Spicy Nashville Chicken Sandwich Recipe
A flavorful and spicy Nashville-style chicken sandwich featuring buttermilk-soaked, crispy fried chicken thighs coated in a seasoned flour blend, glazed with a spicy hot oil, and served on soft potato or brioche buns with dill pickles for a perfect balance of heat and tang.
- Prep Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken thighs, trimmed
- 2 cups buttermilk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Breading Mix
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, heavily seasoned
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Hot Oil Glaze
- 1 cup reserved frying oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
Assembly
- 8 slices dill pickles
- 4 potato buns or brioche buns
- Mayonnaise, for spreading
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Soak the trimmed chicken thighs in buttermilk seasoned with salt and pepper for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Breading Mix: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and brown sugar to create a spicy, flavorful coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coverage.
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C), which is the ideal temperature for frying to achieve a crispy crust while cooking the chicken through.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 6-8 minutes each until golden brown and fully cooked inside. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain oil temperature.
- Make Hot Oil Glaze: Combine 1 cup of reserved frying oil with garlic powder and onion powder to create a savory and spicy glaze.
- Glaze the Chicken: Immediately after frying, brush the hot oil glaze over each piece of fried chicken to add extra flavor and heat.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves of the buns, place a glazed chicken thigh on top, then add 2 slices of dill pickles before topping with the bun tops. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight yields the best flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure oil temperature stays consistent to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.
- Use a thermometer to monitor frying temperature accurately.
- Pickles can be swapped for spicy pickles to enhance the heat profile.
- Brioche buns add a slightly sweeter contrast to the spicy chicken.
Find it online: https://oliviabakes.com/spicy-nashville-chicken-sandwich-recipe/
