If you’re a fan of spicy food, crispy chicken, and sandwiches that pack a punch, then the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich should be at the top of your must-try list. Originating from the heart of Tennessee, this sandwich combines crispy fried chicken with a bold, fiery hot sauce, all wrapped up in a soft bun with pickles and slaw for a complete flavour explosion.
Ingredients for the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients:
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (for juicier, tender chicken)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired heat)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons hot oil (from frying)
- 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwich:
- 4 soft brioche buns or potato rolls
- Dill pickle slices (optional, but recommended)
- Shredded coleslaw (optional, but adds a refreshing crunch)
- 1 tablespoon mayo (optional)
How to Make the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight marinating is best for maximum flavor).
- Coat the Chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and let any excess liquid drip off. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it’s coated evenly.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small bit of the flour mixture in—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken thighs in the hot oil, frying for about 5–7 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the chicken halfway through to ensure it cooks evenly. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce
- Make the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine the hot oil (from frying), cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well-mixed. You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to increase or decrease the heat level to your preference.
- Coat the Chicken: While the chicken is still hot, carefully brush or drizzle the hot sauce over each fried chicken thigh, making sure it’s coated evenly. The sauce should give the chicken a fiery red color and an intense spicy kick.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
- Prepare the Buns: Toast the brioche buns or potato rolls lightly on a skillet or in the oven until golden brown.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a small amount of mayo (optional) on the bottom half of the bun, then add a generous amount of pickles. Place the spicy fried chicken thigh on top of the pickles, then add a handful of shredded coleslaw for some crunch and freshness. Top with the other half of the bun.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich immediately while it’s warm and crispy. Pair it with crispy fries, chips, or a cold beverage, and enjoy the bold, spicy flavors that make this sandwich an unforgettable experience!
Tips for the Perfect Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
- Adjust the Heat: The beauty of this sandwich is that you can control the spice level. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the hot sauce. For extra heat, add more cayenne or even a dash of your favourite hot sauce.
- Marinate Overnight: For the most tender and flavourful chicken, marinate the chicken overnight in the buttermilk mixture. This helps the chicken absorb more flavour and stay juicy while frying.
- Make it a Meal: To round out the meal, serve with your favourite side dishes like sweet potato fries, pickled vegetables, or a simple green salad.
- Vegan Variation: For a vegan version of this sandwich, swap the chicken for crispy fried tofu or a plant-based chicken patty.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450-600 calories per sandwich (depends on portion sizes and optional ingredients like mayo or coleslaw).
- Protein: Chicken thighs provide a good source of protein, with around 25 grams per sandwich.
- Carbohydrates: The sandwich is a bit carb-heavy due to the bread, but you can make it a bit lighter by opting for lower-calorie buns or skipping the mayo.
The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is a flavourful, satisfying, and spicy treat that combines crispy fried chicken with fiery hot sauce, making it a favourite for spice lovers everywhere. Whether you prefer it mild or extra spicy, this sandwich offers the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and richness in every bite.
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