Sugar-Free Nashville Hot Chicken

Looking for a fiery, flavor-packed meal without the sugar? This sugar-free Nashville Hot Chicken turns up the heat while keeping things wholesome and guilt-free. Juicy, tender chicken breasts or thighs are marinated in tangy buttermilk and hot sauce for maximum flavor, then coated in a whole wheat flour and spice blend featuring bold notes of cayenne, paprika, and garlic powder. Fried to crispy perfection in coconut oil, each piece is brushed with a smoky, spicy glaze made with apple cider vinegar for a healthier twist on the classic sauce. Perfect for those craving Southern comfort with a nutritious edge, this recipe is ready in under an hour and pairs beautifully with crunchy pickles and creamy coleslaw for a complete, zesty meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon extra cayenne pepper for sauce (optional)

Directions

Step 1

1. In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces to the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for the best flavor.

Step 2

2. In a shallow dish, combine the whole wheat flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and allow excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Place on a wire rack to rest for 10 minutes.

Step 4

4. In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring they do not crowd the pan, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.

Step 5

5. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 6

6. In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of the used coconut oil, remaining hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and additional cayenne pepper (if using). Heat over low until just warmed, stirring to combine.

Step 7

7. Brush the warm sauce over the fried chicken pieces generously.

Step 8

8. Serve hot with your choice of sides, like pickles and coleslaw, to complement the spicy heat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1388.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3847.3

Total Fat 259.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 197.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.3g
Cholesterol 618.4mg	0%
Sodium 3873.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 129.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.5g	0%
Total Sugars 14.2g
Protein 242.5g	0%

Vitamin D 217.4IU	0%
Calcium 454.6mg	0%
Iron 14.0mg	0%
Potassium 2984.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.1%

Protein: 25.3%

Carbs: 13.5%