This Nashville Chicken Thigh recipe takes crispy, juicy chicken thighs to a whole new level. Coated in a flavorful spice blend, smothered in a fiery hot sauce, and fried to golden perfection, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
A little bit about this recipe…
This Nashville Hot Chicken recipe is a firecracker waiting to happen! It’s the perfect option for those who crave a crispy, juicy chicken thigh kicked up a notch with a fiery hot sauce coating. This recipe takes inspiration from the legendary hot chicken joints of Nashville, Tennessee, and brings that bold flavor right to your kitchen.
The key to this recipe lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors. We start with a buttermilk marinade that infuses the chicken with tenderness and flavor. Then comes the crispy, golden-brown fried coating that seals in all those juices. But the real star of the show is the fiery hot sauce. This spicy concoction is what truly sets Nashville Hot Chicken apart. A blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, and other spices creates a sauce that’s both lip-smackingly delicious and mouthwateringly hot.
This Nashville Hot Chicken recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds. It’s perfect for a game day spread, a backyard barbecue, or a satisfying weeknight meal. So crank up the heat, grab your favorite dipping sauce, and get ready to experience the flavor explosion that is Nashville Hot Chicken!
Ingredients Used
This Nashville Hot Chicken recipe is all about creating layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they play a vital role:
The Buttermilk Marinade:
Buttermilk: The magic ingredient in our marinade! Buttermilk’s acidity helps to tenderize the chicken thighs, ensuring they stay juicy and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
Salt: Salt draws out the natural flavors of the chicken while also enhancing the overall taste of the marinade.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder in the marinade, helping the seasoned buttermilk cling to the chicken for maximum flavor absorption.
The Crispy Coating:
Flour & Cornstarch: This combination creates a light and airy yet crispy crust. The flour provides structure, while the cornstarch helps achieve that satisfying crunch.
Thyme: Aromatic thyme adds a subtle herbal note that complements the other spices beautifully.
Salt & Pepper: These essential ingredients round out the entire flavor profile, enhancing all the other components in the coating.
Cayenne Pepper: The star of the spice show, cayenne pepper delivers the fiery kick that defines Nashville Hot Chicken. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These add savory depth and complexity to the spice blend.
Celery Salt & Dried Mustard: These offer subtle hints of celery and a touch of tang, rounding out the flavor profile.
Smoked Paprika: A touch of smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, reminiscent of grilled or barbecued flavors.
Substitutions/Alterations
For the Buttermilk Marinade:
No Buttermilk? No Problem! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a buttermilk substitute by combining 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the milk to curdle slightly.
Spice it Up! For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano can be added to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
For the Crispy Coating:
Gluten-Free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Heat Control: Not a huge spice fan? Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice blend to your desired level of heat.
Flavor Variations: Want to experiment with different flavors? Try adding a teaspoon of ground cumin or a pinch of chipotle chili powder to the spice blend.
Panko Power: For an extra-crispy crust, substitute half of the flour with panko breadcrumbs.
For the Hot Sauce:
Homemade Hot Sauce: Feeling adventurous? Try making your own hot sauce! I will include how I make my hot sauce in the recipe in the recipe.
Spice Level Adjustments: If the homemade hot sauce is too spicy, you can thin it out with some ketchup or honey.
Sweet Heat: For a sweet and spicy twist, add a spoonful of brown sugar or honey to the hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Classic Nashville Style: Serve your Nashville Hot Chicken on a toasted brioche bun with creamy coleslaw and pickles for a truly authentic experience.
Bun-less Option: Enjoy your Nashville Hot Chicken on its own or with a side of your favorite dipping sauce like ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing.
Salad Topper: Shred or chop leftover Nashville Hot Chicken and add it to a salad for a protein-packed and flavorful lunch.
Perfect Pairings
Nashville Hot Chicken brings the heat, but it doesn’t have to be a solitary fiery experience! Here are some perfect pairings to complement the bold flavors:
Cooling Sides:
- Creamy Coleslaw: A classic Nashville Hot Chicken companion, creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the heat with its coolness and tangy sweetness.
- Pickles: Tangy pickles help to cut through the richness of the fried chicken and the spice of the hot sauce.
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese provides a comforting and satisfying side dish that can help to tame the heat.
- Potato Salad: A classic potato salad is another great option to balance the spice and add a creamy counterpoint.
Starchy Sides:
- French Fries: Crisp and salty French Fries are a classic pairing for any fried chicken, and they’re no exception with Nashville Hot Chicken. The fries provide a satisfying textural contrast and a neutral flavor that balances the heat.
- Potato Wedges: Wedge-shaped potato slices offer a thicker, more substantial option compared to fries. Seasoned and roasted to crispy perfection, they’re a delicious way to soak up some of the hot sauce.
- Tornado Potatoes: These fun and unique spiral-cut potatoes add a playful element to your meal. Fried until golden brown and crispy, they offer a delightful textural experience and a great vehicle for the hot sauce. For my recipe click here!
Dipping Sauces:
- Ranch Dressing: The cool, creamy texture of ranch dressing is a popular choice for those who need a break from the heat.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Tangy and creamy blue cheese dressing adds a richness and complexity that complements the spice beautifully.
- Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy honey mustard offers a nice balance of flavors and can help to soothe the fiery heat.
- Buttermilk Ranch: Buttermilk ranch dressing adds a cool, tangy flavor that complements the spice and pairs well with the buttermilk marinade used in the chicken.
Beverages:
- Sweet Tea: A classic Southern beverage, sweet tea offers a refreshing and slightly sweet counterpoint to the heat.
- Iced Beer: A cold beer is a great way to cool down your palate and cleanse it between bites.
- Non-Alcoholic Options: Iced lemonade, iced tea (unsweetened or lightly sweetened), or even a glass of milk are refreshing choices for those who don’t want alcohol.
- Spicy Margaritas (For the Extra Daring!): For those who can handle even more heat, a spicy margarita can complement the fiery flavors of the chicken.
Other Recipes to Try…
Nashville Chicken Thigh
Equipment
- Deep Fryer
- 3 Mixing Bowls for marinade, for coating, for sauce
- Tongs
- Paper Towel for resting chicken
- Plate for resting chicken
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- whisk
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Crispy Coating
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. thyme
- 1/4 tsp. celery seed
- 1/4 tsp. dried mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
Hot Sauce
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tbsp. cayenne
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 2 tsp. brown sugar
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix buttermilk, egg and salt together in a mixing bowl, set aside.
- Using a meat tenderizer, thin out chicken a little bit. This step is optional but recommended.
- Put thighs into the buttermilk, cover, put into refrigerator for two hours.
- Preheat deep fryer to about 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, mix together the crispy coating ingredients.
- When deep fryer has reached its temperature, take one thigh and put it into the crispy coating. Coat evenly and put into deep fryer. Cook 6 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Note: It is supposed to be clumpy as this is what creates the crunch when it is deep fried.
- Take thigh out and put onto paper towel to rest. Repeat steps with the other thighs until finished. Remember: It is a good thing that the coating is clumpy!
- If you are making the hot sauce, mix all ingredients together in a saucepan. Heat until it is at a simmer, remove from heat and toss chicken into the sauce and serve.
Notes
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature of around 325°F (163°C) is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked chicken. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cool, the chicken will become greasy.
- Double Dip (Optional): For an extra punch of heat, consider double dipping your fried chicken in the hot sauce after it comes out of the fryer. Be warned, this will significantly increase the spice level!
- Spice Level Adjustments: This recipe is customizable! Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice blend to suit your preference. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase it to your desired level of heat.
- Beware the Splatter: Frying chicken can cause splattering. Use a splatter guard to protect yourself and your kitchen surfaces.
- Let it Rest: After frying the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes on a wire rack to allow the juices to redistribute before serving. This will ensure a more tender and flavorful piece of chicken.
- Storage: Leftover Nashville Hot Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through.
- Brioche vs. White Bread: Traditionally, Nashville Hot Chicken is served on white bread. However, brioche buns offer a richer flavor and a softer texture that can perfectly complement the spicy chicken. Choose whichever option you prefer!
- Get Saucy: Feel free to get creative with your hot sauce! You can use your favorite store-bought hot sauce or try making your own at home.
- Go Bun-less (Optional): While Nashville Hot Chicken is often served on a bun, you can also enjoy it on its own or with a side salad for a lower-carb option.
- Internal Temperature: For optimal safety, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
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