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The Guide to Original Hot Chicken: Nashville Hot Sauce & Recipe

original hot chicken
Get the lowdown on original hot chicken, including its history, traditional recipe, and comparison with Buffalo hot chicken.

Spicy, flavorful, and satisfying: original hot chicken is a dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers everywhere. From its humble beginnings in Nashville, Tennessee, hot chicken has grown in popularity and become a staple in kitchens and restaurants across the country. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the history of hot chicken, provide a recipe for the original Nashville hot chicken, explore the heat levels associated with the dish, and even review the Nashville Hot Sauce Chicken Sandwich at KFC. Whether you’re a seasoned hot chicken enthusiast or a newcomer to the dish, this article has everything you need to know about this delicious and spicy cuisine.

The Origin of Hot Chicken in Nashville

Hot chicken is a dish that originated in Nashville, Tennessee and has since become a staple in the city’s culinary culture. The exact origin of hot chicken is not well documented, but it is believed to have originated in the 1930s or 1940s in the African American community. According to legend, the dish was created as a form of retaliation by a scorned lover who added excessive amounts of hot spices to her partner’s fried chicken dish. Despite the painful heat, the dish proved to be popular, and soon became a staple in Nashville’s soul food scene.

Over time, hot chicken has evolved and become popular in other regions, with each new iteration adding its own unique spin on the dish. However, Nashville remains the undisputed home of hot chicken, and the city is proud of its cultural significance. Today, hot chicken can be found in restaurants, food trucks, and homes across Nashville, and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

As hot chicken continues to grow in popularity, it is interesting to see how the dish has evolved over time and how it is being adapted in other regions. Whether you’re a fan of the original Nashville hot chicken or prefer a more modern take on the dish, there’s no denying that hot chicken is here to stay.

nashville hot chicken and nashville hot sauce recipe

The Original Recipe for Nashville Hot Chicken

Nashville hot chicken is known for its delicious blend of spices and heat. To make the dish at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including chicken, flour, spices, and a blend of chili peppers to create the “nashville hot sauce.” Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Louisiana or Frank’s Red Hot)
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, cayenne, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
  3. Dip the chicken breasts in the buttermilk mixture and then coat with the flour mixture.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken breasts until golden brown and crispy, about 8 minutes per side.
  5. While the chicken is frying, make the hot sauce by mixing together the hot sauce, cayenne, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
  6. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and immediately brush with the hot sauce. Serve hot with white bread and pickles, if desired.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Balance of Heat and Flavor:

  • To adjust the heat level, you can add more or less cayenne pepper to the hot sauce.
  • For an extra kick, try using a hotter hot sauce, such as Texas Pete or Crystal.
  • For a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the hot sauce and serve with more bread and pickles to balance out the heat.
  • For a smokier flavor, add a pinch of chipotle powder to the hot sauce.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect plate of Nashville hot chicken. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking to try something new, this “nashville hot sauce recipe” is sure to be a hit!

How Hot is Hot Chicken?

When it comes to hot chicken, the heat level can vary greatly. Some restaurants and home cooks offer mild to medium heat options, while others aim to set your mouth on fire with extra hot or even “nuclear” heat. The heat level of hot chicken is largely determined by the amount and type of hot sauce used in the recipe.

The traditional recipe for Nashville hot chicken features a mix of cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, and other spices, resulting in a heat level that is often described as “intense but manageable.” However, some restaurants and home cooks may use hotter peppers, such as habaneros or ghost peppers, to create a much spicier dish.

The impact of heat level on the overall flavor of hot chicken is subjective. For some, the heat enhances the flavors of the spices and creates a unique, mouth-watering taste. For others, the heat may overpower the other flavors and make the dish too hot to enjoy.

If you’re new to hot chicken, it’s recommended to start with a mild or medium heat option to gauge your tolerance for spicy foods. From there, you can gradually increase the heat level until you find the perfect balance of heat and flavor for your taste preferences.

The Difference Between Buffalo and Nashville Hot Chicken

bww nashville hot sauce

While both Buffalo hot chicken and Nashville hot chicken are popular dishes that feature spicy fried chicken, there are some key differences between the two.

Buffalo hot chicken, as the name suggests, originates from Buffalo, New York and is typically made with chicken wings that are fried and then coated in a spicy sauce. The sauce is usually made from hot sauce, butter, and various seasonings, resulting in a tangy, spicy flavor.

Nashville hot chicken, on the other hand, is made with a spice rub that is applied to the chicken prior to frying. The rub typically includes cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, and other spices, resulting in a hotter and more intense flavor. The chicken is then typically coated in a hot sauce after cooking, adding an extra layer of heat and flavor.

In terms of heat levels, Nashville hot chicken is typically spicier than Buffalo hot chicken. The heat level of Nashville hot chicken can range from mild to extremely hot, while the heat level of Buffalo hot chicken is usually mild to medium.

Overall, the difference between Buffalo and Nashville hot chicken comes down to the flavors and spices used in each dish. While both are delicious, it ultimately comes down to personal taste preferences. If you’re a fan of tangy, spicy flavors, you may prefer Buffalo hot chicken. If you like your chicken with a bold, intense heat, Nashville hot chicken may be the better choice.

Conclusion:

Hot chicken has come a long way since its humble beginnings in Nashville, Tennessee. Today, this spicy dish is enjoyed by people all over the world, each with their own personal preferences for heat and flavor.  There’s no denying the popularity of the original hot chicken recipe.

With its rich history, bold flavors, and varying levels of heat, hot chicken is sure to satisfy even the most discerning spicy food lovers. So why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about? You might just be surprised by just how much you love “nashville hot sauce”.

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