Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches

Get ready to spice up your mealtime with these Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches! Perfectly crispy chicken is coated in a fiery, flavorful sauce and stacked high on a soft bun with cool, crunchy pickles. It’s the ultimate balance of heat, crispiness, and bold Southern flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy and Spicy – The perfect crunch with a bold, smoky heat.
Better Than Takeout – Homemade and even more delicious than restaurant versions.
Customizable Heat – Easily adjust the spice level to your taste.
Family Favorite – A hit for game day, casual dinners, or weekend treats.
Quick and Easy – Ready in under an hour with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust based on spice preference)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Nashville Hot Sauce:

• ¼ cup vegetable oil (reserved from frying)
• 2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust for milder heat)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Sandwiches:

• 4 brioche or hamburger buns
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup dill pickle chips
• Shredded lettuce (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Large skillet or Dutch oven for frying
• Wire rack and baking sheet (for draining fried chicken)
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce.
Add the chicken and toss to coat well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for even more flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Dredge
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off.
Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
Place dredged chicken on a baking sheet and let rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully add the chicken and fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain.

Step 4: Make the Nashville Hot Sauce
In a small bowl, combine cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt.
Carefully whisk in ¼ cup of hot oil from the frying pan.
Brush the spicy sauce generously over the fried chicken.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Toast the buns lightly if desired.
Spread mayonnaise on the bottom buns.
Place a piece of hot chicken on each bun.
Top with plenty of pickles and shredded lettuce, then cap with the top bun.

Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve these spicy, crispy sandwiches hot and enjoy every flavorful bite!

Tips for Perfect Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches
Marinate Longer – Overnight marination makes the chicken extra juicy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in batches if needed to keep the oil temperature steady.
Adjust the Heat – Use less cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder sandwich.
Rest After Frying – Letting the chicken drain on a wire rack keeps it extra crispy.
Layer Well – Pickles and mayo help balance the heat beautifully.

Serving Suggestions
French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries – Classic sides that are perfect for soaking up the heat.
Coleslaw – A creamy, cool slaw helps balance the spice.
Mac and Cheese – Rich and comforting alongside spicy chicken.
Simple Green Salad – Light and fresh to balance out the meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate leftover chicken separately from the buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake or air fry the chicken?
   Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
   You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
3. Is this sandwich super spicy?
   It’s definitely spicy, but you can easily adjust the cayenne pepper to make it milder.
4. Can I use chicken tenders?
   Yes! They cook faster and are great for smaller sandwiches or sliders.
5. What buns are best?
   Soft, buttery brioche buns work best to balance the heat and crispiness.

Final Thoughts
These Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches are a bold, spicy treat that’s sure to impress. With crispy, juicy chicken and a fiery, flavorful sauce, they’re everything you crave in a classic Southern sandwich. Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner, a game-day feast, or just because you need a little spice in your life, these sandwiches deliver in a big way.

Give this recipe a try and share your spicy creations with us! Don’t forget to leave a comment and tag your photos on Pinterest or Instagram.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American (Southern)

Nutritional Information (Per Sandwich):
Calories: 630 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 35g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 950mg

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