Bring the heat with this Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwich, inspired by the Music City classic! It’s crispy, juicy, fiery, and perfectly balanced with creamy slaw and tangy pickles—all nestled inside a soft, buttery bun. Get ready to sweat… and smile.
🍗 Ingredients (Servings: 4 Sandwiches)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, pounded thin)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g. Tabasco or Frank’s)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut)
For the Nashville Hot Oil:
- ½ cup frying oil (from the pan)
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Pinch of salt
To Serve:
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
- Dill pickle slices
- Creamy slaw or mayo (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken:
🥛 In a bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt. Add chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for max flavor).
2️⃣ Dredge the Chicken:
🥣 In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and dredge in flour mixture. Press firmly to coat well.
3️⃣ Fry the Chicken:
🔥 Heat oil (about 2 inches deep) to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken pieces 5–7 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and internal temp hits 165°F. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
4️⃣ Make the Nashville Hot Oil:
🌶 Carefully ladle ½ cup hot frying oil into a heatproof bowl. Stir in cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Brush generously over fried chicken.
5️⃣ Assemble the Sandwich:
🍔 Toast buns, then layer each with a generous piece of hot chicken, pickles, and slaw or mayo. Serve immediately (with extra napkins!).
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to help you create the best Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwich
- 🍳 Deep Fry Thermometer – Keeps your oil at the perfect temp.
- 🧂 Cayenne Pepper Bulk Pack – Bring that signature Nashville heat.
- 🥣 Dredging Bowl Set – For clean and easy coating.
- 🧽 Wire Cooling Rack – Prevents soggy crust post-fry.
- 🍞 Brioche Buns – Soft, rich, and perfect for holding the heat.
- 🥒 Pickle Chips Variety Pack – Adds the tangy snap.
💡 Helpful Tip
Dial up or tone down the spice by adjusting the cayenne in your hot oil mix. Serve with sweet tea or a cold beer to balance the heat!
Leave a Reply