Indulge in the fiery and bold flavors of the South with our delicious Oven-Fried Nashville Hot Chicken recipe! This delectable dish features succulent chicken coated in a crispy and flavorful breading that has been infused with Nashville hot seasoning’s signature heat. This healthier take on classic fried chicken is baked to golden perfection in the oven, delivering all of the irresistible taste and crunch without the hassle of deep-frying. Prepare to spice up your meals with this addictive and unforgettable dish!
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Louisiana-style hot sauce)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the buttermilk. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease the rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Place the coated chicken thighs on the prepared wire rack, skin-side up. Drizzle the vegetable oil evenly over the chicken pieces.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Hot Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the hot sauce until well combined. Remove from heat.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully brush the hot sauce mixture over the hot chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Serve the Oven-Fried Nashville Hot Chicken hot, accompanied by your favorite sides such as coleslaw, pickles, and sliced bread or biscuits. Enjoy the fiery and irresistible flavors!
Our Oven-Fried Nashville Hot Chicken recipe, a healthier version of the beloved Southern classic, will elevate your dinner table with its bold and spicy flavors. This irresistible dish, with its crispy and golden exterior, tender and juicy interior, and fiery hot sauce coating, will quickly become a family favorite. Whether served for a casual weeknight dinner or as the centerpiece of your next backyard barbecue, Oven-Fried Nashville Hot Chicken is sure to spice up your meal and leave everyone wanting more!