If you’re craving something that bursts with fiery flavor and crispy comfort all in one bite, this Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine perfectly battered, spicy chicken nestled in a buttery toasted bun, layered with creamy mayonnaise, zesty pickles, and cool, crunchy coleslaw. This sandwich elevates simple ingredients to an unforgettable meal that’s as bold as it is satisfying. Whether you’re a spice lover or just adventurous in the kitchen, this recipe hits all the right notes and is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each one playing a key role in the incredible taste and texture of your Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe. From the buttermilk marinade to the spice blend, every component is designed to build that perfect balance of heat, crunch, and flavor.
- Chicken breasts: Sliced into cutlets to ensure quick and even cooking while staying juicy.
- Buttermilk: Provides tenderness and a subtle tang to the chicken, helping the spices stick perfectly.
- Hot sauce: Adds a kick to the marinade, infusing the chicken with a lively spice.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating that seals in juiciness and crunch.
- Cornstarch: Works with the flour to create an ultra-crispy, light batter.
- Cayenne, garlic powder, salt, black pepper: These spices build the bold flavor foundation for both the coating and the hot sauce.
- Frying oil: Essential for getting that perfect golden crust on the chicken.
- Brown sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness in the hot sauce.
- Chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder: Add depth and smokiness to enhance the fiery sauce.
- Burger buns: Buttered and toasted, they provide a soft, flavorful vessel for all the layers.
- Coleslaw: Offers a refreshing crunch and cool contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess that melts into every bite.
- Pickles: Bring the tang and extra zest that cut through the richness wonderfully.
How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin cutlets; this step makes sure they cook quickly and evenly without drying out. Season the pieces lightly to set a flavorful base for the more complex layers ahead.
Step 2: Make the Buttermilk Marinade
Whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce until smooth. This spicy marinade tenderizes the chicken while loading it with subtle, layered heat that gets sealed in by the flour coating.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Coating
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is what creates the irresistible crispy exterior on your chicken, with that signature Nashville heat.
Step 4: Dredge and Double Dip
First, coat the chicken in your seasoned flour mix, then dip it into the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off gently. Finally, give it another thorough coat of the flour mixture. This double-dip technique is the secret to achieving maximum crispiness with every bite.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat your frying oil to 350ºF, and carefully add the chicken cutlets. Fry them until they reach a perfect golden brown color and the internal temperature hits 165ºF, ensuring juicy, cooked-through goodness. This hot oil cooks the chicken quickly, locking in flavor and crunch.
Step 6: Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce
Once your chicken is cooked, use the hot frying oil to mix with brown sugar, cayenne powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This magical sauce, drizzled over the chicken, delivers that iconic fiery, sweet, and smoky flavor that makes the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe unforgettable.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on your toasted, buttered buns. Place the spicy fried chicken on the bottom bun, then heap on cold, crunchy coleslaw and tangy pickles before topping with the other half of the bun. The combination of heat, creaminess, and acidity makes these sandwiches irresistible.
How to Serve Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle some extra cayenne or smoked paprika over your sandwiches if you like that extra punch. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley can also add a surprising pop of color and freshness that cuts through the heat beautifully.
Side Dishes
Classic sides include crispy fries or potato chips to complement the crunchy chicken. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or pickled vegetables provide refreshing contrast, making the whole meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe with a side of corn on the cob brushed with herb butter or wrapped in banana leaves for a Southern-inspired touch. You could also elevate presentation by stacking two mini sliders together for a fun, shareable twist at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the sandwich components separate if possible to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken cutlets wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the chicken cutlets in a hot oven at 375ºF for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delicious crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work wonderfully in this recipe. Just trim and flatten them before marinating for even cooking.
How spicy is the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe?
This recipe packs a medium heat level that can be adjusted easily by varying the cayenne and hot sauce amounts according to your preference.
Is there a vegetarian alternative?
For a vegetarian twist, try using crispy fried cauliflower coated with the Nashville hot spice mix—it’s a delicious and flavorful substitute that keeps the spirit of the dish alive.
What is the best oil to use for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like peanut, canola, or vegetable oil to get that perfect crispy crust without overpowering the spices.
Can I make the hot sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The hot sauce actually tastes better after resting for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe is a celebration of bold flavors, crispy textures, and satisfying layers that come together to create something utterly crave-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this sandwich is guaranteed to lift your meal into the realm of unforgettable. So go ahead, fire up that oil, gather your ingredients, and dive into one of the most delicious sandwiches you’ll ever make!
Print
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches offer a crispy fried chicken cutlet coated in a spicy, flavorful hot sauce, served on buttery toasted buns with creamy mayonnaise, tangy pickles, and crisp coleslaw for the perfect balance of heat and freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 medium chicken breasts
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Flour Coating
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Frying & Hot Sauce
- ½ cup frying oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cayenne powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 burger buns, buttered and toasted
- coleslaw (about 1 cup)
- mayonnaise (about 4 tablespoons)
- pickles (sliced, about ¼ cup)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin cutlets and season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor before marinating.
- Make the Buttermilk Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce until smooth. This marinade will tenderize the chicken and add a subtle spicy kick.
- Mix the Flour Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly to create the dry dredging mixture.
- Dredge the Chicken: Coat each chicken cutlet first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the buttermilk marinade, and finally dredge again in the flour mixture. This double coating ensures a thick, crispy crust when fried.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the frying oil in a pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350ºF (175ºC). Fry the chicken cutlets for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC). Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce: Carefully take 2 tablespoons of hot oil from the frying pan and mix it with brown sugar, cayenne powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is aromatic and spicy.
- Coat the Chicken in Hot Sauce: Brush or toss the fried chicken cutlets in the prepared Nashville hot sauce to fully coat them in the spicy glaze.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread mayonnaise on the toasted, buttered burger buns. Layer on the Nashville hot chicken, a generous helping of coleslaw, and pickles. Top with the bun and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350ºF for perfectly fried chicken.
- Adjust cayenne powder in the hot sauce to control the spiciness to your preference.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with plain yogurt thinned with a little milk if unavailable.
- For extra crispiness, double dredge the chicken as directed and do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
- Serve with extra pickles and coleslaw for added crunch and tang.
