Is Nashville hot chicken seasoning gluten free?

Nashville hot chicken is a spicy fried chicken dish that originated in Nashville, Tennessee. It is typically seasoned with a cayenne pepper-based seasoning blend before, during, and after cooking. With the rising popularity of Nashville hot chicken, many people wonder if the signature spicy seasoning contains gluten or is safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

What is Nashville Hot Chicken?

Nashville hot chicken is fried chicken that gets coated in a spicy cayenne pepper seasoning blend both before and after cooking. The chicken is marinated in a seasoning blend, dredged in flour, fried until golden brown, and then tossed again in the spicy oil-based seasoning.

The result is crispy, juicy fried chicken with varying degrees of heat. Traditional Nashville hot chicken has a bright red color from the chili powder and cayenne peppers used. The spice level ranges from mild to extra hot. The chicken is usually served on top of white bread with pickle chips.

Common Ingredients in Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning

While recipes can vary, Nashville hot chicken seasoning typically contains some combination of the following ingredients:

  • Cayenne pepper
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • White pepper
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Brown sugar
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Dry mustard

The specific amounts of each spice used depends on the desired level of heat. More cayenne pepper packs more punch, while more brown sugar balances out some of the burn. Oil, often canola or vegetable oil, is used as the base.

Does Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning Contain Gluten?

The good news is that traditional Nashville hot chicken seasoning does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. It is typically made by combining pure spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. These raw spices and seasonings do not contain gluten.

Some Nashville chicken seasoning blends may also include spices like chili powder, cumin, dry mustard, and black pepper. Again, these pure, unadulterated spices do not contain gluten. As long as no wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing additives are included, Nashville hot chicken spice blends are naturally gluten-free.

Risk of Cross-Contamination

While Nashville hot chicken seasoning itself does not contain gluten, there is a risk of cross-contamination occurring if the spices are processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, rye or gluten-containing ingredients. Certain individuals who are highly sensitive to gluten may react to spices that were cross-contaminated.

To ensure the Nashville hot chicken seasoning is completely gluten-free, look for brands that are certified gluten-free. This means the facilities and equipment used to process and package the spices are thoroughly sanitized and free from potential cross-contamination.

Other Potential Sources of Gluten

While the Nashville hot chicken seasoning itself is gluten-free, other components of the dish may contain gluten:

  • Breading/dredging flour – Nashville hot chicken is traditionally dredged in flour before frying. Regular all-purpose flour contains gluten. For a gluten-free option, use a certified gluten-free flour blend.
  • Frying oil – If the same fryer oil is used for breaded, gluten-containing foods, it could cross-contaminate the Nashville hot chicken. Dedicated fryers are needed to avoid this.
  • Bread – The fried chicken is traditionally served on top of white sandwich bread, which contains gluten. Opt for certified gluten-free bread instead.

By using gluten-free ingredients and avoiding cross-contamination when preparing and cooking the chicken, Nashville hot chicken can be a safe gluten-free option.

Popular Brands of Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning

Many spice companies now offer their own versions of Nashville hot chicken seasoning blends. Here are some top brands to look for:

Brand Certified Gluten-Free?
McCormick Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning Yes
Frank’s Redhot Nashville Hot Seasoning Yes
Spiceology Nashville Hot Chicken Rub Yes
Trader Joe’s Smoky Nashville Style Hot Chicken Seasoning No

Be sure to check the packaging to confirm the certified gluten-free status. McCormick, Frank’s Redhot, and Spiceology state their Nashville seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Making Your Own Gluten-Free Blend

For total control over ingredients, you can easily mix up your own custom gluten-free Nashville hot chicken seasoning at home. Here is a simple 6-ingredient recipe:

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to blend thoroughly.
  2. Store in an airtight container away from heat and light.
  3. Rub or sprinkle the seasoning blend onto chicken before, during, and after cooking as desired.

This homemade blend allows you to control the ingredients and avoid any cross-contamination that could occur with pre-made blends. Feel free to adjust the amounts of brown sugar and cayenne pepper to suit your preferred level of sweetness and heat.

Conclusion

Traditional Nashville hot chicken seasoning contains no gluten-containing ingredients. However, other components like the dredging flour, frying oil, and breading can introduce gluten. By using certified gluten-free ingredients and avoiding cross-contamination when cooking, Nashville hot chicken can be a delicious gluten-free meal option.

When purchasing pre-made seasoning blends, be sure to check that they are certified gluten-free to ensure safety. Popular guaranteed gluten-free brands include McCormick, Frank’s Redhot, and Spiceology. Making your own gluten-free blend at home is also an easy option.

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