Name: Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients: 5 cups shredded cabbage; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon salt; ⅓ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 skinless, boneless chicken thighs cut into cutlets; 3 cups all-purpose flour (plain flour); 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 cups buttermilk; 2 eggs; 2 tablespoons hot sauce; ⅓ cup canola oil (hot oil from the frying pan); 4 tablespoons cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon paprika; 4 teaspoons brown sugar; Pinch of salt; 4 brioche buns

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 40 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a sandwich that packs a punch of flavor with every bite, you are in for a treat with this Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe. This iconic dish brings together perfectly crispy fried chicken thighs, coated in a fiery, flavorful hot oil spice mix, all nestled in a soft brioche bun and balanced by a refreshing, tangy coleslaw. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its bold taste and satisfying crunch but also in how approachable it is to make at home. Once you master this Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe, it will become a go-to favorite for weekend dinners and casual gatherings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A piece of fried chicken, golden brown and crispy with a rough, crunchy texture, is placed on a metal cooling rack with other similar pieces in the background. A woman's hand is brushing a shiny, amber-colored sauce over the top of the fried chicken, giving it a glossy, wet look in some areas while the rest of the chicken remains dry and crunchy. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the right ingredients for this Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe is key to capturing that authentic taste and fiery kick. Each component plays a vital role, from the crisp-fried chicken to the creamy coleslaw and the soft bun, creating a harmonious mix of textures and flavors you won’t forget.

5 cups shredded Cabbage: This provides the refreshing crunch for the coleslaw and balances the heat of the chicken.
½ cup Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and tang to the coleslaw, making every bite smooth and luscious.
1 teaspoon Salt: Boosts the flavor in both the coleslaw and the flour mixture for the chicken.
⅓ teaspoon Black pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth to the coleslaw.
1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness to the coleslaw, cutting through the richness.
2 skinless boneless chicken thighs (cut into cutlets): These juicy pieces create the perfect foundation for the sandwich’s signature crispiness.
3 cups All-purpose flour: Ensures a crisp and sturdy coating for the chicken sautéed to golden perfection.
2 teaspoons Salt: Essential for seasoning the flour mix so every bite is flavorful.
1 teaspoon Garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the flour coating.
2 cups Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the flour mixture adhere for extra crunch.
2 Eggs: Binds the buttermilk mix, creating an irresistible coating for the chicken.
2 tablespoons Hot sauce: Kicks up the heat in the buttermilk marinade for that iconic Nashville punch.
⅓ cup Canola oil (hot oil from the frying pan): Forms the base of the sizzling hot oil spice mixture.
4 tablespoons Cayenne pepper: The star of the hot oil spice mix, delivering bold, fiery heat.
1 tablespoon Garlic powder: Lends rich savory flavor to the spice blend.
1 tablespoon Paprika: Adds smoky undertones and vibrancy.
4 teaspoons Brown sugar: Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors in the spice mix.
4 Brioche buns: Soft and slightly sweet buns cradle the chicken and slaw, bringing it all together deliciously.

How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Coleslaw

Start by shredding the cabbage finely and tossing it with mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. The mayonnaise adds creaminess, while the vinegar cuts through that richness with a bright zing. This slaw will provide the perfect cool contrast to the spicy chicken you’re about to prepare.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and hot sauce to create a flavorful marinade that tenderizes and seasons your chicken thighs. Soak the cutlets thoroughly in this mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even better, a few hours if you have time to deepen the flavor and ensure a juicy interior.

Step 3: Prepare the Flour Mixture

Combine the flour with salt and garlic powder in a shallow dish. This seasoned flour will coat the chicken, creating that famously crispy Nashville fried crust that’s essential to the dish.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Once marinated, dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the coating sticks well. This step ensures you get an even, crunchy exterior after frying.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Heat canola oil in a deep pan to the right frying temperature. Fry the chicken cutlets in batches until golden brown and cooked through—usually about 4-5 minutes per side. Keep the oil hot but not smoking to achieve maximum crispness without burning.

Step 6: Make the Hot Oil Spice Mix

While the chicken is resting on paper towels, pour the hot frying oil into a small bowl and whisk in cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. The heat from the oil blooms the spices, creating that vibrant red, fiery sauce that defines this Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe.

Step 7: Coat the Chicken in the Hot Spice Mix

Brush or spoon the spicy oil mixture generously over each fried chicken cutlet, making sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor and heat.

Step 8: Assemble the Sandwich

Place the spicy chicken on the bottom half of a toasted brioche bun, top with a hearty scoop of tangy coleslaw, and crown with the top bun. The combination of spicy, crunchy chicken with cool slaw and soft bread is utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe

A close-up image of a fried chicken sandwich resting on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, showing a sesame seed soft bun with three visible layers: the bottom bun with a light golden-brown color, a thick piece of crispy fried chicken with a rich golden-brown crunchy texture, and a top layer of white creamy coleslaw mixed with thinly sliced green pickles, all topped by the sesame seed bun. In the blurred background, another similar sandwich is slightly visible, adding depth to the composition. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a few pickles on top of the coleslaw for a crisp, tangy bite that complements the spice perfectly. You could also sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or green onions for color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Serve your sandwich with classic Southern sides like crispy fries, baked beans, or a sweet corn salad. Macaroni and cheese is also a comforting combo that pairs beautifully with the heat of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich deconstructed as a platter with chicken pieces, slaw, and buns separately, perfect for sharing or letting guests build their own. Another option is to add cheese slices melted on the chicken or spice up the coleslaw with jalapeños for an extra kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover fried chicken and coleslaw in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. This prevents the chicken from getting soggy and keeps the slaw fresh.

Freezing

While fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken cutlets by wrapping them well and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Defrost in the fridge overnight before frying. Avoid freezing the assembled sandwich or coleslaw to maintain texture and freshness.

Reheating

Revive leftover fried chicken by reheating in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. This helps restore the crispiness without drying out the meat. Coleslaw should be served cold and fresh, so avoid reheating it.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, chicken breasts can work well if you prefer leaner meat. Just slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly and remain tender.

How spicy is the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe?

The heat level is pretty bold thanks to the cayenne pepper-rich spice mix and hot sauce in the marinade, but you can adjust the cayenne and hot sauce quantities to suit your tolerance. It’s meant to deliver a nice, fiery kick without overwhelming the flavors.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for five minutes before using. This acid helps tenderize the chicken just like buttermilk.

Can I make the hot oil spice mix without frying oil?

The hot frying oil from the pan adds authenticity and richness to the spice mix, but you can use any neutral oil like vegetable or peanut oil heated until hot. Just be careful not to burn the oil or spices as it will make the flavor bitter.

What’s the best bun to use for this sandwich?

Brioche buns are perfect because their slight sweetness and soft texture provide balance and hold up well to the juicy chicken and slaw. If you want, potato buns or classic sesame seed buns are also great alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe is an absolute game-changer for spice lovers and comfort food fans alike. It’s fun to make, bursting with bold flavors, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to take a bite. Don’t wait—grab those ingredients, fire up your stove, and treat yourself to the ultimate spicy fried chicken sandwich experience today!