If you’re craving that spicy, crispy, and oh-so-juicy goodness of Dave’s Hot Chicken, you’re in the right place! I’ve tested and tweaked this recipe to get that perfect crunch, fiery heat, and mouthwatering flavor. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer!
Dave’s Hot Chicken is a Nashville-style spicy fried chicken known for its crispy coating, juicy interior, and signature spice blend. It’s typically served as tenders or a sandwich with Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles and a buttery bun, making it a bold and flavorful meal.
Stick around, and I’ll show you how to make this legendary chicken at home—from the perfect spice mix to getting that crispy, golden crust!
What Does Dave’s Hot Chicken Taste Like?
Dave’s Hot Chicken is the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and spicy. The crust is extra crunchy, thanks to the flaky breading, while the inside stays incredibly tender and moist. The heat level can be customized, but the signature cayenne-spiced oil brings a smoky, slightly sweet burn that lingers just enough to keep you wanting more.
The chili powder, garlic, and mustard powder add depth, making every bite bold and flavorful. Paired with a soft bun, crunchy pickles, and a creamy sauce, it’s a mouthwatering explosion of textures and flavors.
Whether you like it mild or extra hot, this chicken delivers a fiery, savory kick that keeps you coming back for more!
Ingredients Required for Dave’s Hot Chicken Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Dave’s Hot Chicken
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- Peanut or vegetable oil (for frying)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons vinegar-based hot sauce
- ¼ cup pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- For the Spicy Oil
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 ½ tablespoons cayenne powder (add more for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ¾ cup frying oil
- Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls and Whisk
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
- Tongs and Paper towels
- Wire rack (optional)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rest Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
How to Make Dave’s Hot Chicken
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Dave’s Hot Chicken at home
1. Prepare the Chicken
If the chicken breasts are thick, cut them in half to create thinner filets. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Make the Dry Coating
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, mustard powder, black pepper, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. Make the Wet Batter
In another deep bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, hot sauce, pickle juice, and baking powder.
4. Create a Flaky Coating
Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of the wet batter into the dry mixture. Mix well to create a clumpy, flaky texture—this helps make the breading extra crispy!
5. Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken filet into the dry mix, then into the wet batter, then back into the dry. Use one hand for the wet mix and the other for the dry to keep the breading process clean. Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes before frying.
6. Fry the Chicken
Heat oil to 350°F in a frying pan, about 1.5 to 2 inches high. Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Make the Spicy Oil
Reserve ¾ cup of the frying oil in a heatproof bowl. Stir in brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne, mustard powder, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well until smooth.
8. Coat the Chicken and Serve
Dunk each fried filet into the spicy oil, making sure it’s fully coated. Place the spicy chicken on a toasted bun, drizzle with Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce, and top with pickles. Enjoy the ultimate homemade hot chicken sandwich!
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Dave’s Hot Chicken
1. Classic Hot Chicken Sandwich
Okay, let’s start with the obvious—sandwiched between two soft brioche buns, slathered with Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce, and topped with pickles. This is the ultimate way to enjoy it. The buttery bun balances out the heat, and the pickles add that perfect tangy crunch.
2. Over Buttery Waffles
If you’ve never had hot chicken and waffles, you’re seriously missing out. The crispy, spicy chicken paired with sweet maple syrup and buttery waffles? It’s an insane sweet-and-spicy combo that hits every craving at once.
3. With Creamy Mac & Cheese
Oh man, this one is comfort food heaven. The creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese balances out all that spicy heat. I like to mix small pieces of chicken into the mac or just serve it on the side—either way, it’s a match made in food paradise.
4. Chopped Up in a Loaded Salad
Yes, I’m throwing in a “healthy” option. But hear me out—crispy, spicy chicken on top of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a creamy ranch dressing? It’s got that perfect balance of crunch, spice, and creaminess. Plus, it makes you feel a little less guilty about devouring fried chicken.
5. With Honey Butter Biscuits
I can’t even tell you how good this is. Fluffy, buttery biscuits with a drizzle of sweet honey butter alongside crispy hot chicken? The balance of sweet, savory, and spicy is unreal.
6. Stuffed into a Spicy Chicken Taco
This one is next-level genius. Grab a warm tortilla, stuff it with pieces of hot chicken, drizzle on some creamy slaw, and finish with a squeeze of lime. It’s like a Nashville hot chicken taco, and it’s ridiculously addictive.
7. Over a Bed of Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Hot chicken and mashed potatoes are soul food magic. The heat from the chicken mixed with the smooth, creamy mashed potatoes just melts together beautifully. Add a little gravy, and it’s even better.
8. Wrapped in a Buttery Croissant
Okay, this one started as a random experiment, but wow—it works! A flaky croissant stuffed with hot chicken, cheese, and pickles is like a spicy twist on a chicken sandwich. Sounds weird, but trust me—it’s a game-changer.
9. Topped with a Fried Egg on Toast
You ever had hot chicken for breakfast? A crispy filet topped with a runny fried egg on thick-cut toast is hands-down one of the best ways to start your day. Add a little hot honey for extra magic!
10. In a Cheesy Quesadilla
I wasn’t expecting this to be as good as it was, but wow. Spicy chicken + gooey melted cheese in a crispy tortilla is the perfect combo. Dip it in ranch or spicy mayo, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate snack.
Some Tips on This Dave’s Hot Chicken Recipe
1. Pat the Chicken Really Dry
Before you do anything, grab a paper towel and dry the chicken really well. If there’s too much moisture, the breading won’t stick properly, and we want that crunchy crust to stay put!
2. Don’t Skip the Pickle Juice
I know it sounds weird, but pickle juice makes a big difference. It adds a little tanginess and helps make the chicken extra juicy. Don’t leave it out!
3. Let the Breading Rest Before Frying
Once you coat the chicken, let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps the breading stick better and creates a crispier texture when you fry it.
4. Double Dip for Extra Crunch
For that crazy crunchy crust, dip the chicken in the dry mix, then the wet, then back into the dry again. That second coating of flour makes all the difference!
5. Use a Deep Pot to Avoid Oil Splatters
Hot oil can get messy! I like using a deep frying pan or a Dutch oven so the oil doesn’t splatter everywhere. Less cleanup = happy cooking!
6. Keep an Eye on the Oil Temperature
Too hot? The outside burns before the inside cooks. Too cold? The chicken gets greasy. Keep the oil around 350°F and use a thermometer if you have one.
7. Fry in Batches—Don’t Crowd the Pan
If you throw all the chicken in at once, the oil temperature drops, and your chicken won’t get crispy. Fry in small batches to keep everything golden and crunchy!
8. Dunk in Spicy Oil Right Away
As soon as the chicken comes out of the fryer, dunk it in the spicy oil while it’s still hot. This helps the seasoning soak in and gives that signature bold flavor!
9. Toast the Buns for Extra Flavor
Don’t skip this step! A buttery, toasted bun adds so much flavor and keeps the sandwich from getting soggy. Just a quick toast in a pan makes a big difference.
10. Adjust the Spice to Your Liking
Not a fan of super spicy? Cut back on the cayenne and chili powder. Love the heat? Add an extra tablespoon of cayenne and get ready to sweat!
How to Store and Reheat Dave’s Hot Chicken Properly
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the coating soggy.
Freeze: Freeze breaded (but uncooked) chicken for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Common Queries on This Dave’s Hot Chicken Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Dave’s Hot Chicken Recipe that people often ask.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts about 1.5 pounds
- Peanut or vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons vinegar-based hot sauce
- ¼ cup pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- For the Spicy Oil
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 ½ tablespoons cayenne powder add more for extra heat
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt more to taste
- ¾ cup frying oil
- Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce
Instructions
- If the chicken breasts are thick, cut them in half to create thinner filets. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, mustard powder, black pepper, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In another deep bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, hot sauce, pickle juice, and baking powder.
- Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of the wet batter into the dry mixture. Mix well to create a clumpy, flaky texture—this helps make the breading extra crispy!
- Dip each chicken filet into the dry mix, then into the wet batter, then back into the dry. Use one hand for the wet mix and the other for the dry to keep the breading process clean. Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes before frying.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a frying pan, about 1.5 to 2 inches high. Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Reserve ¾ cup of the frying oil in a heatproof bowl. Stir in brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne, mustard powder, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well until smooth.
- Dunk each fried filet into the spicy oil, making sure it’s fully coated. Place the spicy chicken on a toasted bun, drizzle with Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce, and top with pickles. Enjoy the ultimate homemade hot chicken sandwich!
Video
Notes
1. How is Dave’s Hot Chicken cooked?
It’s all about the layers of flavor! The chicken is first soaked in a buttermilk-based marinade to make it tender and juicy. Then, it’s double-breaded for that ultra-crispy texture. After that, we deep-fry it until golden brown and coat it in a spicy oil blend. The result? A crunchy, juicy, and seriously spicy chicken that’s impossible to resist!
2. What makes Dave’s Hot Chicken special?
Dave’s Hot Chicken stands out because of its insane crunch, juicy inside, and fiery heat levels. The signature cayenne-spiced oil gives it a bold kick, and the buttermilk marinade keeps it tender. Plus, the spice levels range from No Spice to Reaper, so there’s something for everyone!
3. What rapper owns Dave’s Hot Chicken?
Believe it or not, Drake is one of the major investors in Dave’s Hot Chicken! He discovered it, fell in love with the flavors, and decided to invest in the brand. Now, he’s not just a fan—he’s a part-owner!
4. What is Dave’s Hot Chicken Reaper made of?
The Reaper level is no joke—it’s made with Carolina Reaper peppers, one of the hottest peppers in the world! This sauce is blended with cayenne, chili powder, and other spices to create a heat that will make you sweat. If you’re brave enough to try it, make sure you have a glass of milk nearby!
5. Can I make Dave’s Hot Chicken less spicy?
Absolutely! If you love crispy chicken but can’t handle too much heat, just cut back on the cayenne and chili powder in the spicy oil. You can even skip the spicy oil altogether and just enjoy the crispy fried chicken with mild sauce or ranch dressing.
6. What’s the best oil for frying?
We always recommend peanut oil because it has a high smoke point and gives the best crunch. But if you’re allergic to peanuts, vegetable oil or canola oil will work just fine!
7. How do I keep the chicken crispy?
The trick is to let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying instead of stacking them on paper towels. This prevents steam from making the breading soggy. Also, if you’re reheating leftovers, use an oven instead of a microwave!
8. Can I air-fry or bake this recipe?
Yes, but don’t expect the same crunch! To air-fry, spray the breaded chicken with oil and cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. For baking, place the chicken on a wire rack, spray with oil, and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes until crispy.
9. What kind of buns should I use for Dave’s Hot Chicken?
A soft, buttery brioche bun is the best choice! It balances out the spicy chicken and gives that classic Nashville hot chicken sandwich feel. But if you prefer, potato buns or regular burger buns work too.
10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 6 hours before frying. If you want to freeze it, bread the chicken, place it on a tray, freeze for 1 hour, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just fry straight from frozen when you’re ready!
Now you can enjoy Dave’s Hot Chicken right at home! This homemade version is just as crispy, spicy, and flavorful as the real thing.
Whether you like it mild or blazing hot, you can adjust the spice level to your liking. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out!
Want more spicy recipes? Stick around—I’ve got plenty more heat-packed dishes coming your way!
Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.
Additionally, You can also like and, follow us on Pinterest, and Reddit for more updates. Your thoughts and engagement are greatly appreciated!
So delicious
Thanks
Thanks for the recipe
Welcome