Nashville hot chicken wings have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many restaurants and fast food chains offering their own take on this spicy dish. Whether you're a spice lover or just looking for a new twist on classic buffalo wings, Nashville hot chicken wings are sure to satisfy your cravings.
How To Make:
To make Nashville hot chicken wings, the chicken is first marinated in a blend of spices, including cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. The chicken is then coated in a mixture of flour and additional spices, such as cumin and chili powder before being deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
The true hallmark of Nashville hot chicken wings, however, is the fiery sauce that is drizzled over the crispy chicken. This sauce is made by combining cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and a variety of other spices and seasonings, and is typically served with a side of creamy ranch dressing to help balance out the heat.
Here are some tips and variations:
Adjust the heat level: Nashville hot chicken wings can be extremely spicy, so if you're not a fan of heat, you can adjust the spice level to your liking. Try reducing the amount of cayenne pepper in the sauce or using a milder hot sauce instead.
Try different coatings: While traditional Nashville hot chicken wings are coated in flour and spices, you can experiment with different coatings to add variety to your dish. For example, you could try a cornmeal or panko breadcrumb coating for a different texture.
Use different cuts of chicken: While wings are the traditional cut of chicken used for this dish, you could also try using chicken tenders or thighs for a different twist.
Serve with different dips: While ranch dressing is the most common dip served with Nashville hot chicken wings, you could also try blue cheese dressing or a spicy mayo dip for a different flavor profile.
Pair with sides: Nashville hot chicken wings pair well with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, mac, and cheese, or baked beans. Try experimenting with different sides to find your favorite combination.
Make it healthier: If you're looking for a healthier version of Nashville hot chicken wings, you can try baking them instead of deep-frying or using skinless chicken breasts to reduce the fat content.
Remember to always handle spicy foods with care, especially if you have a sensitive palate or medical conditions that may be affected by spicy foods.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, cumin, and chili powder. Mix well.
Dip the chicken wings in the buttermilk, then coat them in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour and place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken wings for 35-40 minutes or until they're golden brown and crispy.
In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved, then remove it from the heat.
Drizzle the hot sauce mixture over the baked chicken wings, tossing them to coat evenly.
Serve the Nashville hot chicken wings immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.