Nashville Fried Chicken
If you’re craving a dish that packs a punch with flavor, look no further than Nashville Fried Chicken. This Southern classic is known for its crunchy exterior and spicy kick, making it a beloved favorite across the nation. With tender, juicy chicken marinated in a rich buttermilk bath and coated with a perfectly spiced flour mixture, every bite is a delightful experience. Whether enjoyed on its own, in a sandwich, or served with a side of coleslaw, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into how to make Nashville Fried Chicken at home!
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This recipe for Nashville Fried Chicken stands out for several reasons. First, it uses boneless and skinless chicken tenders, ensuring a moist and tender result that cooks evenly. The buttermilk marinade is a game-changer, helping to tenderize the chicken while infusing it with flavor. The spice mix is perfectly balanced, offering just the right amount of heat without overwhelming your taste buds. Plus, it’s straightforward enough for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs to follow, ensuring consistent results every time you make it.
The Essentials
To create your Nashville Fried Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 oz boneless and skinless chicken tenders (preferred) or chicken breasts (cut into long strips)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Cajun spice
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 300 ml buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon frying oil
- Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
Equipment Breakdown
To make this recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen equipment:
- Large Bowl: For marinating the chicken in buttermilk.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine your dry ingredients for the coating.
- Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot: For frying your chicken to crispy perfection.
- Cooking Thermometer: To ensure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F).
- Slotted Spoon: For safely removing the chicken from the oil.
- Cooling Rack: To let the chicken drain and stay crispy after frying.
Nashville Fried Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by placing the chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if time allows. This step is crucial for flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mix
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun spice, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This blend will impart a wonderful flavor to your chicken, so ensure it’s well mixed.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. In another bowl, add the all-purpose flour, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Take each chicken tender out of the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, and then dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure to coat each piece thoroughly, pressing gently to adhere the flour to the chicken.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat. Use a cooking thermometer to check the oil temperature; it should reach around 350°F for optimal frying.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken tenders to the pot in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the temperature of the oil. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and transfer it to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet.
Step 6: Spice It Up
In a small bowl, mix together a tablespoon of frying oil with an additional teaspoon of cayenne pepper and paprika. Drizzle this spicy oil over the fried chicken while it’s still hot to give it that signature Nashville heat.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Nashville Fried Chicken is best served hot. Pair it with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, pickles, or even a fluffy biscuit to soak up all those delicious flavors. Don’t forget to have some extra hot sauce on the side for those who like it even spicier!
Dietary Swaps & Alternatives
If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, consider these alternatives:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free buttermilk alternative made from plant-based milk and vinegar.
- Spicier: Add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for an extra kick.
- Less Spicy: Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mix and marinade to suit your taste.
Slip-Ups to Skip
To ensure your Nashville Fried Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t skip the marinating step; it’s essential for flavor and tenderness.
- Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature before frying to prevent greasy chicken.
- Avoid overcrowding the pot while frying; this can lead to uneven cooking.
- Let the chicken rest on a cooling rack after frying to maintain its crispy texture.
Storage & Reheat Guide
If you find yourself with leftover Nashville Fried Chicken, here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully for Nashville Fried Chicken! They have more fat, which can add to the juiciness and flavor.
How spicy is Nashville Fried Chicken?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The recipe as written provides a moderate heat, but feel free to increase the cayenne pepper for more kick.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
While buttermilk is traditional and helps tenderize the chicken, you can substitute it with a plant-based alternative or make your own by mixing milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice.
Can I bake Nashville Fried Chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, frying gives it that signature crispiness that’s hard to replicate in the oven.
Because You Liked This
If you enjoyed this Nashville Fried Chicken recipe, you might also like:
Serve & Enjoy
Now that you’ve mastered the art of Nashville Fried Chicken, gather your loved ones around the table and share this delicious meal. The crispy, spicy chicken is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Serve it alongside your favorite sides, and don’t be surprised if everyone comes back for seconds. Enjoy the journey of flavors and the joy of cooking this Southern delight in your own kitchen!
Nashville Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by placing the chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun spice, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- In another bowl, add the all-purpose flour, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Take each chicken tender out of the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to check the temperature; it should be around 350°F.
- Carefully add the chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a cooling rack.
- In a small bowl, mix a tablespoon of frying oil with an additional teaspoon of cayenne pepper and paprika. Drizzle over the hot chicken for extra spice.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides!
Notes
- Don’t skip the marinating step for flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure oil is at the correct temperature to avoid greasy chicken.
- Avoid overcrowding the pot while frying for even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest on a cooling rack to maintain crispiness.
