Description

A spicy and flavorful Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich featuring crispy fried chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and coated in a fiery cayenne pepper seasoning, served on soft brioche buns with tangy dill pickle chips for the perfect balance of heat and crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 cup buttermilk

Breading and Frying

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)

Spicy Coating

1/2 cup cayenne pepper
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons smoked paprika

Assembly

4 pieces brioche buns
To taste dill pickle chips (for serving)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a bowl and cover with 1 cup of buttermilk. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
Prepare the Breading Station: In a shallow dish, add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, seasoned lightly with salt and pepper if desired, to dredge the marinated chicken pieces thoroughly.
Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece fully in the flour until well coated.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep pan, heat 3 cups of vegetable or peanut oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the dredged chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry each side until golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Hot Spice Mix: While the chicken is frying, combine 1/2 cup cayenne pepper, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons smoked paprika in a small bowl and mix well.
Coat the Fried Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Immediately brush or sprinkle the spicy cayenne mixture generously over the fried chicken pieces for that authentic Nashville heat.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the brioche buns in half and toast slightly if desired. Place a piece of the spicy fried chicken on the bottom bun and top with dill pickle chips to provide a tangy contrast, then cover with the top bun.

Notes

For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper amount or add a pinch of cayenne to the flour for dredging.
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat; breasts work well but can be drier.
Let the chicken rest briefly after frying for maximum juiciness before coating in the spicy powder.
Brioche buns add sweetness to balance the spice, but any soft sandwich bun can be used.
Ensure oil temperature stays consistent for even frying and crispy coating.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, spicy chicken sandwich, fried chicken sandwich, Southern fried chicken, hot chicken, brioche bun sandwich