Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza
The Fiery History of Nashville Hot Chicken
Nashville Hot Chicken has a history as bold as its flavor. Legend has it that this fiery dish originated in the 1930s when a scorned woman, looking for revenge, doused her partner’s fried chicken in an excessive amount of cayenne pepper and spices. Instead of suffering, he loved it—so much so that he perfected the recipe and turned it into a local staple. Since then, Nashville Hot Chicken has become an iconic dish, celebrated for its spicy, crispy exterior and mouthwatering heat. Now, it’s making its way onto pizzas, proving that this flavor-packed tradition can be adapted into something entirely new and just as addictive.
What Makes a Perfect Nashville Hot Chicken?
The key to perfect Nashville hot chicken lies in its preparation. Unlike traditional fried chicken, which is simply battered and fried, Nashville hot chicken is coated in a unique, cayenne-heavy spice blend that delivers deep, smoky heat. After frying, the chicken is tossed in a special hot oil infused with the seasoning blend, locking in even more flavor. For this pizza, we use crispy panko breading for an extra crunch that holds up beautifully against the melty cheese and soft crust.
How to Achieve the Ultimate Pizza Crust?
A great pizza starts with the right crust, and achieving that ideal crisp-yet-chewy texture takes a bit of technique. Instead of topping raw dough and baking everything at once, this recipe calls for par-baking the crust for 90 seconds before adding the toppings. This ensures a sturdy base that won’t get soggy under the sauce and chicken. Using a high-heat pizza oven is another game-changer, giving you a golden crust with that signature wood-fired texture in just a few minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Nashville Hot Seasoning:
- 4 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried mustard
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For the Hot Sauce:
- 1/2 cup frying oil
- 3 tbsp Nashville hot seasoning
For the Spicy Mayo:
- 1/4 cup pickle juice
- 1.5 cups mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp Nashville hot seasoning
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pickles
- 1 tbsp hot honey (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with Nashville hot seasoning, ensuring each piece is well coated. In a shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp of Nashville hot seasoning. In another bowl, whisk 3 eggs. Dip each piece of seasoned chicken into the flour first, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the panko mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a solid coating. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack and let it rest while preheating the oil.
2. Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil and fry for about 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow the chicken to rest for 3 minutes before cutting it into 1/2-inch pieces.
3. Make the Hot Sauce
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of frying oil with 3 tbsp of Nashville hot seasoning. Stir well to incorporate the seasoning into the oil. This spicy mixture will be used to coat the fried chicken for extra flavor.
4. Make the Spicy Mayo
In another bowl, mix 1.5 cups of mayonnaise with 1/4 cup of pickle juice and 3 tbsp of Nashville hot seasoning. Stir until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
5. Preheat the Pizza Oven & Par-Bake the Dough
Preheat your pizza oven on high. Place the pizza dough in the oven and cook for 90 seconds, allowing it to firm up. Remove from the oven and set aside.
6. Assemble & Bake the Pizza
Spread the spicy mayo evenly over the par-baked dough, ensuring full coverage. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top. Add the fried chicken pieces and sliced pickles evenly. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 90 seconds, or until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbling.
7. Serve & Enjoy
Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle it with hot honey and the prepared Nashville hot sauce for an extra layer of heat and sweetness. Slice it up and serve immediately. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and cheesy flavors!
Serving Size & Nutrition
- Servings: 4-6 people
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~600-700 kcal
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fat: ~35g
- Sodium: ~900mg
Conclusion
This Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza is a spicy, crispy, and cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors. The combination of crunchy fried chicken, creamy spicy mayo, melted mozzarella, and tangy pickles creates an unforgettable bite. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, game day, or just to spice up pizza night, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. If you loved this recipe, check out more of our delicious pizza creations and more at the links below!
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