Crunch and Heat: Nashville Hot Chicken in Taco Form
Can you imagine a perfect mix of American and Mexican cultures? We'll give you a hint: The Nashville Hot Chicken taco, aka Crunch and Heat!
This innovative culinary fusion brings together the fiery spirit of Nashville's iconic dish with the incredibly versatile taco format and creates a blend of heat, crunch, tang, and freshness unlike any other.
Let’s discover how this beloved Southern classic finds itself reimagined, taking on a new form within the confines of a tortilla!
Spicy Legends: Discovering The Story Behind Nashville Hot Chicken
Nashville Hot Chicken was born in Tennessee, and more precisely, in the kitchens of Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, a restaurant in Nashville established in 1945 by James Thornton Prince.
Legend has it that the dish was a result of a prank played by Thornton Prince's lover, who was seeking revenge for her partner's infidelity. She doused his fried chicken with an excessive amount of cayenne pepper and spices. Yet, instead of repelling him, he liked the spicy creation and quickly gained popularity among locals.
So the defining feature of Nashville Hot Chicken lies in the fiery paste or oil infused with cayenne pepper and other spices. This signature sauce is then generously drizzled or brushed over the crispy fried chicken, imparting an intense heat.
Over time, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack recipe has spread far beyond Tennessee and earned its place among the pantheon of iconic American dishes. Now, it stands as a symbol of Southern comfort food and continues to inspire chefs and home cooks to experiment and innovate.
In fact, its fascinating fusion with other culinary traditions has led to its adaptation into the beloved taco format, which certainly introduces a new chapter in its flavorful saga.
Crafting the Perfect Nashville Hot Chicken Easily at Home
A perfect Nashville hot chicken requires a balance of flavors and attention to detail.
Firstly, the chicken is marinated in a blend of buttermilk and spices to tenderize the meat and provide it with layers of flavor.
Then, the marinated chicken is coated in a flour mixture and deep-fried in hot oil until it achieves a crisp exterior while remaining succulent and juicy inside.
The hallmark of this dish is the application of the fiery paste or oil, which intensifies the heat and flavor.
What to Serve with Nashville Hot Chicken
Other ingredients can also be added as accompaniments or toppings when serving Nashville hot chicken, especially when it's in a taco or sandwich form. They complement the flavors and add contrasting textures to the dish:
- Cabbage Slaw: The cabbage slaw offers a refreshing crunch and can help balance the spiciness of the chicken. It adds a textural contrast and freshness to the dish. For example, red cabbage slaw for tacos is a popular choice due to its ability to elevate the visual appeal and taste profile.
- Pickles: Pickles, with their tangy and slightly sweet flavor, provide a counterbalance to the heat of the chicken. Their acidity can cut through the richness of the dish. They act as a palate cleanser.
- Jalapeños: Sliced jalapeños add an extra layer of heat and earthy flavor. They contribute a spicier kick for those who enjoy an additional fiery element in their dish.
Here you have a great recipe for a delicious homemade Nashville hot chicken:
Ingredients
- 4 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 cups canola oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (adjust based on preferred heat level)
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on preferred spice intensity)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are completely submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to marinate.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off excess flour and set aside on a wire rack or plate.
- In a heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the canola oil to 350°F over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated chicken thighs (work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.)
- Fry the chicken for about 15 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, add the hot sauce and cayenne pepper. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a mixing bowl and pour the hot sauce mixture over the chicken, tossing and coating the pieces evenly.
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper according to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Ensure the oil is heated to the correct temperature before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.
The Marriage of Flavors: Nashville Hot Chicken Meets Taco
Mexican tacos have evolved into a global phenomenon revered for their adaptability and diverse flavor profiles.
They are a simple yet ingenious creation—a maize-based tortilla folded around various fillings (seasoned meats, fresh vegetables, and salsas) that became an integral part of Mexican cuisine and culture.
Its portability, simplicity, and endless flavor combinations made tacos transcend borders across continents and cultures. Thus, restaurants and chefs around the world have infused it with international influences, experimenting with unconventional fillings, and exploring unique combinations of textures and flavors.
This has led to the creation of very interesting variations such as Asian-inspired tacos with bold spices (such as our Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos), vegan and vegetarian alternatives with plant-based ingredients, and now, the fusion of Nashville hot chicken with the beloved taco format.
The Nashville hot chicken taco serves as a bridge between cultures and encapsulates the essence of both iconic dishes—the fiery spirit of the Tennessee classic and the handheld adaptability of the taco, which creates a great interplay of heat, crunch, acidity, and freshness as each element contributes its unique character.
Savoring Fusion: Nashville Hot Chicken Tacos and Culinary Diversity
The fusion of the spicy Nashville's iconic hot chicken with the incredibly versatile taco format symbolizes the perfect blend of cultural influences, as well as the adaptability and universality of food.
The crispy buttermilk fried chicken finds its perfect counterpart within the comforting embrace of a tortilla. As the sizzle of marinated chicken thighs meets the crunch of a taco shell, a new chapter in your culinary experience unfolds.
So, we invite you to celebrate this irresistible cultural exchange with us! Check out our menu and savor the culinary diversity.