Name: Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 cup buttermilk (8 oz, $0.70); ¼ cup pickle juice (2 oz, $0.14); ¼ cup hot sauce (any kind, 2 oz, $0.60); 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1.5 lb, 680 g, $3.52); 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g, $0.13); ¼ cup cornstarch (30 g, $0.14); 1 tsp baking powder ($0.04); ½ Tbsp salt (divided, $0.12); 2 cups vegetable oil (16 oz, $1.28); 2 Tbsp cayenne ($0.84); 1 tsp brown sugar ($0.01); ½ Tbsp paprika ($0.30); 1 Tbsp chili powder ($0.19); 1 Tbsp garlic powder ($0.06); ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.08); ½ Tbsp salt (remaining from the 1 Tbsp total); 4 pieces Texas bread (thick sliced, $0.87); 8 pickle chips (sliced pickles, $0.19)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 5 reviews

There is nothing quite like the bold, fiery kick of a classic Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe to thrill your taste buds and bring a little Southern magic into your kitchen. This iconic dish boasts perfectly crispy, juicy chicken thighs drenched in a spicy oil blend that marries heat with a touch of smoky sweetness. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, all layered on thick slices of soft Texas bread and complemented by crunchy pickle chips. If you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinner or impress friends with a show-stopping meal, this Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe is the go-to for unforgettable, finger-licking goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver pot is filled with hot oil, inside which three golden brown fried pieces float and cook. A woman's hand holds black and silver tongs lifting one crispy, irregularly shaped piece out of the oil. The oil bubbles gently around the pieces, and the pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a key role in building flavor, crisp texture, and that signature fiery red color. From the tangy buttermilk marinade to the spice-packed oil drizzle, you’ll want to gather these staples before you dive in.

Buttermilk (1 cup): Tenderizes chicken, adds subtle tang for juicy meat.
Pickle juice (¼ cup): Injects a zesty punch and helps with marinating.
Hot sauce (¼ cup): Brings bold, vinegary heat to the marinade.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (4 pieces): Juicy and tender base for frying.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Creates a crispy, golden crust.
Cornstarch (¼ cup): Adds extra crispness to the coating.
Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps lighten the breading texture.
Vegetable oil (2 cups): Perfect for frying to achieve that ideal crunch.
Cayenne (2 tbsp): Delivers the star fiery spice in the oil mix.
Brown sugar (1 tsp): Provides sweet balance to the heat.
Paprika (½ tbsp): Adds smoky undertones and rich color.
Chili powder (1 tbsp): Deepens the spicy complexity.
Garlic powder (1 tbsp): Infuses savory warmth into the spice blend.
Freshly cracked black pepper (½ tsp): Sharpens and enhances flavor layers.
Salt (1 tbsp, divided): Essential for seasoning throughout.
Texas bread (4 slices): Soft, thick-sliced foundation to absorb all the yum.
Pickle chips (8 pieces): Tangy crunch to perfectly finish each bite.

How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining buttermilk, pickle juice, and hot sauce in a large bowl or Ziploc bag—this trio marinates the chicken thighs, ensuring they soak up flavor and stay incredibly moist. Let the chicken bathe in this spicy brine for 1 hour in the fridge to build maximum depth and juiciness.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Mix

Once marinated, strain the liquid into a bowl for later use. Then whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and half the salt in another bowl. This dry mixture is vital for creating the perfect crunchy coating that clings beautifully to the juicy chicken.

Step 3: Double-Coat the Chicken

Dredge each thigh in the flour mix, dip it back into the reserved buttermilk brine, and then coat it in flour again, pressing firmly. This double dredge builds that irresistible crust that defines the Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe experience.

Step 4: Heat and Fry

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F, and gently lower two pieces of the breaded chicken into the hot oil. Avoid moving the chicken for the first few minutes to maintain an intact crust. Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook until internal temperature hits 165°F—around 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Step 5: Prepare the Hot Oil Spice Blend

While the chicken fries, mix cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and remaining salt in a heat-proof bowl. Once all the chicken is cooked and resting on a wire rack, whisk in ½ cup of the hot frying oil to this spice blend.

Step 6: Brush and Finish

Generously brush this signature spicy oil over both sides of each chicken thigh. This final step seals in fiery flavor and gives that glossy, smoky-red look that Nashville Hot Chicken is famous for. Serve the chicken atop thick Texas bread slices and crown each piece with pickle chips.

How to Serve Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe

A close-up view of a simple open sandwich on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. The base layer is a square white bread slice, soft in texture with a light tan crust. On top, there are two pieces of fried chicken with a crispy, dark golden brown crust, showing a crunchy texture. Above the chicken, two thick, wavy-edged slices of green pickles with a glossy shine rest in the center, sprinkled lightly with black pepper. The sandwich is surrounded by a few other items blurred in the background, including a wooden bowl with more pickles and a copper colored mustard bottle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding pickle chips on top not only introduces a refreshing crunch but also provides a sharp, tangy contrast to the intense heat of the chicken. Some folks love a drizzle of extra hot sauce or a sprinkle of fresh chopped scallions to brighten the palate even further.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery macaroni and cheese, or baked beans complement the heat beautifully and offer welcome relief. If you want to keep things lighter, a crisp green salad or pickled vegetables can balance out the richness of the fried chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the hot chicken between Texas bread slices for a classic sandwich or serve it atop warm mashed potatoes with spicy gravy for a comforting twist. You can also chop leftovers into a spicy chicken salad or tacos, giving new life to this Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe beyond just a main meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Nashville hot chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken on a wire rack in the container helps maintain its crispy coating by preventing sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover cooked chicken by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Nashville Hot Chicken will keep well for up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the chicken on a wire rack at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crunch—it tends to make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Is Nashville hot chicken very spicy?

Yes, Nashville hot chicken is known for its bold and spicy flavor, but the heat level can be adjusted by varying the amount of cayenne and hot sauce in the recipe to suit your spice tolerance.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken breasts can be used, thighs are preferred for this recipe because they stay juicier and more flavorful after frying. Breasts may dry out without careful cooking.

What type of oil is best for frying Nashville hot chicken?

Vegetable oil or peanut oil works best for frying because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors, allowing the chicken’s spices to shine.

Why is pickle juice used in the marinade?

Pickle juice adds acidity and depth of flavor, which tenderizes the meat and gives a subtle tang that balances the heat perfectly.

Can I make Nashville hot chicken spicy without frying?

While frying is traditional for the perfect crispy texture, you can bake the chicken and then coat it with the spicy oil blend, though it won’t have quite the same crunch or richness.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe is a culinary adventure worth diving into. It brings incredible heat, satisfying crunch, and that unmistakable Southern soul food charm to your table. Whether you’re cooking for friends or treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to become one of your favorites. So grab your ingredients and get ready to spice up your life in the most delicious way possible!