Nashville Style Hot Chicken Spice Mix Recipe

Try this fiery spice mix to make Nashville Style Hot Chicken! With a wallop from cayenne pepper and the right touch of sweetness, this blend, without refined sugars, is guaranteed to bring the heat.

If you like this recipe you should also try this homemade shawarma spice blend and read this article about my favorite spices!

USE THIS RECIPE TO MAKE MY HEALTHIER BAKED NASHVILLE-STYLE HOT CHICKEN STRIPS!

From the smoke of barbeque to the glorious, darkened roux that makes gumbo, the best dishes of the American south reflect its varied landscape, a love of spice, and just some good ole country cooking.

Nashville Hot Chicken is some exciting southern food. It has become a favorite of food lovers across the country—last week on Top Chef a contestant made Hot tofu!  And it is a shock, a thunderbolt of heat from the cayenne in this dish but somehow that is tempered enough by the crunchy exterior of the chicken, the addition of sugar, and the bird itself to give it a rather alluring and addictive quality. It is one of those punishing hot dishes that is unforgettable. It haunts you. After you have it; you want to have it again.

In order to make Nashville Hot Chicken you first need this spice mix and it couldn't be easier. Make a big batch because you'll want to use it on everything! 

Let's get mixing!

SPICES USED IN NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN 

Detailed measurements and ingredients can be found within the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Ground Cayenne Pepper – Cayenne is what brings the heat, in a pinch you could replace it with hot paprika
• Coconut Palm Sugar  – A traditional Nashville Hot Chicken recipe uses white sugar but I love the dark molasses flavor of coconut palm sugar in this recipe. You could replace it with brown sugar
• Garlic Powder – Not garlic salt! Make sure your garlic powder is fresh and pungent, the good stuff!
• Sweet Paprika – The earthy fruity note of paprika is the ultimate balancer in this recipe.
• Black Pepper – Please use freshly ground black pepper, it makes a HUGE difference
• Sea Salt – I used a slightly larger grain of sea salt for this recipe, but any sea salt will do

TOOLS YOU WILL USE:

• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Spoons
• Funnel
• Jar or Tin

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE SPICE MIXES

It honestly couldn't be easier. Simply stir ground spices together and store in an airtight container away from heat and light for up to 6 months. I love storing my homemade spice mixes in Weck Jars, Mini Mason Jars, or these super cute jars with locking lid clamp closure (similar to the one in the photo).

HOW TO USE NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN SPICE:

• Use it to make my version of healthier baked Nashville Hot Chicken
• Sprinkle some on top of fish for a fiery blackened fish, and then pile that fish into warm tortillas for the best fish tacos you've ever had!
• Marinate tofu in this spice blend with a bit of avocado oil, saute on medium-high heat and serve over cauliflower rice with scallions and a drizzle of hot honey – OMG YES!
• Gift it! This spice blend makes the perfect fun gift for family and friends who would appreciate something a little bit country with a whole lotta heat.

FAQ:

WHAT MAKES NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN HOT?

Cayenne Pepper is the spice that makes Nashville hot chicken hot. It is a fiery red spice that has a kick. There may be some additional heat from hot sauce added to the chicken depending on the recipe.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BUFFALO AND NASHVILLE HOT?

These are two very different preparations for chicken. Buffalo chicken is coated in a wet sauce which can have varying degrees of spice. It is typically served on chicken wings and often contains butter, hot sauce and other ingredients. Hot chicken is made with a spice blend that is put into the coating of the fried chicken. The chicken has a crunchy exterior and can have a drizzle of sauce on top. 

FUN FACT ABOUT HOW NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN WAS BORN! 🤓

This recipe coincidently has a spicy history. A Casanova from Nashville named Thorton Prince left his wife at home one night and went out on the town.  He came stumbling home in the wee hours of the morning. To punish him, his wife prepared his favorite fried chicken but tossed in an obscene amount of red-hot cayenne. To the chagrin of his wife, Thorton loved that hot chicken, and the family ended up opening the first hot chicken shack in Nashville. Over the years the dish has continued to grow in popularity.

MORE SPICY RECIPES YOU WILL LOVE

Spicy Korean Cucumbers

Spicy Sheet Pan Salmon with Broccoli

Spicy Sausage Pasta with Veggies

I can’t wait for you to try this Hot Chicken Spice Recipe! When you make it, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @abrapappa or use the hashtag #abraskitchen so I can feature your photo! 

If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate and leave a comment below. I love to hear from people who’ve made my recipes!