#fried-chicken

Authentic Nashville hot chicken recipe. Brine: buttermilk, hot sauce, chicken thighs (4 hours). Dredge: flour with seasonings. Fry: 350°F oil, 12-14 minutes until 165°F internal. Cayenne paste: mix fried oil with cayenne, paprika, brown sugar, salt. Heat levels: mild (1 tbsp cayenne), hot (3 tbsp), extra hot (5 tbsp). Brush paste on fried chicken immediately. Serve: white bread, pickles. Technique: double-fry method for extra crispy. Explain capsaicin heat and proper oil temperature maintenance.