Description
Experience the legendary Music City staple at home. This Nashville Hot Chicken features a craggy, ultra-crispy cornstarch crust and a mouth-numbing honey-cayenne glaze. By dry-brining for up to 24 hours, we ensure the chicken stays succulent and flavorful to the very center.
Ingredients
The Chicken & Brine
- 4 (8–12 oz) chicken breasts
- 1.5 tbsp coarse salt + 1 tsp pepper
- Oil for frying
The Double-Dredge Station
- Dry Mix: 1.5 cups flour, 1.5 cups cornstarch, 2 tbsp baking powder, 1 tbsp paprika, 4 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp pepper
- The Wash: 5 large eggs, 0.5 cup buttermilk, salt/pepper
The Nashville Hot Sauce
- 3/4 cup hot frying oil
- 3–6 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chili powder, 2 tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, salt
Serving: Toasted buns, mayo, coleslaw, bread & butter pickles
Instructions
Dry Brine: Season chicken with salt/pepper. Refrigerate 4–24 hours.
Bread: Coat in dry mix, dip in wash, then back into dry mix. Rest on wire rack for 15 mins.
Fry: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry chicken for 10–12 mins until internal temp is 165°F (oil will settle around 325°F).
Sauce: Whisk hot frying oil with cayenne, honey, and spices until emulsified.
Assemble: Brush sauce over chicken. Layer bun with mayo, chicken, coleslaw, and pickles.
Notes
The Cornstarch Secret: A 50/50 ratio with flour prevents a ‘doughy’ crust and ensures professional-level crunch.
Oil Management: Thick breasts need the lower 325°F temp to cook through without burning the exterior.
Honey’s Role: Provides ‘tackiness’ to the sauce so it clings to the crust rather than running off.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Sandwich
- Method: Deep Frying / Dry Brining
- Cuisine: American / Nashville Regional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Sandwich
- Calories: 840
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1450mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 52g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
Keywords: nashville hot chicken recipe, spicy fried chicken sandwich, music city chicken, cayenne honey glaze, double dredged fried chicken, buttermilk fried chicken sandwich