Spicy Nashville Chicken

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Spicy Nashville Chicken.

1. Step 1

   Start by gathering your chicken pieces in a large bowl, ready for a delicious transformation.

2. Step 2

   In a separate mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, pickle brine, hot sauce, and an egg, whisking them together until smooth.

3. Step 3

   Pour this flavorful marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated.

4. Step 4

   Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours—this is where the magic happens as the flavors meld and the chicken tenderizes.

5. Step 5

   While the chicken is soaking up all that goodness, prepare your coating.

6. Step 6

   In a shallow dish, mix together flour and salt.

7. Step 7

   When the marinating time is up, take the chicken out and gently blot it with paper towels, but don’t toss that marinade just yet; you’ll need it! Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture until it’s fully coated, then dip it back into the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.

8. Step 8

   For an extra crispy finish, coat the chicken in the flour mixture one more time and place the pieces on a rack.

9. Step 9

   Let them rest for about 15 minutes—this helps the coating adhere beautifully.

10. Step 10

    Now, let’s get cooking! In a large pot, melt together butter and lard, then stir in cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.

11. Step 11

    Heat this mixture over medium-high until everything is melted and fragrant, then remove it from the heat and keep it warm.

12. Step 12

    Next, fill a cast iron skillet with vegetable oil, about one-third full, and heat it to 350°F.

13. Step 13

    Carefully add the chicken pieces, skin side down, ensuring the oil temperature stays around 325°F.

14. Step 14

    Fry the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes on each side, or until an instant-read thermometer shows 160°F.

15. Step 15

    The aroma will be irresistible! Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, transfer it to a rack to drain any excess oil.

16. Step 16

    For the finishing touch, brush both sides with the warm sauce you prepared earlier.

17. Step 17

    Now, gather your friends and family, serve up this crispy, flavorful chicken, and enjoy every delicious bite!.