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deep fried Nashville hot chicken recipe

Spicy Deep Fried Nashville Hot Chicken

HomeOChicken Editorial
Discover the secrets to making authentic Nashville hot deep fried chicken with our easy-to-follow recipe.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 8 pieces
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large cast-iron skillet for frying
  • 1 wire rack for draining
  • 1 small saucepan for sauce

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 8 pieces of chicken bone-in
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Coating

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Hot Sauce

  • 1/2 cup lard
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Let them sit while you prepare the coating.
  • In a shallow dish, mix flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, coating evenly.
  • Melt lard and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Keep warm.

Cooking

  • Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet to 325°F. Fry chicken in batches for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack.
  • Brush each fried chicken piece generously with the hot sauce mixture for a spicy kick.

Serving

  • Serve hot with classic Southern sides like coleslaw and potato salad. Enjoy with a cold beverage to balance the heat.

Storage

  • Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.

Notes

Pro Tips: Ensure the oil is at 325°F before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute lard with vegetable shortening if preferred.
How to Serve: Serve immediately with coleslaw and pickles.
Storage & Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the coating and sauce in advance to save time on cooking day.
Keyword deep fried Nashville hot chicken, southern fried chicken, spicy fried chicken