Name: Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 medium chicken breasts; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon hot sauce; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch (or more flour); 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup frying oil (or melted butter); ½ cup of hot frying oil (reserved from frying); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cayenne powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 4 burger buns (buttered and toasted); coleslaw (to taste); mayonnaise (about 4 tablespoons); pickles (to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 5 reviews

If you’re craving bold, spicy flavors wrapped up in a crispy, juicy bite, this Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe is your new best friend. Think perfectly seasoned chicken cutlets double-dredged and fried to golden perfection, then drenched in a fiery, smoky oil blend that kicks every flavor up a notch. Paired with creamy mayonnaise, crunchy coleslaw, and tart pickles all nestled in a toasted bun, these sandwiches bring the classic Nashville heat right to your kitchen with incredible ease and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding two pieces of chicken covered in a thick, creamy beige sauce with light orange specks lightly spread all over. The chicken pieces have some texture showing through the sauce, with soft edges blending into the sauce layer. In the bottom left corner of the image, part of a white bowl with white flour is visible. A gray cloth napkin is partly shown in the top left corner. The scene is softly lit, highlighting the smooth texture of the sauce and the light color contrast between the chicken and the sauce photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of these Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches comes from simple, well-chosen ingredients that each play a key role. From the tenderizing tang of buttermilk to the aromatic spices that build layers of flavor, every component contributes to the crispy texture, fiery kick, and balanced richness that make these sandwiches unforgettable.

Chicken breasts: Slicing them thin ensures quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
Buttermilk: This adds tanginess and keeps the chicken juicy while tenderizing the meat.
Hot sauce: Infuses the chicken and marinade with that essential spicy Nashville style heat.
All-purpose flour: A classic dredging base creating the perfect crispy crust.
Cornstarch (or more flour): Adds extra crunch to the breading for that legendary Nashville texture.
Cayenne, garlic powder, salt, black pepper: These seasonings build the deep, bold flavor in both the chicken and coating.
Frying oil (or melted butter): Essential for creating that crispy outer layer while frying to golden perfection.
Brown sugar: Balances the heat with a hint of sweetness in the finishing sauce.
Cayenne powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder: Together they make the hot oil sauce smoky, spicy, and utterly irresistible.
Burger buns: Buttered and toasted to give your sandwich a soft, flavorful base with just the right crunch.
Coleslaw: Adds creamy crunch and cools down the heat contrast perfectly.
Mayonnaise: Creamy richness to bind all the sandwich elements wonderfully.
Pickles: Bring that essential tangy snap and a punch of acidity that balances the spice beautifully.

How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts horizontally into four thin cutlets—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper to build the base flavor. Whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce in a shallow bowl; this mixture not only imparts that signature Nashville heat but also tenderizes the chicken beautifully. In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and your cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, which will be the crispy coating that locks in juiciness.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the buttermilk for moisture, then back into the flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating clings well. Shaking off excess flour is important here — you want some crumbs left on there, as those small bits fry up crisp and crunchy, delivering that irresistible texture every bite demands.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about two inches of oil in a heavy-duty pan to a steady 350ºF. Fry your breaded chicken cutlets for about three minutes per side until the crust is deeply golden and crunchy, and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Once fried, transfer them to a cooling rack briefly so they stay crisp and don’t get soggy from sitting in oil.

Step 4: Make the Nashville Hot Sauce

While the chicken cools just slightly, carefully scoop out half a cup of the hot frying oil. In a separate bowl, whisk together this oil with brown sugar, cayenne powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This sauce is the soul of the dish—fiery, smoky, slightly sweet, and bursting with flavor. Quickly baste each hot chicken cutlet with this mixture, making sure every bite will pack that legendary punch. If the oil looks too burnt, no worries—just swap in melted butter or a combination for a smoother, equally tasty finish.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Take your toasted burger buns and spread about a tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bottom halves. Layer on a Nashville hot chicken cutlet, followed generously by creamy coleslaw and tangy pickles. Top with the other bun half and serve immediately for that perfect marriage of heat, crunch, and creamy cooling bites all in one unforgettable sandwich.

How to Serve Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

There are four fried chicken sandwiches on a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has three main layers: a golden brown top bun, a crispy dark golden fried chicken piece in the middle, and a bottom bun. On top of each chicken piece is a colorful slaw made of shredded white, purple, and orange vegetables mixed with creamy dressing, with bright green pickle slices sitting above the slaw. Scattered pickle slices are on the surface with a small white bowl full of pickle slices in the front right. In the background, there is a blurred white bowl of slaw and a glass measuring cup with sauce and a brush inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing is what sets your sandwich beyond the basics—extra pickles can add tang and crunch, thin slices of fresh jalapeño bring an additional fresh heat, and sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brighten the plate. These little touches elevate the flavors and add visual appeal, making your Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches recipe even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Classic sides that complement your hot chicken sandwiches include crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a simple green salad to balance the spice. For something a bit more Southern, creamy mac and cheese or baked beans work beautifully alongside, helping round out the meal with comforting textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take your sandwich experience up a notch, serve the chicken open-faced with a drizzle of the spicy oil over the coleslaw for visual drama. You can also create mini sliders topped with pickled red onions for party bites or stack layers of fried chicken, slaw, and cheese for indulgent twists. Presentation can be as simple or fancy as you like, but the key is keeping that fiery, crunchy chicken front and center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store leftover chicken sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the coleslaw and pickles separate to maintain texture and freshness, then assemble when ready to enjoy.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked, breaded fried chicken cutlets ahead of time by wrapping them individually and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When frozen properly, they’ll keep their flavor and crunch for up to one month. Avoid freezing assembled sandwiches to prevent sogginess.

Reheating

To reheat, place chicken cutlets on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 350ºF until warmed through and crisp again, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the breading soggy. Toast buns fresh and add your toppings just before serving, so the sandwich keeps that fresh, crunchy, and fiery appeal.

FAQs

What makes Nashville Hot Chicken different from regular fried chicken?

The signature difference is the spicy hot oil sauce that’s brushed over the crispy fried chicken, made with a blend of cayenne, paprika, and other spices. It’s what gives Nashville Hot Chicken its fiery, smoky character that sets it apart from typical fried chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking times slightly, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165ºF and maintain that crispy coating.

Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce the amount of cayenne and hot sauce in the marinade and the hot oil sauce. You can also balance the heat with extra mayonnaise or coleslaw to cool things down without losing flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer ensuring the internal temperature hits 165ºF. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part to confirm there’s no pink and the juices run clear.

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

You can! Baking is a healthier option but won’t deliver quite the same crunch. Coat the chicken as directed and bake on a wire rack at 425ºF for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Consider brushing with melted butter or oil before baking to encourage crispness.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich that’s crispy, spicy, and layered with creamy tangy toppings. This Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches Recipe balances boldness with savoriness and ease with flavor, making it a perfect go-to for anytime you want a meal that feels like a celebration. Go ahead, give it a try — your taste buds are in for a fiery, crunchy treat you’ll crave again and again!