Just Right Texas Hot Chicken

Nashville Hot Chicken is a new obsession of mine. If it’s on a menu, you can bet it will be my order. I mean, fried chicken on it’s own is basically a delicacy, but then you add a delicious, spicy sauce? Yes. Always a yes. Although, since I’ve never actually had the real deal Nashville Hot Chicken (in Nashville), I thought I’d consider naming my recipe accordingly. My Just Right Texas Hot Chicken is everything it says – just the right amount of crunch, spice, juiciness, and flavor. Almost enough so, that I may never need to try the real thing!

The hot sauce that covers this delectable and crispy chicken is absolutely perfect. It’s got just the right amount of heat, coupled with a buttery scent from the ghee and a touch of sweetness from the honey. Apple cider vinegar works double time. It cuts the richness of the chicken thigh via the brine, flavoring it all the way through. It also adds just the right amount of bite in the hot sauce.

Brining Your Hot Chicken

Now, I write below that the brine is optional… it is, and it isn’t. If you need to save some time beforehand, skipping out on the brine won’t ruin your chicken, but you do lose out on a whole lot of flavor. Brines do three very important things to your chicken. 1. The salt infuses the chicken with internal seasoning, giving your meat strong flavor throughout. 2. Acid works to tenderize your chicken. You will end up with a more delicate final product. 3. The brine adds extra moisture to your meat, resulting in a perfectly juicy fried chicken thigh. Like I said, you can skip this step, but you lose out on a whole lot of benefit.

Kitchen Must Have – Airfryer

I know I always blab on about this darn airfryer, but I just can’t help it! It really does make the quickest, crispiest, and juiciest fried chicken, without any breading or batter. The oven method will work here, but for best results I suggest you get an airfryer. I linked mine above, it’s definitely the best that I’ve seen (in terms of size + amount of food it holds at once), and works like a charm. Please message me if you have any questions on airfryers.

I love serving this with my green apple slaw which can easily be thrown together with 4 ingredients as your chicken cooks. Honestly, it’s good with just about anything.

Print Recipe

Just Right Texas Hot Chicken

Total Time45 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs I buy the 4 piece pack

For the Chicken Brine (optional)*

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ c dill pickle juice
• ¼ c water

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp hot sauce I use Louisiana, but your favorite will work!
• 2 tbsp ghee or butter
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

For the Brine (Optional)*

• In a gallon sized ziplock bag, add all brine ingredients and chicken thighs. Marinade the chicken for 15-30 minutes.

Airfryer Method

• Preheat airfryer to 400° F. Spray your cooking tray with oil.
• Remove chicken thighs from brine and pat dry on all sides. Arrange on the cooking tray, it is okay if some pieces touch slightly, but try to give them a little room. You may need to cook in batches.
• Cook Chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes.

Oven Method

• Preheat oven to 425 °F.
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire cooling rack on top.** Lightly spray cooling rack with oil.
• Remove chicken thighs from brine and pat dry on all sides. Arrange on the cooking tray, it is okay if some pieces touch slightly, but try to give them a little room.
• Bake chicken thighs for 35-40 minutes, or until skin crispy and golden brown. No need to flip.

For the Sauce

• Make the sauce while the chicken cooks. Heat a small saucepan over medium low heat.
• Whisk together all ingredients until melted and combined.
• Remove chicken from the oven or airfryer promptly and transfer to a large bowl. Pour warm sauce over hot chicken and toss to coat. Serve immediately with dipping sauce of your choice. Enjoy!

Notes

*The brine is optional if you need to save time, although it adds BIG flavor throughout the chicken. If you choose to skip this step make sure to season your chicken with a little bit of salt on both sides before cooking. 

**You need the cooling rack when cooking in the oven to promote airflow around the whole piece of chicken. This is the only way you’ll get crispy results in the oven!

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