Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nashville Hot Sauce is a fiery, flavorful Southern classic that brings bold heat and savory spice to fried chicken, sandwiches, and more. With a base of cayenne and smoky spices blended into hot oil, this sauce delivers the perfect kick—sweet, spicy, and irresistibly addictive.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cayenne pepper
brown sugar
smoked paprika
garlic powder
onion powder
chili powder
salt
black pepper
hot frying oil or neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
directions
In a small heatproof bowl, whisk together cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Carefully ladle ½ cup of hot oil from freshly fried chicken (or heat neutral oil on the stove until hot but not smoking).
Pour the hot oil into the spice mixture and stir until fully combined into a smooth, deep red sauce.
Brush or spoon the hot sauce directly over freshly fried chicken or use it as a dip or drizzle for sandwiches, fries, or roasted veggies.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately ½ cup of sauce.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Variations
Add a splash of pickle juice or vinegar for tang.
Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.
Adjust cayenne to control the heat level.
Stir in hot sauce or butter for a different texture and flavor.
storage/reheating
Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before using.
Not suitable for freezing.
FAQs
Is Nashville Hot Sauce really hot?
Yes, it’s cayenne-forward—adjust to taste if you prefer it milder.
Can I use preheated oil instead of frying oil?
Yes, just make sure it’s very hot so the spices bloom properly.
Do I have to use brown sugar?
No, but it adds a hint of sweetness to balance the spice.
What’s it best served with?
Fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, fries, biscuits, or even tofu.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, use neutral oil and skip any animal-based ingredients.
Does it need to be cooked?
No, just mix hot oil into the spices and it’s ready.
How long does it last?
Up to 1 week refrigerated in an airtight container.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make a larger batch?
Absolutely—just keep the same ratio of spices to oil.
Can I skip the oil?
Oil is essential for dissolving and activating the spices in this sauce.
Conclusion
Nashville Hot Sauce is a punchy, peppery powerhouse that brings a serious kick to your favorite fried foods. Whether you brush it on crispy chicken or drizzle it over savory dishes, this bold Southern condiment turns up the heat with every drop.
Print
Nashville Hot Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins (+ resting)
- Yield: ½ cup sauce
- Category: Condiment / Sauce
- Method: Stovetop melting & mixing
- Cuisine: American / Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bold, spicy, and tangy hot sauce inspired by Nashville-style heat—perfect for drizzling over chicken, fried foods, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
- ½ cup paprika (preferably sweet or standard)
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, balances heat)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter gently.
- Once melted, whisk in paprika, cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar and honey (if using).
- Bring sauce just to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine. Do not boil.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes off heat to let flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add more vinegar for tang, cayenne for heat, or honey to sweeten.
- Allow sauce to cool slightly before using.
- Store in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks; reheat gently before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase cayenne or add a pinch of ghost pepper powder.
- Use clarified butter (ghee) if dairy-free is needed.
- Letting the sauce rest for 24 hours improves flavor depth.
- Use as a marinade, wing sauce, or drizzle for a spicy kick.
- Adjust paprika-to-cayenne ratio to control heat level.