Description

Dave’s Hot Chicken has quickly become one of the most popular restaurants in San Antonio. Known for its Nashville-style hot chicken, this fast-growing chain offers bold flavors and varying heat levels to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re a mild chicken lover or daring enough to try spicy chicken, Dave’s has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Dave’s Hot Chicken so unique. We’ll take a look at its history, delicious menu, and why it’s such a successful restaurant in San Antonio. If you love spicy food, you’ll want to keep reading.Dave’s Hot Chicken started with humble beginnings. In 2017, three childhood friends decided to open a small chicken stand in East Hollywood, California. They started with just $900 and a simple dream: to serve the best hot chicken possible.

Their stand was small, but the flavors were huge. People quickly took notice. Word spread, and soon, long lines of eager customers formed to try their chicken. The small stand turned into a success, and soon after, Dave’s Hot Chicken expanded to more locations across the United States. Today, Dave’s is known for its bold and spicy Nashville-style chicken that has customers coming back for more. You can read more about the history of Nashville hot chicken and its origins in Southern cuisine here.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 cup hot sauce (for marinade)
1 tablespoon smoked paprika (for extra flavor)
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Spicy Oil Coating:

1/2 cup vegetable oil (heated)
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings:

Pickles
Coleslaw
Bread slices or slider buns

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with buttermilk and hot sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Prepare the Dredge: In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat well. Shake off any excess flour.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken strips to the hot oil in batches. Fry for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Make the Spicy Coating: In a small bowl, combine the heated oil with cayenne pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Stir well.
Coat the Chicken: Brush the fried chicken with the spicy oil mixture while it’s still hot.
Assemble: Serve the chicken hot on a slice of bread or a slider bun with pickles and coleslaw on top.

Notes

If you love spicy food and haven’t tried Dave’s Hot Chicken yet, now is the time to give it a shot. Whether you’re in the mood for mild chicken or want to take on the Reaper Challenge, you’ll find something to enjoy at this popular restaurant. With its crispy, juicy chicken, delicious sides, and customizable spice levels, Dave’s Hot Chicken is a must-visit for anyone in San Antonio.

Whether you’re visiting one of their current locations or waiting for a new one to open near you, Dave’s Hot Chicken promises a tasty, memorable experience. So next time you’re in the mood for some flavorful, spicy chicken, head over to Dave’s and see what all the hype is about.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American, Southern

Keywords: Nashville Hot Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Dave's Hot Chicken, Fried Chicken Recipe, Southern Style