Add a little spice to your dinner with this extra crispy Nashville Hot Chicken recipe!
Craving bold flavors? Try this homemade Nashville hot chicken recipe for crispy, juicy fried chicken coated in spicy, flavorful hot sauce! Perfect for weekend treats, game days, or family dinners.
My son and I spent a week vacationing in Nashville and eating all the fried chicken we could get. Ever since then, I have been making this Nashville Hot Chicken recipe on repeat.
The combination of crispy chicken, spices and pickles is amazing.
Learn how to make authentic Nashville hot chicken at home with this easy, step-by-step recipe. Discover the perfect balance of crispy, juicy fried chicken and fiery, flavorful hot sauce, just like the iconic Tennessee classic.
If you’re looking for a little spice in your life, then you have to whip up this easy and delicious recipe. It’s easy to change up the level of spice by the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce you add.
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My secret ingredient to making the crispiest fried chicken is Argo® Corn Starch! When making the batter to fry chicken, it will leave you with a crunchy and beautifully browned exterior while sealing in the juices of the chicken.
How to make Nashville Hot Chicken
Hot Chicken Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast tenders
- 3 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp pickle juice
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup Argo® Corn Starch
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup pickle slices
Directions:
Place vegetable oil in skillet and set to medium high heat.
In a large bowl mix the Argo® Corn Starch, cayenne pepper and flour together.
In a separate bowl whisk the eggs, buttermilk and hot sauce together.
Coat the chicken in the corn starch mixture so that it’s evenly coated.
Then place in the buttermilk mixture and again in the corn starch.
Place chicken in the skillet and fry for about 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Drain on a paper towel.
Repeat until all chicken has been fried.
Place on plate and serve with pickle slices.
Nashville Hot Chicken

Add a little spice to your dinner with this extra crispy Nashville Hot Chicken recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast tenders
- 3 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp pickle juice
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup Argo® Corn Starch
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup pickle slices
Instructions
- Place vegetable oil in skillet and set to medium high heat.
In a large bowl mix the Argo® Corn Starch, cayenne pepper and flour together. - In a separate bowl whisk the eggs, buttermilk and hot sauce together.
- Coat the chicken in the corn starch mixture so that it’s evenly coated.
- Then place in the buttermilk mixture and again in the corn starch.
- Place chicken in the skillet and fry for about 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Drain on a paper towel.
- Repeat until all chicken has been fried.
- Place on plate and serve with pickle slices.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1140Total Fat: 77gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 63gCholesterol: 148mgSodium: 1866mgCarbohydrates: 82gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 30g
PRO TIP: Want more heat on your hot chicken? Then mix together 3 tbsp of hot sauce, tsp cayenne pepper and drizzle over the chicken.
I prefer my chicken extra spicy, while my son likes it mild. So instead of making separate mixtures before frying, it’s easier to whip up a sauce to drizzle on.
I prefer my chicken extra spicy, while my son likes it mild. So instead of making separate mixtures before frying, it’s easier to whip up a sauce to drizzle on.
Tips for the Perfect Nashville Hot Chicken
- Adjust the Heat: Start with less cayenne if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a consistent 325°F for even cooking.
- Double Dredge: For extra-crispy chicken, double-dip in the flour mixture.
- Pairings: Serve with creamy coleslaw, scallop potatoes, or baked beans for a full Southern feast.