Copycat Dave’s Hot Chicken Sandwich
+1 photo

Copycat Dave’s Hot Chicken Sandwich

6 servings
This copycat Dave's hot chicken sandwich brings the hot Nashville sandwich home. Marinated chicken is fried until crunchy, and seasoned liberally at every step. Serve it on a bun with sauce, coleslaw, and pickles.

Ingredients

  • flour
    2 c
  • water
    4 c
  • onion powder
    1 tsp
  • garlic powder
    1 tsp
  • chili powder
    1 tsp
  • smoked paprika
    1 tsp
  • Old Bay
    2 tsp
  • honey
    1 tbsp
  • chicken breasts

    sliced into 6 to 8 pieces

    2 large
  • all-purpose flour
    2 c
  • cornstarch
    1 c
  • onion powder
    1 tsp
  • garlic powder
    1 tsp
  • chili powder
    1 tsp
  • smoked paprika
    1 tsp
  • Old Bay
    1 tsp
  • oil for frying
  • smoked paprika
    2 tbsp
  • chili powder
    2 tbsp
  • onion powder
    2 tbsp
  • brown sugar
    2 tbsp
  • cayenne pepper
    1 tbsp
  • hot oil

    from frying

    1 c
  • mayonnaise
    ½ c
  • ketchup
    ½ c
  • honey mustard
    ¼ c
  • garlic powder
    1 tsp
  • Sandwich buns
  • coleslaw
    1 c
  • Pickle slices

Directions

  1. 1

    For marinade, mix flour and water together in a large bowl to create a thick marinade. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, Old Bay, and honey. Add chicken pieces and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight.

  2. 2

    For coating, combine flour, cornstarch, Old Bay, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder in a separate bowl.

  3. 3

    Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture until fully coated. Place on a wire rack and let rest for 5 minutes before frying.

  4. 4

    Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 340 degrees F (171 degrees C). Fry chicken in batches for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted near the center reads at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

  5. 5

    For post-cooking seasoning, mix smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl.

  6. 6

    Divide seasoning mixture in half. Pour 1 cup hot oil into one half and stir. Dip each fried chicken piece into the oil-spice mixture, transfer to a plate, then sprinkle the remaining dry seasoning evenly over the top until fully coated.

  7. 7

    For sauce, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, honey mustard, and garlic powder together in a bowl until smooth.

  8. 8

    Toast buns lightly if desired. Spread sauce on both bun halves; add fried chicken, coleslaw, and pickles. Close and serve immediately.

    Step 8
Copycat Dave’s Hot Chicken Sandwich
+1

Copycat Dave’s Hot Chicken Sandwich

130 min6 servings1324 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving that iconic, fiery crunch of a Dave's Hot Chicken sandwich? Now you can bring the Nashville hot chicken experience right to your kitchen with this incredible copycat recipe! This isn't just any spicy fried chicken; it's a meticulously crafted journey of flavor, designed to replicate the beloved original. From the juicy, marinated chicken to the unbelievably crispy coating and that signature fiery oil, every bite is a revelation.What makes this homemade hot chicken truly special is the layering of flavor. We start with tender chicken breasts, sliced thin and bathed in a flavorful buttermilk marinade infused with garlic, onion, and a hint of honey, ensuring every piece is moist and seasoned from the inside out. Then comes the crunchy fried chicken coating – a perfectly balanced mix of flour and cornstarch, spiced generously, guaranteeing an extra-crispy exterior that stands up to the heat.But the real secret to a true Dave's Hot Chicken experience is the fiery oil. A blend of smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, and brown sugar gets infused into hot oil fresh from frying, creating that unmistakable, vibrant red glaze that packs a serious punch. Don't forget the perfect assembly: serve your spicy fried chicken on a soft bun with a generous dollop of our creamy, tangy sauce (a secret blend of mayo, ketchup, and honey mustard), cool coleslaw, and crunchy pickles. These fresh elements cut through the richness and heat, creating a perfectly balanced bite.Tips for the Perfect Spicy Chicken Sandwich:- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne in the hot oil drizzle to your preference. For extra heat, add more; for a milder take, reduce it.- Even Cooking: Ensure your chicken pieces are similar in thickness for uniform cooking.- Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature (around 350-375°F) for golden brown and perfectly cooked chicken.This copycat Dave's Hot Chicken sandwich is more than just a meal; it's an adventure in flavor, perfect for weekend gatherings or when you're craving that legendary spice.

Frequently Asked Questions