If you’re a fan of fried chicken but crave a little kick, then Spicy Nashville Style Sous Vide Fried Chicken is a must-try! This recipe marries the deep, crispy flavors of traditional Southern fried chicken with the precision of sous vide cooking, ensuring each bite is juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. The secret to that iconic Nashville heat lies in the spice blend and the hot sauce, making every bite a delightful experience. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this show-stopping dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Nashville Style Sous Vide Fried Chicken is not just about heat; it’s about achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance. With the sous vide method, you can achieve that tender and juicy chicken meat that is nearly impossible with traditional frying alone. The crispy exterior comes from a classic double-dredge technique, ensuring each piece is coated to perfection. Plus, the homemade Nashville hot sauce adds a unique twist that elevates this dish to new heights!

Ingredient Breakdown

4 chicken breasts – The star of the show, providing ample meat for frying.
1 tsp salt – Essential for seasoning the chicken before cooking.
1 cup buttermilk – Adds moisture and a slight tanginess, perfect for marinating.
1 tbsp Nashville hot sauce – For that signature spicy flavor.
1.5 cups flour – Creates a crispy coating for frying.
1 tbsp garlic powder – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
1 tbsp onion powder – Adds depth to the seasoning mix.
1 tbsp paprika – Contributes color and a mild pepper flavor.
1 tbsp salt – For dredging the chicken.
1 tbsp pepper – Adds a bit of heat to the coating.
Oil for frying (optional) – Use your favorite frying oil for that crispy finish.
4 tbsp cayenne pepper – The heart of Nashville heat!
2 tbsp brown sugar – Balances the heat with sweetness.
1 tbsp paprika – For additional flavor and color.
1 tsp garlic powder – Enhances the spicy sauce.
1 tsp chili powder – Adds complexity to the spice mix.
1 tsp kosher salt – For seasoning the sauce.
1 tbsp vegetable oil – To mix into the hot sauce.
1 tbsp mayo – For creaminess in the sauce.
1 tbsp ketchup – A touch of sweetness and acidity.
1 tsp horseradish (creamy) – Adds a unique tang to the sauce.

Before You Start: Equipment

Sous vide precision cooker – Essential for perfectly cooked chicken.
Vacuum sealer or zip-top bags – For sealing the chicken for sous vide cooking.
Heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven – Ideal for frying the chicken.
Thermometer – To ensure the oil is at the right frying temperature.
Wire rack – For draining the fried chicken.

The Method for Spicy Nashville Style Sous Vide Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with 1 tsp of salt. In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and Nashville hot sauce. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or vacuum seal them, and pour the buttermilk mixture over the chicken. Seal the bag, ensuring all air is removed, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sous Vide Cooking

Fill a large pot with water and attach your sous vide precision cooker. Set the temperature to 145°F (63°C) and allow the water to heat up. Once the temperature is reached, submerge the sealed chicken in the water bath. Cook the chicken for 1.5 to 2 hours. This method ensures that the chicken is cooked evenly and retains its juiciness.

Step 3: Prepare the Dredging Station

While the chicken is cooking, set up your dredging station. In one bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, prepare a mixture of the remaining buttermilk and Nashville hot sauce for dipping.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Once the chicken is done sous vide cooking, remove it from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels. Dip each chicken breast into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture. For extra crunch, repeat this step to double-dredge the chicken.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

In a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Carefully add the dredged chicken breasts to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a wire rack to drain the fried chicken and keep it warm.

Step 7: Make the Hot Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, kosher salt, vegetable oil, mayo, ketchup, and horseradish. Adjust the heat level according to your preference.

Step 8: Sauce It Up!

Once all the chicken is fried, brush the spicy sauce generously over each piece. For an even spicier kick, feel free to add more sauce to your liking!

Season-by-Season Upgrades

Summer: Add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to your hot sauce for a refreshing twist.
Fall: Incorporate pumpkin pie spice into the dredge for a seasonal flavor profile.
Winter: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and collard greens for a comforting meal.
Spring: Pair with a citrusy salad to balance the heat of the chicken.

Pro Perspective

Mastering the art of frying can be tricky, but using the sous vide method takes the guesswork out of cooking chicken. This technique locks in moisture and flavor, yielding perfectly cooked meat. Remember to let your oil return to temperature between batches to maintain that perfect crispy crust. Also, don’t skip the double-dredging step; it’s key to achieving that coveted crunch!

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

To save time, you can marinate the chicken in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness, and feel free to make extra spicy sauce to keep things exciting!

Questions People Ask

Can I use thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and remain juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

Is sous vide cooking difficult?

Not at all! Sous vide is quite simple and forgiving. Once you set the temperature, the precision cooker does the work for you.

Can I make this chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can sous vide the chicken a day in advance and then fry it just before serving for a fresh and crispy finish.

What sides go well with Nashville hot chicken?

Classic sides include coleslaw, pickles, and cornbread. You can also serve it with a refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the heat.

Quick Weeknight Wins

Easy Chicken Tacos – Quick and flavorful for busy nights.
One-Pan Chicken with Vegetables – Simple clean-up and delicious flavors.
Quick Stir-Fry – A fast dinner option with vibrant veggies.
Pasta Primavera – A light and colorful dish for any weeknight.

Wrap-Up

Spicy Nashville Style Sous Vide Fried Chicken is a game-changer when it comes to comfort food. With its expertly cooked chicken, crispy coating, and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or as the star of your next gathering, this dish is bound to impress. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations with friends and family!