Quick poll: Nashville Hot Chicken Fried Rice?

[Claudel Xerxes]

I feel like something different, and Nashville hot chicken fried rice popped into my head. I was going to try to make it tonight, but figured I'd wait until tomorrow incase I decide to pick up any ingredients that I don't have.

I won't bread or deep fry my chicken, but I was thinking of seasoning it with salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Aleppo pepper, dill weed, and maybe some mustard powder. I'm debating about adding hot sauce to let it marinade for a couple hours or so, or just apply the sauce after the chicken is mostly pan fried. I'm thinking about tossing in a splash of pickle juice as well.

The sauce will probably be some pickle juice, honey, hot sauce, probably some sesame oil and/or butter, and maybe a dash of fish sauce. I'm not completely confident about the fish sauce or sesame oil yet. They could add some depth and complexity, but might divert the favors further away from the brightness of Nashville hot chicken than I want to go.

Veggies would probably be onion, pickles, and maybe peas and carrots. I'm also thinking corn might work well with it, but I'm not sure if I want to add it with the other veggies, or add it in place of the peas and carrots. Plus, I would be getting canned corn, if anything. I don't feel like processing fresh corn on top of the rest of my day. I would probably top with some scallions.

Any thoughts, suggestions, or ideas are encouraged and appreciated. The seasonings, sauce, and veggies were just what I have right now, except for corn, but I'd swing by the store tomorrow if anyone had a suggestion that sounds worthwhile.

 

[ajkel64]

Just go for it @Claudel Xerxes and see what happens.

 

[Eric_75]

Go for it, Erik. I wouldn't do the fish sauce or sesame oil on this one.

 

[Lightcs1776]

Never heard of it, but I would try it out. Sounds fantastic and I enjoy spicy foods. Let us know how it worked for you.

 

[tehnothing]

I grew up an hour north of Nashville, and, until a few years ago I had never heard of Nashville hot chicken. I have yet to try it, and, am in no rush to.

 

[SlimChicken]

Do it! I’m not sure about the fish sauce and sesame oil on this. I’ll say this, my “play it safe” flavor booster/umami add is a little soy sauce.

 

[Old Hippie]

Let 'er rip, Brother.

Not to argue with such a fine gentleman as @Eric_75 but I'd say both sesame oil and butter. Depends on your sesame oil, but generally a little dab'll do ya. Butter gives you a bit more fat and flavour. I'd likely add a dash of olive oil as well.

Recipes that I make lately that call for deep-fried chicken usually mean I'm going to bread the chicken and put it in the air fryer with a little spray of oil on it. Fish sauce is good for that umami but I'm thinking a little splash of lime juice somewhere would brighten up the flavour a little. Might not use the sesame oil but sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds afterward.

If you're of a mind to do so, "velvet" the chicken before cooking it. Toss with a little baking soda and put in the fridge for half an hour. Rinse off the soda, dry the chicken pieces and proceed. Makes breast meat very tender. This is also known as the "Chinese Restaurant Hack."

O.H.

 

[Claudel Xerxes]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions, Gents. It turned out better than my worries, but not up to what I had hoped for. I'll try to dive into a little more detail tomorrow, but I think the rice just mutes a lot of the flavors too much. If I had a restaurant, I would probably be able to sit down, and figure out a way to make it work. As of right now though, I would much rather just eat legit Nashville Hot Chicken, and have dirty rice and some corn (or cornbread) on the side.

 

[ajkel64]

Looks alright to me. Thanks for sharing your attempt and it does look pretty good.

 

[Eric_75]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions, Gents. It turned out better than my worries, but not up to what I had hoped for. I'll try to dive into a little more detail tomorrow, but I think the rice just mutes a lot of the flavors too much. If I had a restaurant, I would probably be able to sit down, and figure out a way to make it work. As of right now though, I would much rather just eat legit Nashville Hot Chicken, and have dirty rice and some corn (or cornbread) on the side.

View attachment 1874418

Looks quite tasty.

Party Fowl is my favorite place to get Nashville hot chicken here in town.