Preheat your sous vide machine to 155ºF. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try cooking it at 140ºF like I did. This temperature is perfect for achieving that tender, juicy chicken breast.
While waiting for the machine to heat, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat them well for maximum flavor. Vacuum seal the seasoned chicken in a flat layer and drop the bag into the sous vide bath, cooking for two hours.
During the cooking process, prepare your frying batter. Set out two large bowls: one for the wet batter and the other for the dry mix. In the wet bowl, whisk together buttermilk and Nashville hot sauce. Keep this mixture cool in the refrigerator until you need it.
In the second bowl, mix together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your dry coating. Stir well and set aside.
Now, let’s make that spicy Nashville hot oil seasoning. In a small bowl, combine cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and kosher salt. This mix will pack a punch, so adjust the cayenne according to your taste!
Also, you can prepare the dipping sauce now. Whisk together mayo, ketchup, and horseradish in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Once the chicken is done sous vide cooking, carefully remove the bag from the water bath. Take the chicken out of the bag and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for ensuring the breading sticks.
Now, immerse the chicken in the wet batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes to soak in all that flavor.
Using tongs, remove each piece of chicken from the wet batter and dredge it into the dry flour mixture. Make sure it's completely coated to create that crispy crust.
Heat up your frying oil in a large pot to about 375°F. If you're using an air fryer, set it to the same temperature. Fry each piece of chicken until it’s lightly browned and crispy, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
After frying, place the chicken on a drying rack to let any excess oil drip off. Mix one tablespoon of vegetable oil with your Nashville hot oil seasoning and brush it over the fried chicken while it's still hot.
Finally, plate your Spicy Nashville Style Sous Vide Fried Chicken and serve it with your favorite hot sauce and dipping sauces, or consider turning it into a delicious sandwich with a brioche bun. Enjoy!
