Nashville Hot Chicken, a fiery Southern classic, is an iconic dish known for its crispy, spicy chicken coated in a deep, flavorful sauce that can bring a satisfying heat to the palate. But what happens when you take this beloved dish and turn it into a soul-warming, hearty soup? You get a comforting bowl of Nashville Hot Chicken Soup that retains all the spice, flavor, and crunch we love, but with a twist that makes it perfect for cozying up on a cool evening or serving at a family gathering.
This soup takes the rich, spicy flavors of Nashville Hot Chicken-smoky, savory, tangy, and of course, blistering hot-and combines them with a creamy base that balances out the heat. The result? A delicious, crave-worthy dish that brings the heat but in a more accessible, comforting way.
In this post, we’ll guide you through every step of making Nashville Hot Chicken Soup-from gathering the right ingredients to the expert tips that will help elevate your cooking. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this recipe that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Nashville Hot Chicken Soup Recipe
This Nashville Hot Chicken Soup is rich, flavorful, and packed with that signature spicy heat. The combination of tender chicken, a creamy broth, and just the right amount of seasoning makes it a standout dish. With this recipe, you’ll learn how to balance the heat, the flavors, and the texture of each ingredient for a soup that’s a flavor explosion in every spoonful.
Ingredients Needed
You don’t need a ton of ingredients, but you do need some essentials to really nail the heat and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Boneless, skinless pieces work best for easy shredding after cooking.
- Chicken Broth – The base of the soup; it provides a flavorful liquid to carry the spices and seasonings.
- Heavy Cream – Adds richness and balances the heat with a creamy texture.
- Onion – Finely diced, it gives a savory foundation to the soup.
- Garlic – Minced for a deep, aromatic flavor.
- Celery and Carrots – These veggies add crunch and a mild sweetness, helping balance out the spiciness.
- Flour – Used to thicken the soup and create a creamy base when mixed with the broth and cream.
- Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning – This is the key to giving your soup that signature Nashville heat. It includes cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and more.
- Paprika – Adds smokiness and depth to the overall flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper – The star ingredient for heat. Adjust based on your tolerance for spice.
- Brown Sugar – To add a touch of sweetness that balances the heat.
- Buttermilk – Used in the sauce, it gives a tangy richness to complement the spice.
- Pickles – A garnish or topping, adding a refreshing tang to cut through the heat.
- Bread (optional) – Toasted bread, like cornbread or a thick slice of sourdough, can be served on the side for extra comfort.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s dive into how to bring all these ingredients together into a delicious bowl of Nashville Hot Chicken Soup. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
-
Prepare The Chicken
- Begin by cooking your chicken breasts or thighs. You can either grill, bake, or pan-sear them to get a golden, crispy exterior. Season with salt, pepper, and a little paprika to start.
- Once cooked through (about 20 minutes), shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside. This step can also be done ahead of time for convenience.
-
Create The Soup Base
- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add your finely diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to form a roux. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. This will help thicken the soup as it cooks.
-
Add Broth And Cream
- Slowly pour in your chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Once the broth is bubbling, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. This will give your soup that rich, creamy consistency that balances the spiciness.
-
Season The Soup
- Add your Nashville Hot Chicken seasoning (cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar) to the soup base. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning based on your desired level of heat and sweetness.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, allowing it to soak up the flavorful broth for 5-10 minutes.
-
Finish The Soup
- Once the soup is thick and creamy, adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add a bit more cream if you want to mellow out the spice, or more cayenne for extra heat.
- Let everything simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Serve And Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with sliced pickles for that tangy contrast.
- Optionally, serve with a side of toasted bread or cornbread for some extra comfort.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, not just in flavor, but in texture and balance. Let’s take a closer look at why they’re important:
- Chicken Breasts/Thighs: Chicken provides protein and texture. It absorbs the soup’s flavor, but also maintains its juiciness, making each bite tender.
- Heavy Cream: It tempers the heat, providing a luxurious mouthfeel that makes the soup rich and creamy. The fat content also helps distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Celery and Carrots: These vegetables add a bit of crunch and natural sweetness. When sautéed, they deepen in flavor and balance the spiciness.
- Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning: This is what makes the soup “Nashville Hot Chicken” in the first place. The combination of cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar gives the soup a bold, fiery, and slightly sweet kick.
- Pickles: A touch of acidity helps cut through the richness of the soup and gives your taste buds a refreshing contrast.
Expert Tips
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re not a fan of overly spicy food, reduce the amount of cayenne or paprika in the seasoning mix. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more heat, but it’s hard to take it away!
- Shred the Chicken Ahead: If you’re prepping for a busy week, cook and shred the chicken ahead of time. This makes the soup come together much faster when you’re ready to cook.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! The flavors meld and deepen as it sits in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Use Bone-in Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you have the time, cooking bone-in chicken (like thighs or drumsticks) adds more flavor to the broth. Just remember to remove the bones before shredding.
- Play with Toppings: Garnish the soup with crispy fried chicken skin, crumbled bacon, or even a drizzle of extra hot sauce for an added punch.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Taco Soup: Transform this recipe into a Tex-Mex delight by adding black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Serve it with crushed tortilla chips or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
- Vegetarian Nashville Hot Soup: Swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or tempeh for a plant-based version. Make sure to adjust the seasoning to fit the flavors of your substitute.
- Nashville Hot Chicken and Potato Soup: Add diced potatoes to the mix for extra heartiness. Potatoes will absorb the heat and provide a starchy contrast to the spicy broth.
Final Words
Nashville Hot Chicken Soup is not only a great way to enjoy the bold flavors of the famous Southern dish but also an incredibly comforting and customizable meal. It combines the irresistible spicy heat of Nashville Hot Chicken with a rich, creamy base, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for the week, or simply craving a bowl of comfort with a kick, this recipe will surely deliver.
FAQs
What Is Nashville Hot Chicken Soup?
Nashville Hot Chicken Soup is a spicy, flavorful soup inspired by Nashville’s famous hot chicken dish. It combines tender chicken, a rich and creamy broth, and a blend of spices that give it a signature fiery heat, typically served with pickles and bread to balance the spiciness.
What Ingredients Are Needed To Make Nashville Hot Chicken Soup?
Common ingredients for Nashville Hot Chicken Soup include chicken breast or thighs, chicken broth, heavy cream, onions, garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, vinegar, cayenne oil, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Optional garnishes include pickles, bread, and fresh herbs.
How Can I Make Nashville Hot Chicken Soup Less Spicy?
To reduce the heat, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the recipe. Alternatively, you can balance the spice by adding more cream or milk, or serving the soup with a side of bread or rice to help neutralize the heat.
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead Of Chicken Breasts For Nashville Hot Chicken Soup?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy, which can add depth to the soup. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before shredding and adding them to the soup.
What Type Of Broth Should I Use For Nashville Hot Chicken Soup?
Chicken broth is typically used for Nashville Hot Chicken Soup to maintain the savory flavor profile. You can use homemade or store-bought broth, depending on your preference. For a richer soup, you can substitute some of the broth with heavy cream or milk.
Can I Make Nashville Hot Chicken Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, Nashville Hot Chicken Soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often deepen after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. To reheat, just warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
How Can I Make Nashville Hot Chicken Soup Vegetarian Or Vegan?
To make Nashville Hot Chicken Soup vegetarian or vegan, substitute the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative.
What Can I Serve With Nashville Hot Chicken Soup?
Nashville Hot Chicken Soup pairs well with cornbread, biscuits, or a side of pickles to counteract the heat. A simple salad or some crispy fried potatoes also make great accompaniments.
Can I Freeze Nashville Hot Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Nashville Hot Chicken Soup. However, the cream-based broth may change in texture after freezing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to serve.
How Do I Make The Hot Sauce For Nashville Hot Chicken Soup?
The hot sauce for Nashville Hot Chicken Soup is typically made with a blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and oil. The oil helps to create a sauce-like consistency, while the sugar and spices balance out the heat. You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper.