Hot chicken

Hot chicken, also known as Nashville hot chicken, is a tantalizing dish that originates from Nashville, Tennessee. This Southern delicacy features fried chicken that is marinated, breaded, fried, and then coated in a fiery paste or sauce made predominantly with cayenne pepper. Typically, it is served on a slice of white bread with pickle chips, giving it a distinctive look and flavor that sets it apart from other spicy chicken dishes like Buffalo wings.

The preparation of hot chicken can vary. Some establishments use pressure fryers or deep fryers, while others prefer pan-frying. A popular approach involves marinating the chicken in buttermilk to enhance flavor and retain its juiciness. The traditional spicy paste is a mixture of lard and cayenne pepper, though some recipes incorporate additional ingredients like sugar, garlic, or hot sauce. The heat level can be adjusted depending on the amount of paste used.

In Nashville, hot chicken is more than just a dish; it is a culinary icon. Many local restaurants offer their unique versions, and the city even hosts a festival and competition to celebrate this spicy treat. Thanks to Nashville's vibrant music scene, the fame of hot chicken has spread far beyond the South.

Variations, such as "hot fish" use fish fillets prepared in a similarly spicy manner. The origins of hot chicken trace back to Nashville's African-American communities, with stories suggesting it has been around since the 1930s. Prince's Hot Chicken Shack is often credited with popularizing the current style of spice paste in the mid-1970s.

The appeal of hot chicken has reached cities across the U.S. and even worldwide, with variations appearing in locations like Seoul, South Korea, and Melbourne, Australia. Even fast-food giant KFC has joined the trend, offering its take on Nashville hot chicken.