Tennessee

Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza

Bring the legendary heat of Music City to your pizza! Crispy chicken drenched in fiery cayenne-lard paste, cooled only slightly by tangy pickles and creamy ranch. This is Nashville's most famous export on a crust!

⏱ Total 55min 🍴 Serves 4-6 🌶 Very Spicy ⭐ Music City Fame

Equipment Needed

🍕 Pizza Stone
🍳 Deep Fryer/Skillet
🥣 Mixing Bowls
🥢 Pizza Peel
🌡 Thermometer

Instructions

1

Make the dough: Dissolve yeast in warm water, let stand 5 minutes. Add flour, salt, and oil. Knead until smooth, about 8 minutes. Cover and let rise 1 hour.

2

Marinate the chicken: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in fridge for best results).

3

Make the hot paste: Melt lard or shortening. Whisk in cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth. Keep warm - this is what makes Nashville hot chicken HOT!

Warning: Authentic Nashville hot is SERIOUSLY spicy. Reduce cayenne for milder heat, or add more if you dare!
4

Fry the chicken: Heat oil to 350F. Mix flour with salt and pepper. Dredge buttermilk-soaked chicken in flour. Fry for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drain briefly.

5

Apply the heat: While chicken is hot, brush generously with the hot paste. Toss to coat completely. The paste should sizzle and cling to the chicken.

6

Preheat oven: Place pizza stone in oven and preheat to 475F (245C) for at least 30 minutes.

7

Shape and assemble: Stretch dough into 14-inch round, transfer to floured peel. Spread sauce, add mozzarella, and top with hot chicken pieces.

8

Bake: Slide pizza onto hot stone and bake 12-14 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.

9

Finish and serve: Remove from oven, top with pickle slices, and drizzle with ranch dressing. Let rest 2 minutes before slicing. Have milk ready - you'll need it!

Pro Tips & Variations

  • Lard is traditional: Real Nashville hot chicken uses lard in the paste. It carries the spice differently than oil.
  • Heat levels: Nashville hot joints offer "mild" to "shut the cluck up" - adjust cayenne from 1 to 5 tablespoons.
  • Pickles are essential: The pickle slices aren't optional - they provide crucial relief from the heat.
  • White bread tradition: Serve with white bread slices to soak up the spicy oil - Nashville style!
  • Ranch or blue cheese: A cooling dairy-based sauce helps balance the intense heat.
  • Next day heat: Fair warning - Nashville hot chicken can cause discomfort the next day. Pace yourself!
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