Nashville hot chicken has taken the world by storm, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. This spicy, crispy, and oh-so-delicious dish has become a staple in many restaurants and households across the globe. But what makes a Nashville hot chicken sandwich truly special? Is it the secret blend of spices, the crispy exterior, or the tangy kick of the pickles? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Nashville hot chicken and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect Nashville hot chicken sandwich.
A Brief History of Nashville Hot Chicken
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the history of Nashville hot chicken. This iconic dish originated in the 1930s in Nashville, Tennessee, where it was served as a snack at local bars and restaurants. The original recipe is credited to Thornton Prince, a chef who owned a restaurant called Thornton’s Restaurant in North Nashville. Prince’s recipe consisted of fried chicken served on top of a slice of white bread, topped with a spicy paste made from a blend of spices, including cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Over time, Nashville hot chicken gained popularity, and its recipe evolved to include a variety of toppings, such as pickles, onions, and local favorite, Duke’s mayonnaise. Today, Nashville hot chicken is a staple in many restaurants across the United States, and its popularity continues to grow.
The Secret to Making the Perfect Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
So, what makes a Nashville hot chicken sandwich truly special? The answer lies in the combination of crispy fried chicken, tangy pickles, and a spicy kick from the secret blend of spices. Here are the key components of a perfect Nashville hot chicken sandwich:
The Chicken
The chicken is the star of the show, and it’s essential to get it right. For a traditional Nashville hot chicken sandwich, you’ll want to use a combination of chicken breast and thighs. The chicken should be marinated in a mixture of buttermilk, hot sauce, and spices before being dredged in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and spices.
Marinating the Chicken
To marinate the chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved, then add the chicken. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
The Breading
The breading is what gives the chicken its crispy exterior, and it’s essential to get it right. For a traditional Nashville hot chicken sandwich, you’ll want to use a combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and spices.
The Breading Mixture
To make the breading mixture, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Whisk until the spices are evenly distributed.
The Frying
The frying is what gives the chicken its crispy exterior, and it’s essential to get it right. For a traditional Nashville hot chicken sandwich, you’ll want to use a combination of vegetable oil and lard.
Frying the Chicken
To fry the chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lard or bacon fat for added flavor
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the breading mixture, shaking off any excess. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Assembling the Sandwich
Now that we have the chicken, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Here are the key components of a perfect Nashville hot chicken sandwich:
The Bread
The bread is the foundation of the sandwich, and it’s essential to get it right. For a traditional Nashville hot chicken sandwich, you’ll want to use a soft, white bread.
Toasting the Bread
To toast the bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 slices of white bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Preheat a griddle or skillet to medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread, butter-side down, on the griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown. Flip the bread over and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the bread is toasted.
The Toppings
The toppings are what make the sandwich truly special. Here are the key components of a perfect Nashville hot chicken sandwich:
The Pickles
The pickles are a crucial component of a Nashville hot chicken sandwich. For a traditional sandwich, you’ll want to use thinly sliced dill pickles.
The Local Favorite: Duke’s Mayonnaise
Duke’s mayonnaise is a staple in many Southern households, and it’s a crucial component of a Nashville hot chicken sandwich. For a traditional sandwich, you’ll want to use a generous slathering of Duke’s mayonnaise.
The Spicy Kick
The spicy kick is what sets a Nashville hot chicken sandwich apart from other fried chicken sandwiches. For a traditional sandwich, you’ll want to use a spicy paste made from a blend of spices, including cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Putting it All Together
Now that we have all the components, it’s time to put it all together. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assembling the perfect Nashville hot chicken sandwich:
- Place a slice of toasted bread on a plate or cutting board.
- Add a few slices of fried chicken on top of the bread.
- Add a few slices of thinly sliced dill pickles on top of the chicken.
- Slather a generous amount of Duke’s mayonnaise on top of the pickles.
- Drizzle a spicy paste made from a blend of spices, including cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, on top of the mayonnaise.
- Top with another slice of toasted bread.
Conclusion
Making a Nashville hot chicken sandwich is an art form, and it requires patience, practice, and a willingness to experiment. With this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Nashville hot chicken sandwich. Remember, the key to a great sandwich is in the details, so don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own twist to this classic recipe. Happy cooking!
What is Nashville Hot Chicken?
Nashville Hot Chicken is a type of fried chicken dish that originated in Nashville, Tennessee. It is known for its spicy and tangy flavor, which is achieved by using a combination of spices and a special type of pepper called the cayenne pepper. The dish is typically served on a bun with pickles and local favorite toppings.
The unique flavor of Nashville Hot Chicken is what sets it apart from other types of fried chicken. The combination of spices and peppers creates a flavor that is both spicy and tangy, making it a favorite among those who enjoy bold flavors. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking to try something new, Nashville Hot Chicken is definitely worth a try.
What are the essential ingredients for making a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich?
The essential ingredients for making a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich include chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, buttermilk, and vegetable oil. You will also need buns, pickles, and any other desired toppings.
In addition to these ingredients, you will also need a few pantry staples such as eggs and hot sauce. The hot sauce is used to add an extra layer of heat to the chicken, while the eggs are used to help the coating adhere to the chicken. With these ingredients, you will be able to create a delicious and authentic Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich.
How do I prepare the chicken for frying?
To prepare the chicken for frying, you will need to marinate it in buttermilk and then coat it in a mixture of flour, spices, and herbs. The buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken and add flavor, while the coating helps to create a crispy exterior.
Once the chicken is coated, you will need to let it sit for a few minutes to allow the coating to set. This will help the coating adhere to the chicken and create a crispy exterior when it is fried. After the coating has set, you can fry the chicken in hot oil until it is golden brown and crispy.
What is the best type of oil to use for frying the chicken?
The best type of oil to use for frying the chicken is a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil. These oils are able to handle the high heat of the frying process without breaking down or smoking.
When choosing an oil for frying, it’s also important to consider the flavor it will impart to the chicken. Vegetable oil and peanut oil are both neutral-tasting oils that won’t add any strong flavors to the chicken. This allows the natural flavors of the chicken and spices to shine through.
How do I assemble the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich?
To assemble the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, you will need to place a few pieces of the fried chicken on a bun, followed by a few slices of pickle and any other desired toppings. The bun should be toasted or grilled to give it a crispy texture and a slightly charred flavor.
Once the chicken and toppings are in place, you can drizzle the sandwich with a little bit of hot sauce and serve it immediately. The hot sauce adds an extra layer of heat to the sandwich, while the pickles add a tangy and crunchy texture.
Can I make Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches ahead of time?
While it’s possible to make some components of the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich ahead of time, such as the chicken and the pickles, it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving. This ensures that the chicken is crispy and the bun is toasted.
If you need to make the sandwich ahead of time, you can fry the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Then, simply reheat the chicken in the oven or on the stovetop before assembling the sandwich.
Are there any variations of the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich?
Yes, there are many variations of the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. Some popular variations include adding different types of cheese, such as cheddar or American, or using different types of bread, such as a brioche bun or a pretzel bun.
You can also customize the sandwich to your taste by adding different toppings, such as bacon or avocado. Additionally, you can adjust the level of heat in the sandwich by using more or less hot sauce. This allows you to create a sandwich that is tailored to your specific tastes and preferences.