If you love bold, fiery flavors with a smoky twist, you are going to absolutely adore this Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe. This dish takes the classic Southern heat and layers it onto tender, juicy chicken tenders grilled to perfection. The combination of cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and a blend of spices creates a tantalizing crust that’s spicy, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. It’s a lighter, grilled take on a traditional favorite that’s guaranteed to become a staple for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts, giving you a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe is delightfully simple with pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each item plays an essential role, from creating that signature fiery kick to adding balance with a touch of sweetness and the perfect crispy texture.
- Cayenne pepper: The star spice that delivers Nashville’s signature heat and vibrant color.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spicy notes beautifully.
- Chili powder: Brings complex layers and depth to the heat profile.
- Paprika: Enhances smoky flavor and gives a lovely red hue.
- Garlic powder: Adds aromatic warmth and subtle savoriness.
- Vegetable oil: Binds the spices and helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly.
- Boneless chicken tenders: Tender, quick-cooking, and perfect for absorbing all those rich flavors.
How to Make Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and vegetable oil in a bowl. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse, combining heat and sweetness in perfect harmony. Don’t forget to set aside 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mixture if you want to brush it onto the chicken after grilling for an extra kick.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the boneless chicken tenders into a large gallon ziplock bag, then pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage everything gently to make sure each piece is fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours – or even overnight – to let all those dynamic flavors soak in and tenderize the chicken wonderfully.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the grill. Cook the tenders for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re cooked through and have those irresistible grill marks. If you saved any marinade, brush a little extra on at this point to boost the flavor and keep the heat alive.
How to Serve Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take your Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe from amazing to unforgettable. Crisp celery sticks provide a cool crunch against the spicy chicken, while a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a mild, fresh flavor that offsets the heat beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides that complement its bold flavors. Classic coleslaw with tangy dressing, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery cornbread are perfect choices. For something lighter, a chilled cucumber salad or pickled vegetables will give a refreshing break from the spice.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress family or guests? Serve your grilled chicken tenders on buttery toasted buns with pickles for spicy Nashville hot chicken sandwiches. Or cube the chicken and toss it into a crisp salad or tacos for a spirited twist. All of these ideas keep the spirit of the Nashville heat while offering a fun variety of eating experiences.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled Nashville hot chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and any reserved marinade separate if possible to maintain that smoky crispness, and always cool before sealing.
Freezing
If you want to keep this deliciousness longer, freeze the cooked chicken tenders in a sturdy freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Be sure to label and date your package so you can enjoy the fiery flavors whenever the mood strikes.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve moisture and rekindle that grilled flavor. You can also use an oven set to 350°F, wrapped loosely in foil, until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture crispy and delicious.
FAQs
What makes Nashville hot chicken different from other spicy chicken recipes?
Nashville hot chicken is unique because of its distinctive spicy oil-based sauce that’s brushed onto the fried or grilled chicken, giving it an intense heat balanced with a touch of sweetness and a smoky flavor profile. It’s all about the combination of cayenne pepper with other spices and the final hot oil coating.
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Bone-in pieces like thighs or drumsticks work well, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through. The marinade and spice mixture will still infuse fantastic flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe less spicy?
Yes! Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or swap it for smoked paprika for milder heat. You can also increase the brown sugar slightly to add extra sweetness that tones down the spice.
What side dishes traditionally go with Nashville hot chicken?
Traditional accompaniments include white bread slices, pickles, and classic Southern sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese. These help balance the heat and create a satisfying meal.
Can I make this recipe on a stovetop grill pan?
Definitely! A grill pan will impart some great char marks and smoky notes right on your stovetop. Just be sure to cook the chicken evenly and watch the heat to avoid burning the spices.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe is a fiery, fun way to bring a taste of Nashville right to your grill or stovetop. The perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and smoky flavor makes it a real crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for any home cook to master. Once you try it, you’ll be reaching for the spices over and over, making every meal a little more exciting and delicious.
Print
Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken recipe delivers the fiery, bold flavors of the classic Southern fried chicken with a healthier twist using grilling instead of frying. Marinated in a spicy blend of cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and aromatic spices, the tender chicken tenders are grilled to juicy perfection and brushed with extra marinade for an irresistible kick of heat suitable for spice lovers.
Ingredients
Spice Mix and Marinade
- 3 Tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless chicken tenders
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and vegetable oil until fully combined. Set aside 2 to 3 tablespoons of this marinade if you want to brush onto the chicken later for extra heat.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders into a gallon-sized ziplock bag and pour the prepared marinade over them. Seal the bag tightly, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade and discard the excess marinade in the bag. Grill the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Finish with Extra Marinade: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and optionally brush the reserved marinade onto the chicken while still hot for an extra layer of heat and flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked for safety.
- This recipe is great served with pickles and white bread as traditionally done in Nashville hot chicken style.
- Grilling times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken tenders and grill temperature.
