Why Make This Recipe
Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is a favorite for those who love bold flavors and crispy chicken. This sandwich is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with tangy, spicy goodness. It’s perfect for picnics, game days, or a simple dinner at home. With its crunchy crust and juicy chicken, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends.
How to Make Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 pieces, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness)
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 tbsp Hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 4-6 cups Peanut oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup Reserved hot frying oil (from frying chicken)
- 2-4 tbsp Cayenne pepper (adjust to desired spice level)
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 4 Brioche buns (or potato buns, toasted)
- 1/2 cup Dill pickle chips (or more, to taste)
- 1 cup Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
Directions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Add the chicken and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Breading: In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture and fry until golden and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of the hot frying oil.
- Make the Nashville Hot Oil: In a heatproof bowl, mix the reserved hot oil with 2-4 tbsp cayenne, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Brush or spoon the hot oil mixture over each fried chicken piece. Place the chicken on toasted buns, add dill pickle chips and coleslaw if desired, then close the sandwich and serve.
How to Serve Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Serve your Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich warm with extra dill pickle chips on the side. You can also add a side of fries or a simple salad for a complete meal. If you enjoy additional spice, feel free to drizzle more hot oil over the sandwich!
How to Store Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
If you have leftovers, store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the buns fresh, store them separately. You can reheat the chicken in the oven or an air fryer to maintain its crispiness when you’re ready to enjoy the sandwich again.
Tips to Make Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
- Always ensure the oil is hot enough to fry the chicken. A temperature of 350°F is ideal for a crispy coating.
- For added flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the hot oil according to your spice preference.
- For a crunchier sandwich, consider adding shredded lettuce or onion rings.
Variation
If you want a milder version, use less cayenne and hot sauce in the marinade. You can also try using turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work great. They tend to be juicier and can give you a different flavor profile.
2. What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes.
3. Is there a way to make it healthier?
You can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the marinated chicken in the flour mixture and bake at 400°F until cooked through. It won’t be as crispy, but it will be lower in fat.


Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A bold and crispy sandwich experience filled with tangy, spicy goodness, perfect for picnics and game days.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 pieces, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness)
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 tbsp Hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 4–6 cups Peanut oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup Reserved hot frying oil (from frying chicken)
- 2–4 tbsp Cayenne pepper (adjust to desired spice level)
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 4 Brioche buns (or potato buns, toasted)
- 1/2 cup Dill pickle chips
- 1 cup Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Add the chicken and chill for at least 1 hour.
- In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture and fry until golden and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of the hot frying oil.
- In a heatproof bowl, mix the reserved hot oil with 2-4 tbsp cayenne, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir until smooth.
- Brush or spoon the hot oil mixture over each fried chicken piece. Place the chicken on toasted buns, add dill pickle chips and coleslaw if desired, then close the sandwich and serve.
Notes
For added flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. Adjust cayenne for spice preference.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg

