It's time for fall tailgates and potluck dinners around the fire pit, and I'm looking to spice things up with inspiration from my hometown's favorite food (and apparently a hot item across the country these days): Nashville Hot Chicken. Of course, you can do serious damage to a straight-up plate of fried chicken done Nashville-style, but I've also found some really fun twists on this new classic. Bonus: They'll go a lot farther while feeding a crowd.
That said, no reason to wait for a party to whip up these Nashville Hot Chicken recipes. Looks like dinner tonight might get a little spicy.
Of course, I have to start with a straight-up Nashville hot chicken recipe, like this one at Cake 'n Knife. Crispy fried chicken, smothered in spices. It's what people travel to Nashville for.
The cream cheese and buttermilk in this Nashville Hot Chicken Dip recipe at Spicy Southern Kitchen will cool off your palate, after the heat from the chicken. Make double, though, because one batch won't last long.
If you need to feed a big crowd and a huge budget for chicken isn't in the plan, try this recipe for Chicken and Waffle Bites at Jess Pryles. So smart to serve just right bites of chicken along with mini waffles for the classic Southern combo.
If you'd like to avoid the extra calories from frying your chicken, this recipe for Hot Chicken Meatball Sandwiches at Call Me PMC is a great option. You lose deliciously crispy chicken skin, I know, but all the heat and flavor remain. For an even lower-calorie meal, serve these meatballs in lettuce wraps or as an app with toothpicks.
Since making the switch to Paleo, I've fully embraced cauliflower, so this Vegan Hot "Chicken" at B. Britnell is on my meal plan for this week. It's obviously not the same as the real thing, but for those looking for a meat-free option, it's about as yummy as they come. One order of crispy, spicy goodness, hold the guilt.
Hattie B's hot chicken is arguably the best in town, and this recipe for Hot Chicken Sandwiches at The Flavor Bender is adapted from their menu. Battered with tons of spice and fried, then topped with slaw and smothered in Sour Cream Ranch dressing . . . this is the OMG diet-breaking splurge that's totally worth taking.
Related: 5 Instant Pot recipes that make hosting a tailgate so, so easy.
Of course, I have to start with a straight-up Nashville hot chicken recipe, like this one at Cake 'n Knife. Crispy fried chicken, smothered in spices. It's what people travel to Nashville for.
The cream cheese and buttermilk in this Nashville Hot Chicken Dip recipe at Spicy Southern Kitchen will cool off your palate, after the heat from the chicken. Make double, though, because one batch won't last long.
Hot Chicken Tacos | Photo: Greg DuPree for Real Simple
There's a taqueria in town that makes the most amazing hot chicken tacos, so I was thrilled when Stacie sent me this recipe for Hot Chicken Tacos that she found at Real Simple. Mexican food + hot chicken? Heaven.
Related: Healthy game day food ... because you know you want to double dip.
If you need to feed a big crowd and a huge budget for chicken isn't in the plan, try this recipe for Chicken and Waffle Bites at Jess Pryles. So smart to serve just right bites of chicken along with mini waffles for the classic Southern combo.
If you'd like to avoid the extra calories from frying your chicken, this recipe for Hot Chicken Meatball Sandwiches at Call Me PMC is a great option. You lose deliciously crispy chicken skin, I know, but all the heat and flavor remain. For an even lower-calorie meal, serve these meatballs in lettuce wraps or as an app with toothpicks.
Since making the switch to Paleo, I've fully embraced cauliflower, so this Vegan Hot "Chicken" at B. Britnell is on my meal plan for this week. It's obviously not the same as the real thing, but for those looking for a meat-free option, it's about as yummy as they come. One order of crispy, spicy goodness, hold the guilt.
Hattie B's hot chicken is arguably the best in town, and this recipe for Hot Chicken Sandwiches at The Flavor Bender is adapted from their menu. Battered with tons of spice and fried, then topped with slaw and smothered in Sour Cream Ranch dressing . . . this is the OMG diet-breaking splurge that's totally worth taking.
