Name: Homemade Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp ground black pepper; ¼ cup cayenne pepper; 2 tbsp coconut palm sugar; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp paprika; 1½ tbsp salt

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Homemade Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning is like Buffalo Chicken’s bigger, meaner sibling. Loaded with heat, not short on robust flavors.

HOMEMADE NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN SEASONING RECIPE

If you haven’t tried Nashville Hot Chicken before, let me be the first to tell you, it’s a game-changer. Remember when the fast food restaurants were all sniping each other about who had the best chicken sandwich? Oddly all the hot chicken shacks kept their mouth shut. Some secrets are just best kept quiet.

The first time I had Nashville Hot Chicken, it was love at first bite. As soon as I took a bite, I was hit with a warm, fiery flavor that was both spicy and delicious. The juicy chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and the coating had a nice crunch to it.

I usually opt for the medium heat level, and boy, it’s just the right amount of spice for me. The heat builds up slowly but never becomes overwhelming. Instead, it just leaves me craving for more. I always get a side of mac and cheese with mine, it makes for a nice, quick fire extinguisher for my tastebuds, should they need it. With this seasoning recipe, you can save yourself the drive to Tennessee and make some hot chicken at home!

WHAT IS NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN?

Nashville Hot Chicken is a delicious and spicy dish that originated in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s made by coating chicken pieces in a mixture of spices and then deep-frying them until crispy. The signature element of Nashville Hot Chicken is its bold, spicy flavor that comes from a blend of cayenne pepper and other seasonings. People often serve it with white bread and pickles to balance out the heat. It’s a popular comfort food that’s enjoyed by many and has become a staple of southern cuisine.

WHAT DOES THIS HOMEMADE NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN SEASONING TASTE LIKE?

When done right, Nashville Hot Chicken is like a spicy party in your mouth! It’s got a kick of heat that’s balanced out with a crispy exterior, juicy meat, and the perfect amount of seasoning. It’s like nothing you’ve ever tasted before unless you’re a hot chicken connoisseur. And even if you are, trust me, having your own homemade blend of seasoning for when the craving hits is never a bad thing.

THE BEST NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN SEASONING RECIPE INGREDIENTS

Ground black pepper – 2 tablespoons
Cayenne pepper – 1/4 cup
Coconut palm sugar – 2 tablespoons

Garlic powder – 2 teaspoons
Paprika – 2 tablespoons
Salt – 1 1/2 tablespoons

HOW TO MAKE THIS NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN SEASONING RECIPE

In a small mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients.
Using a small whisk, or fork, stir all the ingredients until well combined.
Use promptly, or store in an airtight container for future use.

CAN YOU MAKE NASHVILLE CHICKEN SPICE AHEAD OF TIME?

Absolutely! I like to have a jar of this all sorts of homemade spices and seasoning on hand for whenever the craving strikes. As a rule of thumb, when making spice blends: the earliest expiration date on your ingredients is now the new expiration date for your homemade Nashville chicken spices.

CAN YOU FREEZE THIS NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN SPICE MIX?

Though it is not necessary to freeze this spicy homemade chicken seasoning, you can store it in the freezer. If you do, make sure it is an airtight, freezer-safe container to keep the original flavors fresh.

WHAT TO SERVE USING NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN SEASONING?

Nashville Hot Chicken is traditionally served with white bread, pickles, and coleslaw. The bread helps to soak up the hot sauce and the pickles provide a crunchy, tangy contrast to the spiciness of the chicken. Coleslaw is a creamy, cool side dish that balances out the heat and adds some extra freshness to the meal. Other popular sides to serve with Nashville Hot Chicken include: