Nashville Hot Chicken
About this recipe
Nashville Hot Chicken is a spicy twist on classic fried chicken, known for its crispy exterior and fiery flavor. This recipe from Sam the Cooking Guy takes you through the steps to create perfectly marinated and fried chicken, topped with a homemade hot sauce that packs a punch.
The key to this dish is the buttermilk brine, which not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a tangy flavor. The double coating of seasoned flour ensures a crunchy texture that holds up against the spicy sauce.
Ingredient notes
- You can use any chicken part you prefer, but the recipe specifically mentions chicken thighs for ease of cooking.
Tips from SAM THE COOKING GUY’s video
- Marinate the chicken in the buttermilk brine for at least 30 minutes, but 4-5 hours or overnight is recommended for the best flavor.
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken in the seasoned flour before frying.
Good to know
- How long should I fry the chicken?
- Fry the chicken for about 13-14 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- What can I use instead of chicken thighs?
- You can use any chicken part you prefer.
- How long should I marinate the chicken?
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but 4-5 hours or overnight is preferable.
- What temperature should the oil be for frying?
- Heat the oil to 325°F (163°C) before adding the chicken.
No life story here — the video and the recipe are the whole point. All credit to SAM THE COOKING GUY: watch the original on YouTube.
The recipe
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Make the marinade brine by mixing buttermilk, hot sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
- 2
Add chicken thighs to the brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 4-5 hours or overnight.
- 3
Prepare the seasoned flour by mixing all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a separate bowl.
- 4
Remove chicken from the brine, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then dredge in the seasoned flour, pressing to coat well. Shake off excess flour and repeat for a double coating.
- 5
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 325°F (163°C). Carefully add chicken pieces, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- 6
Fry chicken for about 13-14 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- 7
While chicken is frying, prepare the hot sauce by mixing cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, and crushed red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- 8
Once chicken is done, remove from oil and place on a rack. Reserve some frying oil for the hot sauce.
- 9
Mix the reserved frying oil into the hot sauce mixture until well combined.
- 10
Baste the fried chicken with the hot sauce mixture before serving.
Heads up — we had to guess a little:
- The total time includes marinating time and frying time.
Credit where it’s due: this recipe was transcribed from SAM THE COOKING GUY’s original video on YouTube. Follow them there — it’s their dish.
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