Nashville Hot Chicken from Boston Market features tender, juicy fried chicken generously coated in a fiery, smoky cayenne pepper sauce, served with a golden, crispy crust that delivers a perfect blend of heat and crunch.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Saucepan
- Basting brush
- Thermometer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Tray for dredging
- Plate for serving
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pickles (for serving, optional)
- White bread slices (for serving, optional)
You should use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces to maintain moisture and achieve the signature juicy texture of Nashville Hot Chicken. Buttermilk acts as an essential marinade, tenderizing the meat and adding subtle tanginess that balances the heat from the cayenne pepper sauce. The flour mixture, seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and white pepper, creates a crispy, flavorful crust vital for the dish's texture contrast. Butter combined with a high concentration of cayenne pepper in the sauce delivers the intense smoky heat that defines Nashville Hot Chicken's unique flavor profile. For an authentic experience, consider serving your Nashville Hot Chicken with pickles and white bread, just like the popular Boston Market copycat menu.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- Add chicken pieces to buttermilk mixture, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight).
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon ground white pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs.
- Set up a breading station with the flour mixture, egg bowl, and a tray for dredging.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour mixture, then dip in beaten egg, then coat again in flour mixture; press flour onto chicken to adhere.
- Place breaded chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown, crispy, and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer fried chicken to a clean wire rack to drain.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter.
- Stir in 1/4 cup cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth.
- Using a basting brush, generously coat fried chicken with spicy butter sauce.
- Serve hot chicken on white bread slices with pickles, if desired.
Substitution
K. Nashville Hot Chicken from Boston Market copycat recreates the iconic spicy, crispy fried chicken with an authentic cayenne pepper sauce. If you can't find buttermilk, substitute with 2 cups of milk mixed with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve similar tanginess and tenderness. For frying, vegetable oil is preferred for its high smoke point, but canola or peanut oil also work well without compromising crispiness. When measuring spices, adjust cayenne pepper levels according to your heat tolerance to customize your sauce. Your choice of pickles and white bread can be swapped for coleslaw and buns to create different serving options.
Tips
Make sure to marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours to ensure it stays tender and flavorful. Keep the oil temperature steady at 350degF (175degC) during frying to achieve that perfect golden, crispy crust without undercooking the inside. Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. When coating with the spicy butter sauce, apply it while the chicken is still hot to help the sauce absorb better and maximize the flavor.
Nutritions
Nashville Hot Chicken from Boston Market provides a rich source of protein from the bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, essential for muscle repair and growth. The buttermilk marinade adds calcium and probiotics, supporting bone health and digestion, while the fried preparation contributes significant fats, including saturated fats from butter and vegetable oil. The spicy cayenne pepper sauce boosts metabolism and contains antioxidants, but also increases sodium intake due to added salt. For your meal balance, consider pairing this dish with a fresh vegetable side to add fiber and vitamins.
Storage
Store your Nashville Hot Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain its crisp texture and robust flavor. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) for about 10 minutes to restore the crunch and heat without drying out the chicken. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy and diminish the spicy buttery sauce's intensity.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with marinating the chicken in buttermilk mixed with hot sauce or smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor. Swap the traditional cayenne pepper in the spicy butter sauce with chipotle powder to add a smoky, slightly sweet heat. For a crunchier crust, try adding cornstarch or crushed cornflakes to the flour mixture before dredging. Baking the coated chicken at 400degF for 20-25 minutes instead of frying offers a healthier alternative while maintaining a crispy texture.
Allergies
Nashville Hot Chicken contains common allergens such as eggs and buttermilk, which may cause reactions in individuals with egg or dairy allergies. The flour coating includes all-purpose flour, which contains gluten, posing a risk for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Your sensitivity to spices like cayenne pepper and paprika should also be considered, as they can trigger irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
Why this recipe?
The K. Nashville Hot Chicken menu at Boston Market delivers a perfect blend of bold spices and crispy texture that excites the taste buds with every bite. The signature spicy coating balances heat and flavor, making it a standout choice for fans of Southern cuisine. Its popularity stems from the authentic, fiery profile that mimics traditional Nashville hot chicken, offering a unique dining experience. You'll find it worth trying to recreate the copycat recipe at home to customize the spice level and savor a restaurant-quality meal anytime.