nashville hot chicken sandwich

Welcome to the ultimate guide on making the perfect Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich! This spicy and flavorful dish is a favorite among many, and for good reason. It’s packed with heat, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will have you whipping up a delicious Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich in no time.

(Note: the recipe card directly below.PDF )

Why You’ll Love This Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

There are so many reasons to love this Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of crispy fried chicken, spicy sauce, and soft buns creates a symphony of tastes that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home!

But that’s not all. This sandwich is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add more heat, swap out the buns for a lettuce wrap, or make it gluten-free, the options are endless.

And let’s not forget about the leftovers. This sandwich tastes even better the next day, making it the perfect meal prep option. Just reheat and enjoy!

Ingredients for Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich:

For the Chicken:

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• buttermilk
• hot sauce
• all-purpose flour
• salt
• (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

One of the best things about this Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Mild Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich: Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the hot sauce for a milder version.
• Extra Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the hot sauce mixture for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich: Use gluten-free flour and buns to make this sandwich gluten-free.
• Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich: Swap out the chicken for a plant-based alternative and use vegan butter and mayonnaise.

How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

Making Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
2. Prepare the Breading: In another bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken and fry for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Hot Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
6. Coat the Chicken: Brush the hot sauce mixture onto the fried chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
7. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread mayonnaise (if using) on the brioche buns. Place a piece of lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by the hot chicken, pickle slices, and the top bun.
8. Serve: Enjoy your Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich immediately!

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich even better:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor.
• Adjust the Heat: Taste the hot sauce as you make it and adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste. You can always add more heat, but it’s harder to take it away!
• Double Dredge: For extra crispy chicken, double dredge the chicken in the flour mixture before frying.
• Rest the Chicken: Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes before coating it in the hot sauce. This helps the coating stick better.

How to Serve

Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is a delicious meal on its own, but it’s even better with a few sides. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Fries: Serve with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries.
• Coleslaw: Pair with a creamy coleslaw for a balanced meal.
• Drinks: A cold beer or a sweet tea complements the spicy sandwich perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make some components ahead of time. Here’s how:

• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the hot sauce up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Reheat: If you have leftovers, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Assemble the sandwich just before serving.
• Freeze: You can freeze the fried chicken (before coating in hot sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and coating in hot sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich in the oven?

Yes! Instead of frying, you can bake the breaded chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and can be used interchangeably in this recipe.

Is this sandwich gluten-free?

This sandwich can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and buns. Just make sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze this sandwich?

It’s best to freeze the fried chicken (before coating in hot sauce) rather than the assembled sandwich. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat in the oven before coating in hot sauce and assembling the sandwich.

How can I make this sandwich less spicy?

Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the hot sauce for a milder version. You can also add more brown sugar to balance out the heat.

Can I add more toppings?

Of course! Feel free to add extra toppings like sliced tomatoes, red onions, or avocado.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate guide to making delicious Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. This spicy and flavorful dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a fiery meal or a satisfying lunch to meal prep, this sandwich has you covered. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.

Happy cooking!

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