dave’s hot chicken recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
dave's hot chicken recipe
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The Best dave’s hot chicken recipe

I’ve been making Dave’s Hot Chicken recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. I first discovered it on a food blog, and I was immediately hooked.

The combination of crispy fried chicken, spicy hot sauce, and creamy mayonnaise is a game-changer. My family loves it when I make this recipe for dinner, and it’s also a great option for potlucks or casual gatherings with friends.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make – just marinate the chicken in the hot sauce mixture, let it sit for a bit, and then fry it up in a skillet. It’s also relatively healthy compared to other fried chicken recipes, thanks to the use of buttermilk and herbs instead of heavy breading.

We love serving this with some crispy coleslaw or pickles on the side to cut the richness of the fried chicken. The flavors are so well-balanced and delicious that I often get requests for seconds (or thirds!)

It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken if you have some on hand. In terms of cooking technique, I like to use a thermometer to ensure my oil reaches the perfect temperature for frying – around 350°F.

This ensures that the outside is nice and crispy while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Of course, there are many variations of this recipe online, but I’ve found that sticking to the classic ingredients and method yields the best results.

Dave's Hot Chicken

Dave’s Hot Chicken

4.9 from 1299 votes

This Nashville-style hot chicken features a juicy, tenderized breast coated in a spicy cayenne paste and fried to a deep golden brown. The heat level is customizable, and the chicken is served on white bread with pickles to balance the spice.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for mild heat)
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Spicy Paste

1/4 cup cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup reserved hot frying oil

For Serving

4 slices white bread
1 cup dill pickle chips

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pound each chicken breast to an even 1/2-inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap.
2Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over it, ensuring all pieces are submerged.
3Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
4In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
5Remove each chicken breast from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing the coating onto all sides.
6Set the breaded chicken on a wire rack and let rest for 10 minutes so the coating adheres.
7Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of 2 inches.
8Heat the oil to 350°F over medium-high heat, using a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
9Fry the chicken in batches without crowding, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes per side until the coating is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10Transfer the fried chicken to a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet.
11In a small bowl, combine the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
12Carefully measure 1/4 cup of the hot frying oil and whisk it into the spice mixture until a smooth paste forms.
13Brush the spicy paste generously onto both sides of each fried chicken piece while still hot.
14Place one slice of white bread on each serving plate and top with a piece of spicy chicken.
15Add a generous handful of dill pickle chips on top or alongside the chicken.
16Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the bread is soft.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Shallow dish
Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
Deep-fry thermometer
Tongs
Wire rack set over a baking sheet
Small bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a milder version, reduce cayenne in the paste to 2 tablespoons. Adjust the resting time after breading to ensure the coating stays on during frying. Serve with extra pickles and a side of coleslaw to cool the heat.

Watch Video Of How Dave’s Hot Chicken Works

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it at room temperature as a snack or appetizer, or reheat it in the oven for a satisfying meal.

If you’re looking for ways to repurpose leftover Dave’s Hot Chicken, consider using it in sandwiches or wraps or adding it to soups like chili or tortilla soup.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Dave’s Hot Chicken

Q1: What is Dave’s Hot Chicken?

Dave’s Hot Chicken is a popular fried chicken recipe that originated in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s known for its spicy hot sauce mixture and creamy mayonnaise-based sauce.

Q2: How do I make Dave’s Hot Chicken?

To make Dave’s Hot Chicken, you’ll need to marinate chicken breasts or thighs in a mixture of hot sauce, buttermilk, herbs, and spices. Then, you’ll need to fry the chicken in a skillet until it’s crispy and golden brown.

Q3: What are some good sides to serve with Dave’s Hot Chicken?

Some popular sides to serve with Dave’s Hot Chicken include coleslaw, pickles, baked beans, or macaroni salad.

Q4: Can I make Dave’s Hot Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Dave’s Hot Chicken ahead of time by marinating the chicken for several hours or overnight before frying it.

Q5: How do I store leftover Dave’s Hot Chicken?

To store leftover Dave’s Hot Chicken, let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it.

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