Carla Halls Hot Nashville Style Fried Chicken Recipes

HOT FRIED CHICKEN WITH ICEBERG-PICKLE SLAW

Steps:

• Pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet until they are 1/2 inch thick. Slice the breasts in half, then add to a large resealable plastic bag. Mix the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne and 1/2 tablespoon salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle half of the spice mixture over the chicken in the bag, add dill pickle powder and vinegar powder, seal the bag and shake and massage the spices into the meat evenly. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the remaining spice mix. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a small heatproof bowl and reserve.
• In another large resealable plastic bag or paper bag, combine the flour with the black pepper and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Add enough oil to a cast-iron or other heavy skillet to come 1/2 inch up the sides. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 365 degrees F. The oil's ready when a little flour dropped in bubbles and sizzles steadily.
• Add the chicken to the paper bag in batches and shake well until the pieces are evenly coated. Remove the chicken from the flour, shaking off excess. Carefully place the chicken in the oil. Repeat, adding just a few more pieces to the pan. You don't want to crowd the pan. Keep adjusting the heat to keep a steady sizzle and to maintain 365 degrees F. Cook until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes, then carefully turn each piece over. Cook until browned on the second side, about 3 minutes, then continue cooking and turning to evenly brown until cooked through, about 10 minutes total.
• Crumple up some paper towels and drain the chicken on them. Repeat with the remaining chicken, replenishing and reheating the oil between batches. Drizzle with the reserved spice oil. Repeat the breading and frying process with the remaining chicken if necessary.
• Spread the mayo on the hamburger buns and toast in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until golden, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Starting with the bottom hamburger buns, top with the hot fried chicken and some Iceberg-Pickle Slaw. Cover with the bun tops.
• Whisk together the oil, chopped pickles, pickle juice, Dijon and honey in a large bowl. Add the iceberg lettuce; toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

NASHVILLE-STYLE HOT CHICKEN

Steps:

• 1. Make the brine: Place the chicken in a gallon-size Ziploc bag. In a blender, combine the pickles, pickle juice, water, habanero pepper, salt and sugar, and mix on medium speed until smooth. Pour the brine over the chicken and seal the bag. Chill for 4 to 8 hours.
• 2. Remove the chicken from the brine and lay the thighs in a single layer, skin-sides up, on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Chill, uncovered, for 1 hour.
• 3. Make the hot chicken: In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne, salt and black pepper. Dredge the chicken thighs in the seasoned flour, then pat them between your hands to shake off excess. Return the chicken to the wire rack, reserving the seasoned flour, and chill another 30 minutes.
• 4. Meanwhile, make the spicy oil: In a large saucepan, combine the cayenne, smoked and sweet paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt and sugar. Place over medium heat and toast until fragrant, stirring often, 2 minutes. Slowly add the oil and heat for 10 minutes, then remove from the heat and keep warm. Make ahead: Let the oil cool to room temperature, then store in the fridge, covered, for up to 2 weeks.
• 5. Dredge the chicken thighs in the reserved flour once more and return them to the wire rack. Chill in the fridge for a final 30 minutes.
• 6. Line a clean rimmed sheet tray with a clean wire rack and set aside. Attach a deep-fry thermometer to a large cast-iron skillet, and fill it with oil to a ½-inch depth. Place the skillet over medium-high heat until a thermometer registers 365°. Working in 2 batches, lay the chicken thighs in the hot oil, skin-sides down and away from you, and cook until the bottoms are deep golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Carefully flip and continue to cook until the each chicken thigh is deep brown, and a meat thermometer inserted into the deepest part of the thigh registers 160°, another 6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to the wire rack and repeat with the remaining thighs.
• 7. Using a large slotted spoon, dunk the fried chicken into the hot oil, turning to coat both sides.
• 8. To serve, lay the bread slices on a large platter and top with the fried chicken and pickles.