Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches are a culinary icon, known for their fiery heat and crispy texture. Originating from Nashville, Tennessee, this spicy fried chicken is served on a soft bun with pickles and creamy coleslaw, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this delicious sandwich at home.
The History of Nashville Hot Chicken
Nashville hot chicken has a storied history, dating back to the 1930s. It is said to have been created by a scorned lover seeking revenge on her partner, Thornton Prince, by dousing his fried chicken with an excessive amount of hot spices. However, Prince loved the fiery creation and went on to perfect the recipe, eventually opening Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack in Nashville. Today, hot chicken is a beloved Southern specialty, with numerous restaurants and fans across the country.
Why This Recipe Is Great
- Bold Flavors: The combination of spicy chicken, tangy pickles, and creamy coleslaw is irresistible.
- Crispy Texture: The double dredging process ensures a crispy, crunchy coating.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
How to Make Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Hot Oil:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (from frying)
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwich:
- 4 soft buns
- Dill pickle slices
- Coleslaw (optional but recommended)
Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Marinate: Add the chicken to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredge
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. For extra crispiness, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture again.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Prepare the Hot Oil
- Mix the Hot Oil Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Make the Hot Oil: Carefully ladle 1/2 cup of the frying oil into the spice mixture, stirring to combine. Be cautious as the oil will be very hot.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich
- Brush the Chicken: Using a basting brush, generously coat each piece of fried chicken with the hot oil mixture.
- Assemble: Place the hot chicken on the bottom halves of the buns. Top with dill pickle slices and coleslaw, if using. Place the top halves of the buns on the sandwiches.
Tips for Perfect Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches
- Adjusting Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper in the hot oil mixture.
- Keeping Chicken Crispy: Keep the fried chicken warm and crispy in a low oven (200°F) while you fry the remaining pieces.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of fries, potato salad, or a simple green salad to complement the spicy sandwich.
FAQ about Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Sandwiches
1. How do I control the heat level?
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the hot oil mixture to increase or decrease the heat.
2. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
3. How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Keep the fried chicken warm in a low oven while frying the remaining pieces to maintain crispiness.
4. What can I serve with Nashville hot chicken sandwiches?
Fries, potato salad, or a simple green salad are great sides to serve with these sandwiches.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
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Happy cooking!
