Nashville Hot Chicken is a dish that has a spicy kick and a crispy texture. It is a regional specialty of Nashville, Tennessee, and has a fascinating history behind it.
According to legend, Nashville Hot Chicken was invented by accident in the 1930s. The story goes that a woman named Thornton Prince was cheating on her husband, and as punishment, he made her cook him a fried chicken dinner. To get revenge, she added a significant amount of cayenne pepper to the chicken, but instead of being repelled by the heat, her husband loved it. Thus, Nashville Hot Chicken was born.
Today, Nashville Hot Chicken has become a popular dish all over the United States, and it can be found in many restaurants that specialize in southern cuisine.
Nashville Hot Chicken
Ingredients:
4 chicken thighs
2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the hot sauce:
1/2 cup cayenne peppers
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp dark brown sugar
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they are fully coated in the buttermilk mixture. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
Take the chicken out of the buttermilk mixture and let the excess marinade drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for about 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook the sauce for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain. Brush the hot chicken with the spicy butter sauce, making sure it is fully coated.
For serving:
- white bread
- pickled
Conclusion:
Nashville Hot Chicken is a delicious and spicy dish that has become a staple of southern cuisine. The history of the dish is shrouded in legend, but it is clear that it has become a beloved regional specialty of Nashville, Tennessee.
Making Nashville Hot Chicken at home is relatively easy, and it is a great way to enjoy this flavorful dish without having to travel to Nashville. The key to making great Nashville Hot Chicken is to marinate the chicken in a spicy buttermilk.