Dave’s Hot Chicken Recipe
I’m hooked on this Dave’s Hot Chicken recipe—it’s so crispy, spicy, and flavorful, you’ll wonder why you ever went anywhere else for fried chicken! Inspired by the famous hot chicken joints, this recipe will give you that perfect balance of crunch and heat without needing buttermilk. I’ve made it countless times, and each time it’s just as satisfying. And if you’re a fan of KFC crispy chicken strips recipe or Gus’s fried chicken recipe, you’re in for a treat. This recipe is a spicy game-changer!
Servings
This recipe serves about 4 people, but if you’re anything like me, it’s going to disappear fast!
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Serves
4–6 people
Equipment
- Deep fryer or large frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Paper towels for draining
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice level)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup water (or enough to coat the chicken)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Hot sauce (for that fiery Dave's Hot Chicken signature heat)
Method
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
If using boneless chicken breasts, cut them into strips. Season the chicken with salt and set aside.
Step 2: Coat the chicken
In a bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt. In another bowl, beat the egg and add enough water to make a thin batter.
Step 3: Dip and coat
Dip the chicken pieces into the egg batter, then dredge them in the seasoned flour mix. Make sure each piece is well-coated.
Step 4: Fry the chicken
Heat the oil in your frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Finish with heat
Drizzle your favorite hot sauce (I love something tangy and spicy) over the chicken, and toss to coat evenly.
Step 6: Serve
Serve this crispy hot chicken on a bun for a spicy fried chicken sandwich or with your favorite sides. It's perfect either way!
Tips & Variations
- If you like it extra crispy, double dip the chicken in the batter and flour mixture!
- For a fried chicken sandwich recipe without buttermilk, this recipe works perfectly without any dairy, using just egg and water.
- Feeling adventurous? Try adding a bit of honey to the hot sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor.
- If you love Bojangles chicken recipe, add a bit of cajun seasoning to the flour mix for that signature Southern spice.
- To keep it healthier, try baking the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes instead of frying it. You’ll still get a crispy texture!
Nutrition
Approximately 350 calories per serving, with 25g of protein, 10g of carbs, and 20g of fat. Perfect for a filling meal!
Diet & Allergen Info
This recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free if you use a gluten-free flour blend. It’s also nut-free, making it a great option for various dietary needs.
Storage Suggestions
Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a hot oven for 10–15 minutes to get that crispy texture back.
FAQ
Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! In fact, boneless skinless chicken thighs are juicier and add more flavor to the recipe.
How do I make it spicier?
Increase the cayenne pepper or use a hotter hot sauce to crank up the heat level!
