Nashville Hot Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken (3-4 lbs), cut into 10 pieces (or use a pre-cut selection of drumsticks and thighs)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 4 eggs
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3-4 cups neutral oil (such as lard, peanut, canola, or a combination of peanut and vegetable oil), depending on the size of the frying pot

Preparation:

1. Brine the Chicken:

   Place the chicken in a large bowl, sprinkle with kosher salt, and cover with water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

2. Prepare the Dredge:

   In a medium shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce. In another medium shallow bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.

3. Make the Nashville Hot Sauce:

   In a medium saucepan, combine butter, vegetable oil, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place over medium heat, whisking until the butter has melted and the mixture is thoroughly combined. Reduce heat to low and keep warm while you fry the chicken.

4. Fry the Chicken:

   Heat the neutral oil in a large deep skillet to 375°F. Prepare a paper towel-lined baking sheet for draining the fried chicken. Remove the chicken from the brine, pat dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and dredge again in the flour mixture. Fry 2-3 pieces at a time, cooking for 5 minutes per side to ensure even browning. The internal temperature should reach 175°F for thighs and 165°F for breasts. Transfer the cooked chicken to the prepared baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

5. Serve:

   Once the chicken has drained and cooled slightly, brush generously with the Nashville Hot Sauce (adjust the amount to your spice preference). Serve immediately and enjoy your spicy, crispy Nashville Hot Fried Chicken!