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–+ servings
Crisp-fried chicken basted with a cayenne-pepper buttermilk mixture, ready to be served with biscuits and dill pickle.

Nashville Hot Chicken

Yield: 6 servings
Prep: 8 hours 30 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 8 hours 55 minutes
The most perfect crisp, crunchy, saucy fried chicken. Served with a buttery hot sauce, biscuits + dill pickle chips!
5 stars (5 ratings)

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 cups self-rising flour
  • 8 cups canola oil

for the butter mixture

Instructions

  • BUTTERMILK MIXTURE: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup warm water, 5 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons pepper, onion powder and garlic powder. Whisk in buttermilk and eggs.
  • In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken and BUTTERMILK MIXTURE; marinate for at least 8 hours to 1 day, turning the bag occasionally. Drain the chicken from the marinade.
  • Working one at a time, dredge chicken in flour until evenly coated. Return chicken to the flour, gently tossing; let stand 15 minutes. Gently toss again until evenly coated. Remove and shake to remove excess flour.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Heat canola oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium high heat until it registers 350 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer.
  • Working in batches, add chicken, skin-side down, and fry until golden brown, flipping once, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack.
  • Place into oven and bake until chicken has completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 175 degrees F, about 10-15 minutes. Brush with butter mixture.
  • Serve immediately with biscuits and dill pickle chips, if desired.

for the butter mixture

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, hot sauce and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.