Description
A fiery and flavorful Nashville Hot Chicken Wings recipe featuring crispy, marinated chicken wings coated in a spicy flour batter, fried to golden perfection, and brushed with a signature cayenne pepper hot sauce. Perfect for a spicy snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 3 pounds chicken wings
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup pickle brine
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Pinch salt
- Pinch pepper
Flour Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
Nashville Hot Sauce
- 1/2 cup butter (melted or use oil from frying chicken)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Frying Oil
- 2 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
- Marinate: Combine all ingredients for the marinade—including buttermilk, hot sauce, pickle brine, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper—in a large bowl. Add the chicken wings, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to develop deep flavor.
- Batter & Fry: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Remove wings from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each wing thoroughly in the flour mixture to coat evenly.
- Heat Oil & Fry Wings: Preheat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken wings in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and drain on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
- Make Nashville Hot Sauce: While frying, whisk together melted butter (or 1/2 cup oil from the frying pan), brown sugar, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and kosher salt in a small bowl to create the signature spicy sauce.
- Coat with Hot Sauce: Using a brush, coat each wing generously on all sides with the prepared Nashville hot sauce while they are still warm. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil temperature for crispiness and safety.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce cayenne pepper in the marinade and sauce.
- Drain wings on a wire rack rather than paper towels to keep them crispy.
- Leftover hot sauce can be stored refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
