If you love bold, fiery flavors, this Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is about to become your new favorite. Crispy, golden-fried chicken drenched in a spicy, smoky hot sauce, topped with crunchy pickles and creamy slaw—every bite is the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and flavor. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer!
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Why You’ll Love Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
This sandwich isn’t just spicy—it’s packed with deep, smoky flavors and crispy textures that make it absolutely irresistible.
Crispy & Crunchy: The perfectly fried chicken stays crunchy even under that hot sauce drizzle.
Spicy Kick: Nashville hot sauce is bold, smoky, and full of heat—adjustable to your spice preference.
Satisfying & Hearty: A filling sandwich that delivers the perfect mix of crispy, juicy, and creamy textures.
Perfect for Spice Lovers: If you enjoy heat, this sandwich brings the fire in the best way.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a casual dinner, or a comfort-food craving, this sandwich hits the spot.
Ingredients in Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Here’s what you need for that signature crispy, spicy sandwich:
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The heart of the sandwich—juicy, tender, and flavorful when fried to perfection.
Buttermilk Marinade: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a rich, tangy flavor.
Flour & Cornstarch: Creates an extra-crispy, golden crust.
Spices: Paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper give the coating its bold flavor.
Nashville Hot Sauce: A fiery mix of cayenne, brown sugar, hot sauce, and butter.
Brioche Buns: Soft and slightly sweet, the perfect contrast to the spicy chicken.
Pickles: Adds a tangy crunch that balances the heat.
Slaw (Optional): A creamy, cool slaw helps mellow out the spice and adds texture.
Mayo or Ranch: A creamy spread for the bun to enhance every bite.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix buttermilk with a dash of hot sauce and soak the chicken for at least 1 hour (or overnight for extra tenderness).
Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and spices.
Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, let excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken for extra crispiness.
Fry to Perfection: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes per side). Let drain on a wire rack.
Make the Nashville Hot Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cayenne, brown sugar, hot sauce, butter, and a little of the frying oil. Stir until smooth.
Coat the Chicken: Brush or drizzle the spicy sauce over the fried chicken while it’s still hot.
Assemble the Sandwich: Toast the brioche buns, spread mayo or ranch on the bottom, add the spicy chicken, top with pickles and slaw, then close the sandwich.
Serve and Enjoy: Get ready for a fiery, crispy, flavor-packed bite!
How to Serve Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
With Fries: Classic crispy fries or sweet potato fries pair perfectly.
Coleslaw on the Side: A creamy slaw balances the heat.
Pickles & Extra Sauce: Serve with extra pickles and a side of ranch or honey for dipping.
As a Slider: Make mini versions for a party or appetizer.
Additional Tips
Adjust the Spice Level: Reduce the cayenne for milder heat or add extra for a real fiery kick.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside for safe, juicy results.
Double Dredge for Extra Crisp: Coat the chicken twice for an even crunchier crust.
Let It Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes so the coating stays crispy.
Storage Tips: Leftovers? Store fried chicken in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to keep it crispy.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
A1: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q2: What’s the best oil for frying?
A2: Peanut oil or vegetable oil works best for a crispy, golden crust.
Q3: Can I make this sandwich less spicy?
A3: Reduce the cayenne in the hot sauce or skip brushing the sauce on the chicken.
Q4: What’s the best bun for this sandwich?
A4: Brioche buns are soft and slightly sweet, making them the perfect choice.
Q5: Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
A5: Yes! Keep fried chicken in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving.
Q6: How do I get extra-crispy chicken?
A6: Use cornstarch in the coating and double-dredge for a super crunchy crust.
Q7: Can I air fry the chicken?
A7: Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q8: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A8: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to keep the crust crispy.
Q9: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A9: Absolutely! Thighs stay juicier and are extra flavorful.
Q10: Can I make the sauce less sweet?
A10: Yes! Simply reduce the brown sugar for a more savory heat.
Final Thoughts
This Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is crispy, spicy, and packed with bold flavors that keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just satisfying your own spicy craving, this sandwich is guaranteed to impress. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy one seriously epic sandwich!
Print
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich features crispy, golden-fried chicken coated in a spicy cayenne-infused oil, creating the perfect balance of heat and crunch. Served on a toasted brioche bun with creamy coleslaw, mayo, and bread and butter pickles, this sandwich delivers bold Southern flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 medium chicken breasts, sliced into 4 cutlets
- Oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, or canola)
For the Breading
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp vinegar-based hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
For the Hot Oil Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup frying oil (from the chicken)
- 2 tsp light brown sugar
- 2 tsp cayenne powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Sandwich Assembly
- 4 brioche burger buns, buttered and toasted
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Bread and butter pickle chips
- Coleslaw
Instructions
Step 1: Brine the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
- Place chicken cutlets in a glass bowl, season with salt and black pepper, and cover with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Add 1 tbsp of the buttermilk mixture to the flour and mix with hands to create crumbs.
- Dredge chicken in flour mixture, then dip into buttermilk, and coat again in flour. Shake off excess.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat 1-2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 2 pieces at a time for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
- Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then transfer to a cooling rack in the oven to stay warm.
Step 4: Make the Nashville Hot Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix cayenne, brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Carefully ladle ½ cup of the hot frying oil over the spices and mix well.
- Baste the hot chicken with the spicy oil while it’s still warm.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
- Spread mayonnaise on toasted buns.
- Add fried chicken, coleslaw, and pickle chips.
Notes
- For Extra Heat – Increase the cayenne powder in the hot oil.
- For a Milder Version – Reduce cayenne or skip basting with hot oil.
- Make It Healthier – Try air frying at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg