Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and tend to stay extra juicy.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375ºF to keep them crispy.

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes! Just reduce the amount of cayenne in the oil, or use a butter-only base for a milder (but still flavorful) sandwich.

What is a Nashville chicken sandwich?

A Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is a crispy fried chicken cutlet drenched in spicy, seasoned oil (usually heavy on cayenne) and served on a soft bun—typically with pickles, coleslaw, and mayo to balance the heat. It’s a Southern classic with serious flavor.

What toppings go on a Nashville hot chicken sandwich?

The go-to toppings are a generous slather of mayo, crunchy coleslaw, and tangy pickles. They cool down the spice while adding texture and flavor. Some folks even add a slice of cheese or a drizzle of honey for a sweet-spicy twist!

What makes Nashville hot chicken different?

It’s all about that fiery oil! Unlike regular fried chicken, Nashville hot chicken is coated in a spicy, seasoned oil right after frying. The cayenne-based blend soaks into the crust, giving it a signature red hue and bold kick.

What pairs well with Nashville hot chicken?

Cool sides are your best friend here—think potato salad, mac & cheese, corn on the cob, or even a sweet tea to soothe the spice. And of course, extra pickles and coleslaw never hurt!

Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches: 4 Irresistible Steps

Description

Crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive, these Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food with a fiery Southern twist. Juicy fried chicken drenched in a bold cayenne-infused oil is stacked on toasted buns with creamy coleslaw and tangy pickles—making every bite a flavor explosion. Perfect for weeknights, game day, or whenever you’re craving something with serious kick.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

▢ 2 medium chicken breasts
▢ ½ cup buttermilk
▢ 1 tablespoon hot sauce
▢ ½ cup all-purpose flour
▢ ½ cup cornstarch (or use more flour)
▢ 1 tsp each: cayenne, garlic powder, salt, black pepper

For the Hot Dipping Oil:

▢ ½ cup frying oil (or melted butter)
▢ 1 tablespoon brown sugar
▢ 1 tablespoon cayenne powder
▢ ½ tsp each: chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder

For Assembly:

▢ 4 burger buns, buttered and toasted
▢ Mayonnaise
▢ Coleslaw
▢ Pickles (bread & butter or dill)

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Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper. In a bowl, whisk buttermilk and hot sauce. In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and spices.
Bread the Chicken: Dredge cutlets in flour mixture, dip in buttermilk, and dredge again in flour. Press to coat well and shake off excess.
Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 inches of oil in a skillet to 350ºF. Fry chicken for 3 minutes per side or until crispy and cooked through. Transfer to a cooling rack.
Make the Hot Oil Sauce: Combine ½ cup hot oil with brown sugar and spices. Whisk well and brush over hot chicken.
Assemble Sandwiches: Spread mayo on toasted buns, add spicy chicken, top with slaw and pickles. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
To reduce spice, cut cayenne in half or use melted butter instead of oil.
Leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to keep crispy.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Sandwiches
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern / American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 620 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 980 mg
Fat: 34 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg