Description

The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is a fiery, savory delight that leaves you wanting more, bite after bite. Originating from the heart of Tennessee, this dish is a fusion of traditional Southern fried chicken and a spice blend that will ignite your taste buds. What makes this sandwich so special is its unexpected yet delightful contrast of flavors. The crispy, juicy chicken is enveloped in a hot, spicy glaze, tamed by the cooling effect of tangy pickles, and sandwiched between soft brioche buns. And while it comes with a bit of a kick, don't let that intimidate you. The joy of making this dish lies in being able to adjust its heat to suit your preference. Whether you're a spice enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this dish promises a fun and fulfilling culinary journey.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• - 2 cups buttermilk
• - 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• - 2 cups all-purpose flour
• - 1 teaspoon salt
• - 1 teaspoon black pepper
• - Canola oil for frying
• For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
• - 1/2 cup cayenne pepper (adjust to your liking)
• - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• - 1 teaspoon paprika
• - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1/2 cup canola oil
• For the Sandwich:
• - 8 slices of brioche bun
• - Mayonnaise as needed
• - Dill pickles as needed
• - Coleslaw as needed

Preparation Method

Begin by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the chicken in the mixture and let it marinate for at least an hour, or overnight for the best flavor.

While your chicken is soaking up all that goodness, it's time to prepare your Nashville Hot Sauce. Mix together the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl. Heat the canola oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, then pour it over the spice mixture and whisk until smooth. The heat from the oil will toast the spices, enhancing their flavors.

When your chicken is ready, heat a generous amount of canola oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating up, combine the flour, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture until thoroughly coated.

Fry the chicken in the preheated oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and immediately brush generously with the Nashville Hot Sauce.

To assemble the sandwich, spread a layer of mayonnaise on each half of the brioche buns. Layer the bottom bun with pickles and coleslaw, then add the hot chicken. Top with more pickles and coleslaw if you like, then place the other half of the bun on top.

Tips and Conclusion

For a fun twist, try adding a slice of melty pepper jack cheese to your sandwich. The creamy cheese adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the spicy chicken perfectly. And if you have some leftover Nashville Hot Sauce, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It makes a great dipping sauce for fries or a flavorful addition to your scrambled eggs.


Preparing the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is a journey full of exciting flavors and textures. From marinating the chicken to frying it to a perfect golden brown, to brushing it with the fiery Nashville Hot Sauce, every step is a fun culinary experience. The joy of biting into the crispy, spicy chicken balanced with tangy pickles and creamy mayo is simply unmatched. If you enjoyed preparing this dish, you might want to explore other Southern classics such as Shrimp and Grits or Biscuits and Gravy. Dont forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and explore our site for more mouth-watering recipes.