Description
Crispy, fiery, and packed with bold Southern flavors, the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is a must-try for spicy food lovers! Coated in a crunchy, golden-brown crust and brushed with a signature cayenne-infused hot sauce, this sandwich delivers the perfect balance of heat and crunch. Served on a toasted bun with creamy mayo, tangy pickles, and crunchy coleslaw, every bite is a satisfying explosion of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cutlets)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
- ½ cup frying oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sandwich Assembly:
- 4 burger buns (toasted)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup coleslaw
- 8–10 pickle slices
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets.
- Season with salt and pepper.
-
Coat the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk, and back into the flour, pressing firmly to create a crispy coating.
-
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a wire rack.
-
Make the Nashville Hot Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix hot frying oil with brown sugar, cayenne, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Brush the spicy sauce generously over the fried chicken.
-
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun.
- Add the spicy chicken, followed by coleslaw and pickles.
- Place the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper based on preference.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Hot sauce can be prepared in advance and stored for up to a week.
- Serving Suggestion: Pairs perfectly with fries, coleslaw, or mac and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern, American