If you're a fan of bold flavors and crave heat, this copycat Dave's Hot Chicken recipe is for you! Juicy chicken thighs are soaked in a tangy buttermilk marinade, triple-coated in seasoned flour, then fried to perfection and smothered in a spicy, cayenne-laced sauce. It's an irresistible take on Nashville-style hot chicken that will have your taste buds tingling and your belly smiling.
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My Take on Dave’s Hot Chicken
The first time I tried Dave's Hot Chicken, I was blown away by the combination of crispy fried chicken and the fiery, flavorful kick the sauce on it had.
After trying it a few more times, I knew I had to recreate all that deliciousness at home. The result? A crispy, crunchy, spicy masterpiece that rivals the original!
This recipe hits all the right notes with its juicy chicken, crunchy coating, and signature hot sauce. The pickle brine in the marinade is a game-changer, adding an extra layer of tangy flavor that complements the heat - and it also tenderizes the chicken too.
One thing I love about this homemade version is that you can adjust the spice level to suit your preference - whether you want it scorching hot or mildly spicy. Serve it with white bread and pickles for the full experience. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
Ingredients for Copycat Dave’s Hot Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make some Dave's Hot Chicken at home:
For The Marinade:
- 6 chicken thighs with skin on
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoon pickle brine
For Dredging:
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup corn starch
- 2 teaspoon salt
For The Sauce:
- 1 ½ tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup oil from frying
Steps to Make Some Homemade Dave’s Hot Chicken
Just a handful of steps are all you have to follow to make this recipe.
Step 1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix together buttermilk, hot sauce, egg, and pickle brine.
Season the chicken thighs with salt, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but for best results, leave it overnight.
Step 2. Prepare the Dredging Mixture
Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Remove each chicken thigh from the marinade, dredge it in the flour mixture, dip it back into the marinade, and dredge it in flour again for a triple coating.
Step 3. Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a large pan to 350°F (180°C). Fry the chicken in batches for about 7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 160°F).
Set the fried chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 4. Make the Spicy Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add some of the hot frying oil to the spice mixture and stir to combine.
Generously brush the sauce over the fried chicken.
Step 5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken hot with slices of bread and pickles on the side for an authentic experience. Enjoy the fiery goodness!
My Expert Tips for Making Dave’s Hot Chicken
- Double or Triple Coating: For that extra crispy texture, make sure to triple-coat your chicken in the flour mixture. This step ensures a crunchy crust that holds up even under the spicy sauce.
- Marinate for Best Results: While 2 hours of marinating is enough, overnight marination will give you maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Adjust the Spice Level To Your Liking: If you prefer a milder kick, reduce the cayenne pepper in the sauce. For extra heat, feel free to add more!
- Don’t Skip the Pickle Brine: The pickle brine adds a tangy depth of flavor to the marinade that makes the chicken extra tasty and also makes the chicken tender too.
- Serve Immediately: This chicken is best enjoyed fresh and crispy, so serve it hot from the fryer with a side of bread and pickles.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in your freezer for 3 months.
How to Reheat Dave’s Hot Chicken
For the best texture, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat it in your air fryer at the same temperature for 8-10 minutes.
Avoid the microwave, as it will make the coating soggy.
FAQ's About This Dave's Hot Chicken Recipe
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
How do I make this recipe less spicy?
To tone down the heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the sauce. You can also serve it with extra pickles and bread to balance the spiciness.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, peanut oil, avocado oil, or macadamia nut oil is ideal for frying as they have a high smoke point, ensuring that the chicken fries up crispy without burning.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While frying gives the best crispy texture, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. It won’t be as crispy, but still tasty!
Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken overnight to enhance the flavor, and fry it the next day.
Final Thoughts
This copycat homemade Dave’s Hot Chicken recipe is sure to satisfy your craving for spicy, crispy fried chicken.
It’s perfect for a weekend meal or when you’re hosting friends who love a good kick of heat. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy coating, and spicy sauce is simply irresistible.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be making it on repeat! Oh, and as always, if you do give it a try, let me know how it goes for you in the comments below.
More Chicken Recipes to Try Next
- Crustless Chicken Pot Pie
- Popeye's Fried Chicken
- Chicken Big Mac
- Church's Chicken
- Fried Mustard Chicken
- Food Court Bourbon Chicken
- Chicken Bryan
- Chicken Al Pastor
Homemade Crispy Dave's Hot Chicken Made In Just 5 Easy Steps
If you're a fan of bold flavors and crave heat, this copycat Dave's Hot Chicken recipe is for you! Juicy chicken thighs are soaked in a tangy buttermilk marinade, triple-coated in seasoned flour, then fried to perfection and smothered in a spicy, cayenne-laced sauce. It's an irresistible take on Nashville-style hot chicken that will have your taste buds tingling and your belly smiling.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs with skin on
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoon pickle brine
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup corn starch
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup oil (for frying)
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with salt on both sides. Let it sit overnight if possible, but it’s not entirely necessary.
2. In a measuring cup, mix together the buttermilk, egg, hot sauce, and pickle juice. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken and allow it to soak for at least two hours. For best results, marinate overnight in a ziplock bag.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
5. Remove a piece of chicken from the marinade and coat it in the flour mixture. Dip it back into the marinade, then coat it in the flour again. Repeat once more, making sure the chicken is triple coated. Set the coated chicken aside on a wire rack and repeat the process for all the chicken pieces.
6. Heat oil in a large pan or pot to 350°F (180°C). Fry the chicken in batches, cooking each side for about 7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Once done, place the fried chicken on a wire rack to drain.
7. In a small bowl, mix together cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add some of the hot frying oil to this spice mixture and stir until well combined.
8. Generously brush the spice mixture over the fried chicken. Serve with slices of bread and pickles, and enjoy
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 365Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 823mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 35g
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