Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

Looking to spice up your sandwich game? Look no further than the tantalizing Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich! This mouthwatering recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a fiery kick that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or simply looking to try something new, this Nashville-inspired delight is sure to satisfy your cravings. Get ready to take a bite into a flavor-packed adventure!

Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Tongs
• Deep-fry thermometer
• Large skillet or deep-fryer
• Cooling rack
• Paper towels
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Toaster or grill pan (optional)

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe.

For the chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the hot sauce

• ½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For assembling the sandwich

• 4 brioche buns, split
• Dill pickle slices
• Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and chicken breasts. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the buttermilk. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This will be the coating for the chicken.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep-fryer to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the chicken fully submerge in oil.
4. Take out the chicken from the buttermilk, and let any excess drip off. Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
5. Carefully place the chicken breasts into the hot oil, using tongs. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Do not waste time and prepare hot sauce until the chicken is frying. In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Immediately brush the hot sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
8. Optional: Lightly toast the brioche buns on a toaster or grill pan.
9. To assemble the sandwich, place a hot chicken breast on the bottom half of each bun. Top it with pickle slices and coleslaw if desired. Close the sandwich with the top half of the bun.
10. Serve the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich immediately while it’s still hot and enjoy the fiery and flavorful experience!

Serving Suggestions

1. To enhance the experience of your Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, consider serving it with some delicious coleslaw on the side. The creamy and refreshing coleslaw provides a pleasant contrast to the spiciness of the chicken, balancing the flavors and adding a satisfying crunch.
2. Additionally, you can serve the sandwich with a side of seasoned fries or pickled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fiery Flavor: The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich delivers a perfect balance of heat and flavor, providing a taste sensation that will satisfy spicy food lovers.
2. Crispy Coating: The combination of buttermilk and a well-seasoned flour mixture creates an irresistibly crunchy and golden brown coating on the chicken.
3. Customizable Spice Level: You have control over the spiciness of the sandwich. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to suit your heat preferences.
4. Delicious Contrast: The heat of the chicken is wonderfully complemented by the freshness of the pickles and the creaminess of the coleslaw, adding layers of texture and taste to each bite.

Recipe Variations

1. Classic Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich: This variation stays true to the traditional recipe, featuring a crispy fried chicken breast marinated in buttermilk, coated in a spicy blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices, and served on a buttered bun with pickles and a drizzle of hot sauce.
2. Spicy BBQ Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich: Give your sandwich a tangy twist by brushing the fried chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce before coating it in the spicy seasoning. Serve it on a bun with coleslaw and a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering combination of heat and smoky sweetness.
3. Sweet and Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich: Balance the heat with a touch of sweetness by incorporating a honey glaze into the recipe. Dip the fried chicken in the spicy seasoning, then brush it with a mixture of honey, melted butter, and hot sauce. Serve on a bun with lettuce and a creamy slaw for a delectable blend of flavors.
4. Nashville Hot Chicken Biscuit Sandwich: For a breakfast twist, swap the bun with a homemade biscuit. Fry the chicken until crispy, coat it in the signature spicy seasoning, and place it between split biscuits. Add a slice of cheese, a fried egg, and a drizzle of honey or hot sauce for a delicious start to your day.
5. Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich: Create a plant-based version by substituting the chicken with a breaded and fried seitan or tofu patty. Use a vegan-friendly hot sauce and seasoning blend, and assemble the sandwich with vegan mayo, pickles, and lettuce for a spicy and satisfying vegan alternative.

Conclusion

The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is a culinary adventure that combines the juiciness of tender chicken with a fiery and flavorful kick. The crispy coating, infused with a harmonious blend of spices, perfectly complements the zesty hot sauce. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious sandwich, this recipe is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. So, get ready to embrace the heat and enjoy every bite of this tantalizing creation.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used for convenience, you can definitely use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time.

How can I make the sandwich less spicy?

If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in both the flour coating and the hot sauce mixture. You can also opt for a milder hot sauce or use a combination of hot sauce and melted butter to dilute the spiciness.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying it?

While frying yields the crispiest results, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How can I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, store the cooked chicken separately from the buns and toppings. Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Assemble the sandwich just before serving to maintain its crispness.

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