Welcome to the world of KFC Nashville Hot Chicken, where spicy fried chicken reigns supreme! Let’s embark on a culinary adventure to recreate this iconic dish right in your own kitchen. And if you find you’re a fan of this recipe, be sure to check out my recipe for Broaster chicken as well.
The Roots of Nashville Hot Chicken
Our journey begins in the United States, where Nashville Hot Chicken has its roots. With origins at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, this dish has since taken the world by storm. The recipe’s popularity has skyrocketed, with famous establishments like Hattie B’s Hot Chicken making their own versions.
Spicing Up Your Life
If you’re a fan of spicy food, this KFC Nashville Hot Chicken recipe is perfect for you. The spicy kick comes from a blend of chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. For those who can handle the heat, don’t worry – we’ll discuss how to adjust the heat level to your liking.
The Perfect Chicken Pieces
Choosing the right chicken pieces is essential. Whether you prefer chicken breasts or hot tenders, this recipe has you covered. Make sure you have the right pieces of chicken ready for frying, and let’s get started!
The Air Fryer vs. Deep Fryer Debate
Frying oil can make or break your chicken. Peanut oil is the ideal choice, but vegetable oil works too. Deep frying is traditional, but for a healthier alternative, try an air fryer. An air fryer can be a great alternative for cooking meat, whether it be chicken, burgers, or even pork ribs. Either way, you’ll achieve that irresistible golden brown exterior.
The Art of Dredging
The secret to the perfect crust is in the dredging. First, prepare a dry mixture with flour, brown sugar, and spices. Then, dip the chicken pieces into a buttermilk mixture before coating them in the dry mixture. This will help create a crunchy, flavorful coating.
Frying to Perfection
Whether you’re using a deep fryer or an air fryer, it’s crucial to reach the right internal temperature. Cook the chicken on medium-high heat until it reaches 165°F (74°C), then transfer it to a wire rack to drain.
Creating the Spicy Sauce
The spicy sauce is the heart of this KFC Nashville Hot Chicken recipe. Combine chili sauce, pickle juice, and a generous amount of cayenne pepper to make a spicy oil that will elevate your chicken to new heights.
Assembling Your KFC Nashville Hot Chicken
Finally, it’s time to put it all together! Place the cooked chicken on a slice (or two) of Texas toast, drizzle it with the spicy oil, and serve it with potato salad, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw. Enjoy your very own KFC Nashville Hot Chicken masterpiece!
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to maintain that crispy, delicious crust.
Adjusting the Heat Level
You can easily adjust the heat level in this Nashville Hot Chicken recipe by altering the amount of cayenne pepper in the spicy sauce. Whether you prefer a little bit of heat or a full-on spicy experience, this recipe has got you covered.
Trying It for the First Time
If this is your first time making KFC Nashville Hot Chicken, prepare to be amazed. This great recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, rivaling even KFC’s version of the dish. And for dessert, why not try some delicious coconut fudge! So gather your ingredients, heat up that frying oil, and get ready to create some spicy magic in your kitchen!
KFC Nashville Hot Chicken
If you love spicy fried chicken, you'll want to try this KFC Nashville Hot Chicken recipe! The juicy chicken pieces are coated in a delicious blend of spices and fried until crispy, then tossed in a spicy seasoning for extra heat.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (thighs, legs, and/or wings)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/4 cup cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk mixture, then coat in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken to the skillet and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes per side.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and sprinkle with the spice mixture. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 752Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 354mgSodium: 1715mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 3gSugar: 7gProtein: 84g