Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe: Spicy, Crispy & Irresistibly Delicious

If you love bold flavors and fiery heat, Nashville Hot Chicken is a must-try dish. This iconic Southern recipe delivers ultra-crispy fried chicken coated in a spicy, sweet, and smoky glaze that’ll leave your taste buds buzzing. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll break down how to make authentic Nashville Hot Chicken at home—plus tips for adjusting the heat level to your preference.

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What Is Nashville Hot Chicken?

Nashville Hot Chicken is a Tennessee specialty known for its crispy fried chicken drenched in a cayenne-infused glaze. Traditionally served on white bread with pickles, this dish balances heat, sweetness, and crunch perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Extra crispy double-fried chicken
✔ Customizable spice level (mild to extra hot)
✔ Authentic Southern flavor with pantry staples
✔ Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or salads

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Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)

For the Nashville Hot Glaze:

• ¼ cup cayenne pepper (reduce for milder heat)

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ cup hot frying oil (from the chicken)

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Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours (or overnight for extra tenderness).

Step 2: Prepare the Dredge

2. Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

3. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or Dutch oven.

5. Fry chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

6. Drain on a wire rack (keep ½ cup of hot oil for the glaze).

Step 4: Make the Spicy Glaze

7. In a bowl, mix cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder.

8. Pour in the hot frying oil and stir into a paste.

9. Brush generously over the fried chicken.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

10. Place on white bread with pickles (classic style) or in a sandwich with slaw.

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Tips for the Best Nashville Hot Chicken

🔥 Adjust the heat – Use less cayenne for mild or add extra for “XXX Hot.”
🍗 Keep it crispy – Double-fry for extra crunch (fry once, rest, then fry again).
🥛 Balance the heat – Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or honey for cooling contrast.

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Serving Suggestions

• Classic Style: White bread + pickles

• Sandwich: Brioche bun + coleslaw

• Tacos: Flour tortillas + avocado crema

• Salad: Chopped on greens with ranch

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Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?

Absolutely! This Nashville Hot Chicken recipe delivers maximum flavor with a fiery kick. Whether you like it mild or mouth-numbingly hot, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

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Ready to spice up your dinner? Try this Nashville Hot Chicken tonight! 🔥🍗