If you love that crunchy, spicy, oh-so-addictive chicken from Dave’s Hot Chicken, you’re in for a treat!
This homemade version gives you the perfect crispy crust with juicy, tender chicken inside—plus, you can adjust the heat so it’s family-friendly. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and trust me, once you do, you may never want to buy it again!
Let’s get into it! 🔥🍗
What You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Frank’s or your favorite)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Crispy Coating
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness!)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
For Frying
- 3 cups vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
For the Spicy Glaze
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For Serving
- Sliced pickles
- Soft brioche buns or white bread
Pro Tips
🔥 Double dip for extra crunch! After coating the chicken once, let it sit for 5 minutes, then dip again for a thicker crust.
👶 Kid-friendly version: Cut the cayenne in half or leave it out in the coating and glaze for a milder spice.
📌 Rest before frying: Let the coated chicken sit for 10 minutes to help the breading stick better.
🌡 Check your oil temp! Keep it around 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt chicken.
🍗 Thighs vs. Breasts: Thighs stay juicier, but if using breasts, slice them in half for even cooking.
Tools You’ll Need
✔ Large mixing bowl
✔ Whisk
✔ Shallow dish for dredging
✔ Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
✔ Tongs
✔ Wire rack & baking sheet
✔ Meat thermometer
Possible Substitutions & Variations
✨ No buttermilk? Use regular milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.
✨ Less spicy? Reduce the cayenne in the coating and glaze.
✨ Extra crunchy? Use panko breadcrumbs for even more crispiness.
✨ Oven-baked option? Coat with oil spray and bake at 425°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Make Ahead Tips
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Mix the dry coating a day in advance and store in an airtight container.
- Fry the chicken, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes before serving.
How to Make Crispy Dave’s Hot Chicken
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge.
2. Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. This is what makes it super crispy!
3. Coat the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge it in the flour mixture. Press firmly to make sure the coating sticks!
4. Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep pot. Fry chicken for 6–8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
5. Make the Spicy Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, cayenne, brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika. Brush over the hot fried chicken.
6. Assemble & Serve
Serve on a soft brioche bun or white bread with pickles on top. Enjoy while hot!
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving—it’ll get soggy!
Final Thoughts
This homemade Crispy Dave’s Hot Chicken is spicy, crispy, and absolutely delicious! Whether you like it mild or fiery hot, this recipe is easy to tweak to your taste. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments! 🔥🍗🔥