Name: Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American (Southern)
Ingredients: 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; 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; 4 brioche or hamburger buns; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 cup dill pickle chips; Shredded lettuce (optional)

Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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)

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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!

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American (Southern)