“Spicy Houston Hot Chicken Recipe – Bold, Crispy & Flavorful”
This flavorful Houston Hot Chicken recipe blends the heat of spicy fried chicken with Southern-inspired flavors, making it a perfect dish for those who love a bold and spicy meal.
Ingredients Houston Hot Chicken :
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 large chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
For the Seasoned Flour Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Hot Sauce:
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp salt
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for frying
To Serve:
- Pickles (optional)
- Sandwich buns (optional)
Instructions Houston Hot Chicken :
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Prepare the Seasoned Flour:
- In a separate shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Take the chicken out of the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, then coat each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to ensure an even layer.
- Carefully fry the chicken in batches for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Make the Hot Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, warm the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, hot sauce, and salt. Stir until combined and heated through.
- Remove from heat.
- Coat the Chicken:
- While the chicken is still hot, brush it generously with the prepared hot sauce, making sure each piece is fully coated.
- Serve:
- Serve the hot chicken on a sandwich bun with pickles, or enjoy it on its own with a side of your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Houston Hot Chicken:
- Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to make it spicier or milder based on your preference.
- Pair with a cold drink like sweet tea or milk to help balance the heat.
- For extra crunch, let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before frying.