Fried Chicken
Nashville Hot Chicken
A fiery Tennessee specialty where crispy fried chicken is brushed with a spicy cayenne-infused oil paste.
Watch it madeLa Capital · 10:19
Ingredients
- Chicken quarters4 pieces
- Cayenne pepper3 tbsp
- Brown sugar1 tbsp
- Lard or Oil1/2 cup
- White bread4 slices
- Pickles8 slices
Method
- Toss chicken in a mixture of salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Let sit. Dredge in flour, dip in buttermilk/egg wash, then dredge in flour again.
- Deep fry the chicken at 325°F (160°C) until the crust is dark golden and crispy, about 15-18 minutes.
- Carefully ladle out 1/2 cup of the hot frying oil. Whisk this hot oil into a bowl containing cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder to make the spicy paste.
- Immediately brush the spicy oil paste over the hot fried chicken on all sides.
- Serve atop a slice of white bread with pickle chips skewered on top.
Common questions
Can I substitute the lard or frying oil for a different fat, and does it change the flavor?
Yes. Peanut, canola, vegetable, or refined avocado oil all work well for frying. Lard gives a richer, old-school flavor, but a neutral high-smoke-point oil is easiest and still produces crisp, properly browned chicken.
How long should I let the chicken sit in the seasoning before dredging and frying?
Let it sit 20 to 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours refrigerated. That gives the salt time to season the meat and helps the hot sauce cling, but don’t marinate so long that the coating gets soggy.
What are the most common mistakes when frying Nashville hot chicken?
The biggest mistakes are frying oil that’s too hot, overcrowding the pot, and skipping a thermometer. If the oil is too hot, the crust burns before the chicken cooks through; too cool, and it turns greasy instead of crisp.
How do I store leftovers, and can I reheat them without losing the crust?
Store chicken uncovered or loosely wrapped in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a wire rack in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving, which softens the coating fast.
What’s the best way to serve Nashville hot chicken so it stays crisp and balanced?
Serve it immediately on white bread with pickle chips, using the bread to catch the spicy drippings. Keep the sauce brushed on right before serving so the crust stays crisp, and offer extra pickles to cut the heat.