Classic Nashville Hot Chicken
Traditional dish · American (Southern)
The quintessential Nashville Hot Chicken experience, featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a fiery cayenne pepper and paprika-infused oil, served traditionally with pickles and white bread.
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Ingredients
- Chicken pieces (thighs, legs, breasts)8
- All-purpose flour2 cups
- Cayenne pepper1/2 cup
- Paprika1/4 cup
- Brown sugar2 tbsp
- Garlic powder1 tbsp
- Onion powder1 tbsp
- Salt1 tbsp
- Black pepper1 tsp
- Eggs2
- Milk1/2 cup
- Vegetable oil for frying4 cups
- Lard or shortening1/2 cup
- Pickle slicesfor serving
- White breadfor serving
Steps
- 1
Prepare the spice rub: In a bowl, combine flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- 2
Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- 3
Dredge the chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the spice rub. Ensure an even coating.
- 4
Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- 5
Prepare the hot oil: In a small saucepan, melt lard or shortening over medium heat. Stir in cayenne pepper and paprika until fragrant. Do not boil.
- 6
Coat the chicken: Once fried, remove chicken from oil and let it drain briefly. Dip each piece into the hot cayenne oil mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- 7
Serve immediately with pickle slices and white bread.
