Nashville Hot Chicken (Spicy Fried Chicken)

This Nashville Hot Fried Chicken recipe has readers raving: โ€œItโ€™s fantastic!ย  โ€œYou nailed it. It is perfection,โ€ โ€œLOVE it!โ€ and โ€œWe were blown away with how good it was.โ€ ย This iconic Southern favorite is next level with bold, perfectly seasoned chicken, an extra crunchy coating, and a fiery hot oil glaze with customizable heat.ย  This recipe guarantees restaurant-quality results at home, thanks to expert tips, detailed instructions, and a commitment to culinary excellence.

Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe sponsored by McCormickยฎ.  All opinions are my own.

Watch HOW TO MAKE NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN RECIPE

Nashville Hot Chicken crispy and being picked up to eat.


 

You’ll Love This NAshville Hot chicken Recipe

I had my little brother and his fiancรฉ over to devour this Nashville Hot Chicken recipe. They loved it almost as much as they love each other. Okay, that’s a stretch. ย But they were ooohing and ahhing until every juicy, perfectly crispy, fiery, flavorful bite was devoured. ย 

And now all your friends and family can fall in love with this Southern favorite for the 4th of July because what’s more American than fried chicken? ย You would just be doing your patriotic duty by consuming 3, 4, or 5 pieces…

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

Amazing chicken recipe! I was just in Nashville a couple
weeks ago and have been craving it ever since! This recipe is fantastic! I will definitely make it again. Thanks very much!


So we spent the last 1.5 years living in Nashville and tried all the famous spots for hot chicken…I made this recipe tonight and let me just sayโ€“you nailed it. It is perfection. If you opened a hot chicken restaurant in Nashville, you would be a firm competitor to all the existing places…Bravo!!!

“I have made this recipe multiple times for my husband and I
and we absolutely LOVE it! Thanks for the amazing food. YUM”


This was delicious! I used gluten free flour and it came out
great!…My husband and I were blown away with how good it was, canโ€™t believe I could make something so tasty at
home, thanks so much!!

ย 

Why This Nashville Hot Chicken is the BEst

With Carlsbad Cravingsโ€™ expert techniques and step-by-step instructions, you can achieve Nashville Hot Chicken that rivals your favorite fried chicken spots. Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • Flavorful: The adept spice rub is whisked into every element of the recipe, including the buttermilk marinade, breading, and hot sauce, ensuring every bite is a satisfying symphony of well-rounded flavor.
  • Crispy Perfection: The chickenโ€™s crunchy, golden exterior is made extra crispy by baking powder and double dredging in the flour mixture.
  • Bold, Flavorful Heat: The spicy cayenne pepper glaze delivers a mouthwatering heat thatโ€™s balanced with a touch of sweetness.
  • Juicy and Tender: The chicken is incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful from the inside out, thanks to a spiced buttermilk marinade.
  • Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat to your liking, from mild to extra spicy, making it perfect for every palate.
  • Easy-to-Follow Recipe: The recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels, with detailed instructions and helpful tips for flawless results.
overhead view of nashville fried chicken on white plate
ingredient icon

Nashville Hot Chicken Ingredients

This Nashville fried chicken recipe has a few components: the buttermilk marinade, the homemade spice rub, the buttermilk egg wash, the breading mixture, and the homemade Nashville hot chicken sauce. It sounds like a lot, but each element is made with simple ingredients.

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this hot and spicy chicken:(measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  • Bone-in chicken pieces: You’re looking for drumsticks, wings, breasts, etc. Trim the chicken of excess fat before starting the recipe.
  • Oil: The best oil for frying is vegetable oil or peanut oil, as they have high smoke points, making them ideal for deep-frying. Both oils also have a neutral flavor, allowing the seasoning and coating of your chicken to shine.
  • Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken as its acidic enzymes break down the protein in the chicken. You may also substitute with DIY sour milk.
  • Seasoning: I created my own hot chicken seasoning blend using salt, paprika, onion powder, chili powder, and more!
  • Eggs: Are mixed with buttermilk and hot sauce to create a spicy egg wash for the breading to stick to.
  • Hot sauce: You can use any cayenne-forward hot sauce you’d like. This gets brushed onto the chicken and is also incorporated into the homemade Nashville hot chicken sauce.
  • All-purpose flour: I use all-purpose flour but readers have said gluten free flour also works well.
  • Baking powder: Dries out the skin slightly and results in super crispy hot fried chicken.
  • Nashville hot chicken sauce: My homemade hot sauce mixture is made with butter, cayenne, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and more,
    collage showing steps to making homemade nashville chicken

    How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken

    This Nashville chicken recipe requires a little TLC, but the end results are totally worth it. Let’s take a closer look at how to make Nashville Hot Chicken with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

    1. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk, bay leaves, and some of the homemade spice rub. Refrigerate at least 3 hours.
    2. When ready to cook, dredge the marinated chicken first through a spiced flour mixture, then through a buttermilk egg wash, and then once more through the flour mixture.
    3. Repeat until all the chicken pieces have been coated.
    4. Add enough vegetable oil to your Dutch oven until oil measures 3โ€ deep. Heat over medium high heat until oil registers 375 degrees F.
    5. Fry the hot and spicy chicken in batches until every piece is cooked through.
    6. Let the chicken cool slightly, then brush with desired amount of homemade Nashville hot chicken sauce.
    brushing nashville hot chicken sauce
onto pile of fried chicken

    Hot Chicken Recipe Variations

    • Customize Spice Level: See the section below to make the heat perfect for you!
    • Crispy Chicken Tenders: Use chicken tenders instead of whole pieces for a quicker, bite-sized version of Nashville Hot Chicken.
    • Hot Chicken Sandwich: Serve the fried chicken on a toasted bun with pickles, coleslaw, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a delicious sandwich variation.
    • Honey Hot Chicken: Swap the brown sugar for honey and add additional honey to taste in the spice glaze for a sweet and spicy combo.
    • Vegetarian Hot “Chicken”: Substitute crispy fried cauliflower or tofu for a plant-based version with all the spicy flavor and crunch.
    • Spicy Chicken Wings: Use chicken wings for a bite-sized, appetizer-friendly version of Nashville Hot Chicken, perfect for sharing.
    • Korean Hot Chicken: Incorporate gochujang (Korean chili paste) into the glaze instead of hot sauce for a fusion of Nashville heat with Korean flavors.

    pile of nashville hot chicken on white plate

    Tips for Making Nashville Hot Chicken

    • Use anย Instant Read Thermometer:ย Use a thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) for perfectly cooked golden, juicy perfection.ย 
    • Test the Oil with a Thermometer: For best results, fry the chicken at 375ยฐF. This ensures the correct oil temperature not only at the beginning of frying but throughout the entire process.ย 
    • If You Don’t Have a Thermometer: Medium-high heat should be about right, but every stove is different, so you will want to test the oil before frying the chicken. ย 
    • Test the temperature with a pinch of flour or better yet, an extra piece of chicken.ย  If it boils, your oil is ready but if it boils and the test piece turns dark within a minute or so, your oil is too hot. You will have to remove from the heat, wait a few minutes, return to heat and try again.
    • Fry in Batches: Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring a crispy, golden exterior without sogginess.
    • Line on Paper Towels:ย Line the spicy fried chicken on a paper towel-lined baking sheet in a single layer without touching.ย You donโ€™t want the pieces touching, or they will steam; you also donโ€™t want them sitting in oil, or they wonโ€™t be as crispy.
    • DIY Buttermilk: You can make DIY buttermilk or sour milk for this recipe by adding 3 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring glass. Add enough milk (not nonfat) to equal 3 cups.ย Give it a stir and let sit 5-10 minutes in order to activate and slightly curdle.
    • Hot Oil Glaze: When making the hot oil glaze, pour it over the chicken while itโ€™s still hot for a more flavorful and evenly coated finish.

    What to Serve with Nashville Hot Chicken

    Nashville hot fried chicken pairs well with so many sides! Here are a few classics:

    hand grabbing piece of nashville hot chicken from pile on white plate

    Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe FAQs

    Is Nashville hot chicken very hot?

    Yes, Nashville Hot Chicken is known for its significant heat. The dish is famous for its spicy, cayenne pepper-infused coating that delivers a fiery kick. Typically, the chicken is marinated in a spicy buttermilk mixture, then fried and coated with a spicy paste made from a blend of cayenne pepper and other seasonings. The heat level can be intense, often leaving a lasting burn on the taste buds, so itโ€™s best suited for those who enjoy a bold, spicy experience.

    Is Nashville hot chicken spicier than buffalo?

    Yes, Nashville Hot Chicken is generally spicier thanย Buffalo chicken. Nashville Hot Chicken is known for its intense heat, derived from a generous amount of cayenne pepper and other spices in the coating. The spice level can be quite fiery, delivering a significant kick.
    In comparison, Buffalo chicken typically has a milder heat, with its spiciness coming from hot sauce mixed with butter or other ingredients. While Buffalo chicken can be made hot, it usually has a more balanced heat level and is often less intense than Nashville Hot Chicken.

    What’s the difference between hot chicken and fried chicken?

    While both are fried, hot chicken is distinguished by its spicy, bold flavor, whereas fried chicken emphasizes a crispy texture and can range from mildly seasoned to more flavorful but not necessarily spicy. Here is the breakdown:
    Hot Chicken: This dish, particularly Nashville Hot Chicken, is known for its intense spiciness. The chicken is first marinated in a spicy buttermilk mixture and then fried. After frying, it is coated in a hot, spicy paste made from cayenne pepper and other seasonings. The result is a crispy, fiery chicken with a bold, spicy kick that is often served with pickles and bread to balance the heat.
    Fried Chicken: Fried chicken, on the other hand, focuses on a crispy, flavorful coating without necessarily being spicy. The chicken is usually seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices and then dipped in seasoned flour or batter before being fried. The seasoning can vary from mild to moderately spicy, but it generally does not have the intense heat characteristic of hot chicken. Fried chicken is often served as a versatile dish that can be enjoyed plain or with various sides and sauces.

    Why is it called Nashville hot chicken?

    Nashville Hot Chicken is named for its place of origin: Nashville, Tennessee. The dish is a local specialty that became famous for its distinctive, spicy flavor. According to legend, Nashville Hot Chicken was created by a woman in Nashville who wanted to get back at her husband for his infidelity. She coated the fried chicken in a fiery blend of spices, intending to make it unbearably hot. To her surprise, he loved it, and the dish became a local sensation. Today, Nashville Hot Chicken is celebrated for its intense heat and crispy coating, and it remains a beloved part of Nashville’s culinary identity.

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     My family and friends go crazy over this Nashville Hot Chicken- and its easier than you think! Juicy, crispy, flavorful fried chicken and you can make it as spicy or not spicy just depending on how much Nashville Hot Sauce You use.

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    ยฉCarlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com

    My family and friends go crazy over this fried chicken - and its easier than you think! Juicy, crispy, flavorful and you can make it as spicy or not spicy just depending on how much Nashville Hot Sauce You use. I will never use another fried chicken recipe again!

    Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe

    Juicy, crispy, Nashville Hot Chicken (customizable spicy fried chicken) is the only fried chicken recipe you will ever need!ย  Nashville Hot Chicken is legendary for it’s bite but when you make it at home, you can decide just how much heat you want.ย  You can leave off the Nashville Hot Sauce at the end for crunchy, flavor bursting chicken or add more or less Sauce to customize how spicy you want it.ย  Either way, you wonโ€™t be able to resist this electrifying easier-than-you-think fried chicken!
    Servings: 6 -8 servings
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Prep Time: 35 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes

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    Ingredients

    • 4-5 pounds bone in chicken pieces (drumsticks, wings, split breasts cut in half, and/or thighs, trimmed)
    • vegetable oil for frying

    Buttermilk Marinade

    • 2 cups buttermilk
    • 1 1/2 tablespoons Spice Rub (in directions)
    • 2 McCormickยฎ bay leaves

    Spice Rub

    • 1 1/2 tablespoons McCormickยฎ salt
    • 1 tablespoon McCormickยฎ paprika
    • 1 tablespoon McCormickยฎ onion powder
    • 1 tablespoon McCormick Garlic Powder
    • 1 tablespoon McCormickยฎ chili powder
    • 2 teaspoons McCormickยฎ pepper
    • 1 teaspoon McCormickยฎ dried crushed oregano
    • 1 teaspoon McCormickยฎ dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon McCormickยฎ ground red cayenne pepper

    Buttermilk Egg Wash

    • 2 eggs
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • 1/4 cup hot sauce

    Flour Breading

    • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • Remaining Spice Rub (in directions)

    Nashville Hot Sauce

    • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
    • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
    • 1 tablespoon McCormickยฎ ground red cayenne pepper
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon Spice Rub (in directions)
    • 1/2 teaspoon McCormickยฎ smoked paprika
    • 3/4 cup Vegetable oil

    Instructions

    • Whisk all of the Spice Rub seasonings together in a small bowl. Remove 1 ½ tablespoons Spice Rub to a large bowl along with 2 cups buttermilk and 2 bay leaves. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours up to overnight.
    • When ready to cook, remove 1 teaspoon Spice Rub to a medium bowl for your Nashville Hot Sauce. Stir in all remaining Nashville Hot Sauce ingredients except butter (the oil will look separated which is okay).
    • Prepare your Buttermilk Egg Wash by whisking 2 eggs together with 1 cup buttermilk and ¼ cup hot sauce in a medium bowl.
    • Prepare Flour Breading by whisking 3 ½ cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder and all remaining Spice Rub spices together in a large bowl.
    • Working with 1 piece of chicken at a time, dredge chicken in Flour, shake of any excess, coat in Buttermilk Egg Wash, shake of any excess, then dredge once more in Flour, shake of any excess and place chicken on a baking rack. Repeat until all chicken is coated.
    • Add enough vegetable oil to your Dutch oven until oil measures 3โ€ deep. Heat over medium high heat until oil registers 375 degrees F. Add 3-4 chicken pieces to your Dutch oven in a single layer, cover, and cook 7 minutes. Flip chicken over, cover and continue to fry until chickenโ€™s internal temperature reaches 160 degrees or 165 degrees for dark meat, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Remove fried chicken to paper towel lined baking sheet. Repeat until all chicken is cooked.
    • Meanwhile, vigorously whisk in melted butter to your Nashville Hot Sauce until smooth. Let chicken cool slightly then brush with desired amount of Sauce. You can adjust the spiciness of your chicken by simply adding more or less Nashville Hot Sauce.

    Video

    Notes

    Don’t miss the “how to make” recipe video at the top of the post!
    Make ahead: Chicken can be prepared up to the point of frying and kept in the refrigerator. Let chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before frying. *Total time does not include marinating as this will vary between individuals.

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    34 Comments

    1. Patti says

      What type of hot sauce do you recommend for this recipe?

      • Jen says

        Hi Patti, I recommend Frank’s Original Hot Sauce – that is what I used ๐Ÿ™‚ I hope you can make it soon and love it!!

    2. Dorothy Dunton says

      Hi Jen! Getting Nashville Hot Chicken is on the list for my next visit to see my son (he lives in a suburb of Nashville). But until then I can have yours! This and another Southern favorite, mac n’ cheese, would be a fantastic meal! We have a propane fired fish fryer so I wouldn’t even have to heat up the kitchen! Nagi posted a video of you guys “working” at the Resort…tough job you had there! ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Jen says

        That is awesome you are visiting your son in Nashville and trying the “real thing!” – so fun! I am getting ready to post a “Million Dollar Mac and Cheese” which is out of this world – I hope you can make them together – SO good! And I LOVE the video Nagi made – she did such a great job! It was wonderful to work and play together and that resort is spectacular!

    3. LaTrice says

      I’m definitely going to make the Nashville Hot Chicken for dinner next week, along with some pasta salad!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Jen says

        Awesome LaTrice, I am so excited for you to make it and can’t wait to hear what you think! Have a very Happy 4th of July!

    4. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says

      Yeah, there would be no stopping at just one piece. I’ve never had Nashville hot chicken so this is happening! The coating looks absolutely incredible! Also, congratulations to your brother!!!

      • Jen says

        You are so sweet, I will pass on the congrats when I see him this weekend for the San Diego reception! I am excited for you to make this – there is nothing like juicy fried chicken and I love that the heat is in the sauce so its adaptable. Can’t wait to hear what you think! Thanks Anna!

    5. shonagh says

      Amazing chicken recipe! I was just in Nashville a couple weeks ago and have been craving it ever since! This recipe is fantastic! I will definitely make it again. Thanks very much!

      • Jen says

        YAY! I LOVE hearing that you enjoyed this chicken Shonagh! There is nothing like satisfying a food craving with a homemade recipe you can make again and again! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!

    6. Sara says

      So we spent the last 1.5 years living in Nashville and tried all the famous spots for hot chicken. We had our favorite place (Big Shakes in Franklin is hands down the best–even better than Prince’s!) and have missed it so dearly since moving back to California in December. I made this recipe tonight and let me just say–you nailed it. It is perfection. If you opened a hot chicken restaurant in Nashville, you would be a firm competitor to all the existing places. Thank you for making my husband SO happy, and by extension me, for taking the time to figure out how to make this just right! Bravo!!!

      • Jen says

        Wow Sara, THANK YOU so much! I did a lot of researching and testing for this recipe so I am thrilled you thought it was “perfection!” Really, you made my day, week! I am so happy this recipe is going to bring you and your husband so much joy – just like good food should ๐Ÿ™‚

    7. Sandra Kelly says

      After it is cooked could it be frozen then reheated at a later date. Thinking ahead for a party so not to have my kitchen all messy. Thanks

      • Jen says

        Hi Sandra, yes you absolutely can make ahead! Make sure your chicken is completely cool then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap then place in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, let chicken defrost in the refrigerator overnight then let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake at 375 until warmed through, approximately 15-25 minutes. Have fun at your party!

    8. Mike says

      Can you sub the dutch oven for a deep fryer?

      • Jen says

        Absolutely and then just follow your deep fryer instructions.

    9. FamilyChef says

      I made this for dinner tonight and it was delicious! The chicken and the sauce are very flavorful. Hubby loved it ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Jen says

        YAY! I’m thrilled it was a winner! thank you!

    10. Megan says

      Would I be able to bake this instead of frying?

    11. Megan Toffoli says

      Great! Any idea what temp and how long for drumsticks?

      • Jen says

        Bake drumsticks for 35 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F. They will have great flavor but the definitely won’t be as crispy. Enjoy!

    12. Leighanne says

      I have made this recipe multiple times for my husband and I and we absolutely LOVE it! Thanks for the amazing food. YUM

      • Jen says

        You are so welcome! I am thrilled it is a favorite, thank you!

    13. Jam says

      Iโ€™m going to try tonight in the air fryer

      • Jen says

        Awesome, please let me know how it goes!

    14. Amanda says

      This was delicious! I used gluten free flour and it came out great! Iโ€™ve never got to try Nashville hot chicken since Iโ€™ve never come across a gluten free version on a menu so Iโ€™m so happy I found this recipe that I could easily convert and try to make it myself. My husband and I were blown away with how good it was, canโ€™t believe I could make something so tasty at home, thanks so much!!

      • Jen says

        YAY! Thank you so much Amanda! I’m so happy you loved the chicken so much and were able to make it gluten free!

    15. Roxanne says

      How do I keep the breading from sliding off the chicken? Do you have any tips?

      • Jen says

        Hi Roxanne, just make sure to remove excess Buttermilk Egg Wash and it should stick well.

    16. James Powell says

      Jen, in Step 2 of the Nashville Hot Chicken recipe it is stated that the butter is added later to the Hot Sauce mixture. However, there is also a statement that reads: (oil will be separated โ€“ you will combine later)

      I am assuming that the statement refers to the 3/4 cup of Vegetable oil that goes into the Hot Sauce mixture. So, should the oil be added later with the butter or to the initial mixing of the Hot Sauce ingredients?

      Thanks.

      • Jen says

        Hi James, I’m sorry for the confusion – I worded that poorly and will correct it. You add the oil in step 2 but not the butter. The parenthetical about the oil is referring to the fact that although the oil is added to the sauce, it will look separated until it is vigorously whisked (when you add the butter) in step 8.

    17. maruf says

      Crispy golden perfection, each bite of chicken fry is a savory symphony of flavor. The crunch gives way to succulent tenderness, a testament to skilled preparation and quality ingredients.

      • Jen says

        This review is poetry!! I’m so happy to hear that it was delicious!