Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches are a fiery Southern classic known for their crispy fried chicken coated in a spicy, smoky sauce. This recipe delivers bold heat balanced with a touch of sweetness, served on soft brioche buns with crunchy pickles. It’s a delicious way to spice up your sandwich night.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)
• 1/2 cup cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 4 brioche buns and dill pickle chips (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the chicken thighs in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Meanwhile, prepare the dredging mixture by combining the flour with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper in a shallow dish.
2. Step 2: Heat the frying oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, then thoroughly dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring they are completely coated.
3. Step 3: Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pot. Fry the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is deep golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack.
4. Step 4: Prepare the hot sauce by carefully scooping 1/2 cup of the hot frying oil into a small bowl. Whisk in the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and smoked paprika until a smooth, thin paste forms.
5. Step 5: Using tongs, dip each piece of fried chicken thoroughly into the hot sauce mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the hot chicken on a toasted brioche bun, top generously with dill pickle chips, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For best flavor, make sure the frying oil is at the right temperature before scooping for the sauce — this helps the cayenne and sugar bloom into a gritty, flavorful paste.
• Balance the heat with a side of classic Southern coleslaw or a dollop of ranch dressing.
• Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.

Storage

Store leftover sauced chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep pickles and buns separate to prevent sogginess. To revive the crispiness and heat, reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes before assembling your sandwich.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful, especially when fried and sauced.

How spicy is Nashville hot chicken?

Nashville hot chicken is quite spicy thanks to the cayenne-based sauce, but you can adjust the heat level by reducing the cayenne pepper or serving cooling sides like coleslaw or ranch dressing.

Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

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Experience the bold and fiery flavors of Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches with tender, crispy fried chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and coated in a spicy cayenne pepper sauce. Served on toasted brioche buns with crunchy dill pickle chips, this classic Southern dish delivers a perfect balance of heat and savory crunch.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk

Dredging Mixture

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Frying Oil

• 3 cups vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)

Spicy Sauce

• 1/2 cup hot frying oil (reserved from the frying process)
• 1/2 cup cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika

For Serving

• 4 brioche buns, toasted
• Dill pickle chips

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator to tenderize and add moisture.
2. Prepare the Dredging Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasoning evenly.
3. Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable or peanut oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven and heat it to 325°F (160°C) for optimal frying temperature.
4. Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat each piece completely in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry each piece for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and set on a wire rack to drain.
6. Make the Spicy Sauce: Carefully scoop 1/2 cup of the hot frying oil into a small bowl. Whisk in cayenne pepper, light brown sugar, and smoked paprika until a smooth, thin paste forms, infusing the oil with the signature Nashville heat.
7. Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Using tongs, dip each fried chicken piece thoroughly into the spicy sauce ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor and heat.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches: Place the hot, sauced chicken onto toasted brioche buns, top generously with dill pickle chips, and serve immediately for the best crispy and spicy experience.

Notes

• Store leftover sauced chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping pickles and buns separate to avoid sogginess.
• Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes to revive crispiness before assembling a fresh sandwich.
• Balance the heat with a side of classic Southern coleslaw or ranch dressing to cool the palate.
• Using hot frying oil when making the sauce is crucial to properly bloom the spices for an authentic Nashville flavor and texture.

Keywords: Nashville Hot Chicken, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Fried Chicken, Southern Cuisine, Hot Chicken Sandwich