Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Name: Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons cayenne; 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar; 1 teaspoon chile powder; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1 teaspoon paprika; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; ½ cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon favorite hot sauce; 2 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 4 Hawaiian rolls; Butter, for spreading; Dill pickles, for topping; Iceberg lettuce, for topping; Mayonnaise, for spreading

Servings: persons

5 tablespoons cayenne
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon chile powder
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
½ cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon favorite hot sauce
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 Hawaiian rolls
Butter, for spreading
Dill pickles, for topping
Iceberg lettuce, for topping
Mayonnaise, for spreading

1
In a large heat-resistant bowl, whisk together the cayenne, brown sugar, chile powder, granulated garlic, paprika, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
2
Sprinkle the spice mixture on all sides of the chicken.
3
Transfer the chicken to a container and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours.
4
Leave the remaining spice mixture in the bowl.
5
In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil until a deep-fry thermometer inserted in the oil registers 350 degrees F. Position a wire rack on a baking sheet.
6
Whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce and eggs in a shallow bowl.
7
Put the flour in a second bowl and season with salt and pepper.
8
Dunk the chicken first in the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the seasoned flour and coat thoroughly.
9
Gently drop the chicken into the oil, in batches if necessary, and fry until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.
10
Transfer the cooked chicken to the wire rack.
11
Carefully add about 1 large ladleful (6 to 8 ounces) of the frying oil to the reserved spice mixture to let it bloom.
12
Be careful, as it will bubble aggressively.
13
Whisk until smooth.
14
Brush the fried chicken with the bloomed spiced oil as desired.
15
For the sandwich build: Meanwhile, halve the Hawaiian rolls, spread with butter and toast on a griddle.
16
Put the hot chicken on the griddled buns, top with pickles, lettuce and a schmear of mayo.

1173

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 5 tablespoons cayenne, 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon chile powder, 1 teaspoon granulated garlic, and more.

Yes, Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Sandwich falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Sandwich

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions