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Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe


  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x

Description

These Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches feature crispy, spicy fried chicken breasts coated with a flavorful cayenne-infused batter and served on buttered, toasted buns with creamy coleslaw and tangy pickles. Perfectly balanced with a sweet and spicy oil glaze, this southern-inspired sandwich is a fiery twist on classic fried chicken that’s sure to please heat lovers.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 medium chicken breasts
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce

Dredging Mix

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Frying and Glaze

  • Frying oil (vegetable or canola oil), enough for deep frying
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Additional cayenne pepper and spices for hot oil glaze (approximately 1 teaspoon cayenne, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika)

Sandwich Assembly

  • 4 burger buns, buttered and toasted
  • Mayonnaise for spreading
  • Coleslaw (about 1 cup)
  • Pickles for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Make Marinade and Dredging Mix: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce to create a spicy marinade. In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to form the dredging mixture.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk-hot sauce marinade, and finally coat again in the flour mixture. This triple coating ensures a crispy crust.
  4. Fry the Chicken: Heat frying oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken pieces for about 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Prepare Hot Oil Glaze: In a small bowl, mix hot oil with brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to create a spicy and slightly sweet glaze. Brush or baste this hot oil mixture generously over the freshly fried chicken pieces to infuse extra heat and flavor.
  6. Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the buttered buns until golden. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves, add the hot fried chicken, then top with coleslaw and pickles. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately for the best experience.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat tolerance to make the chicken more or less spicy.
  • For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying to help the batter adhere better.
  • Use freshly toasted buns to add a nice crunch and prevent sogginess from the sauce and coleslaw.
  • The hot oil glaze can be customized by adding smoked paprika or chili powder for different smoky or smoky heat profiles.
  • Serve with extra pickles or a side of fries for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American, Southern

Keywords: Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, spicy fried chicken, southern chicken sandwich, crispy chicken sandwich, hot chicken recipe