honey balances out the heat. Oil is used to thin out the sauce so it can evenly coat the chicken pieces.
The sauce is mixed together then heated in a pan until the flavors marry. Some recipes call for bringing the sauce to a simmer briefly to intensify the flavors. The hot sauce is then poured, brushed, or tossed with the freshly fried chicken pieces, allowing the chicken to soak up the spicy coating. The amount of cayenne pepper can be adjusted to make the sauce mild or extra spicy. But traditionally, the Nashville hot sauce brings serious heat that hits instantly but doesn’t completely overwhelm the other flavors.
Serving Recommendations
While the spiced fried chicken and hot sauce are the two key components that make Nashville hot chicken stand out, there are some customary sides and toppings that complete the experience:
- Pickles – A few tangy dill pickle chips are usually served on the side to help cut through the intense spiciness.
- White Bread – Thick slices of cheap white bread can be used to make small sandwiches with the chicken to manage the heat.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing – Offering a creamy, cooling dipping sauce is customary.
- Cole Slaw – Crisp, vinegar-based coleslaw provides crunch and acidity to balance the rich fried chicken.
Nashville hot chicken is not for the faint of heart. It’s meant to be tongue-searingly spicy. That’s why pickles, bread, creamy dressings, and slaw are served to provide relief in between bites. The chicken can also be ordered at varying heat levels to accommodate different spice tolerances. Mild, medium, hot, and extra hot are typical options. Overall, the combination of juicy fried chicken, addictive cayenne sauce, and cooling sides is what makes for a perfect Nashville hot chicken experience.
Hot Chicken Restaurants in Nashville
While Nashville hot chicken has expanded far beyond its namesake city, visiting one of the iconic local restaurants is a must for hardcore fans. Here are some of the most popular spots in Nashville to experience the original hot chicken:
| Restaurant | Description |
|---|---|
| Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack | Legendary joint credited with inventing the dish back in the 1930s. Expect long lines. |
| Hattie B’s | Trendy hot chicken chain with multiple locations. Features Southern sides and desserts. |
| Party Fowl | Hip hot chicken outpost with creative seasonings and sauces. |
| Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish | East Nashville favorite known for its extra hot chicken and sides like okra. |
From roadside dive to upscale eatery, Nashville offers diverse spots to experience the city’s signature dish. Most restaurants also offer chicken tenders, sandwiches, wings, and chicken and waffles featuring the fiery hot coating.
Make Your Own Nashville Hot Chicken
If you can’t make it to Nashville, you can recreate the magic of hot chicken in your own kitchen. Here is a basic recipe and instructions for making your own batch of this iconic dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Peanut or vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup lard or oil
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Add chicken pieces to a large bowl. Cover with buttermilk and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in flour mixture until fully coated. Return to buttermilk, then back into the flour mixture for a second coating.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 325°F. Fry chicken pieces for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway.
- Make the sauce by combining lard or oil, brown sugar, cayenne, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until bubbling. Remove from heat.
- When chicken is done frying, take each piece and either toss in sauce or brush sauce generously over all sides.
- Serve hot chicken on a platter with slices of white bread and dill pickles.
Adjust the cayenne pepper amounts in both the flour and the sauce to make the chicken as mild or spicy as you prefer. Reheat any leftover sauce to drizzle on top. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Conclusion
With its incredible crunch, subtle seasoning, and addictive heat, Nashville hot chicken has become a culinary icon. Frying chicken pieces then smothering them in a slick of red-hot cayenne sauce makes for an indulgent, fiery flavor experience that keeps fans coming back for more, even with the intense spiciness. The complex blend of juicy fried chicken, peppery spice, and cool, creamy sides has allowed Nashville hot chicken to gain global recognition as a distinctive Southern dish. While visiting hot chicken shacks in Nashville is a must for hardcore enthusiasts, the dish can be enjoyed anywhere by following a simple recipe for the two key components – the spiced fried chicken and the lip-burning cayenne sauce.