Dave's Hot Chicken-Style Nashville Hot Chicken

This healthier version of Dave's Hot Chicken-Style Nashville Hot Chicken uses whole-food, organic, and non-GMO ingredients to replicate the classic while avoiding processed elements.

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Ingredients

  • 2 kg organic chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 2 cups organic buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons honey, divided (2 for the marinade, 1 for the hot oil)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for the marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1/2 cup avocado oil
  • 1–2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (for the hot oil coating, to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for the hot oil coating)
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional garnish)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked (optional garnish)
  • Sprouted-grain bread slices and dill pickle chips, for serving

Clean swaps

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What you'll need

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sea salt, 2 tablespoons of the honey, minced garlic, dried paprika, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, black pepper, and onion powder.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, pat dry, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the avocado oil. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, until deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F/74°C at the thickest part.
  6. While the chicken bakes, gently warm the remaining avocado oil in a small saucepan (do not let it smoke), then whisk in 1–2 tablespoons cayenne pepper, the garlic powder, the remaining 1 tablespoon honey, and a pinch of salt to make the Nashville hot oil.
  7. Brush or spoon the hot oil generously over the baked chicken so every piece is coated.
  8. Serve over bread slices topped with pickle chips, garnished with green onions and thyme if desired.

FAQ

What makes this recipe 'clean'?

This recipe avoids refined sugars, seed oils, and artificial添加剂, using only organic and whole-food ingredients.

Can I use different types of herbs in this recipe?

While thyme is used here, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for a slightly different flavor profile.

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