Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken Base
01 -
2 medium chicken breasts, sliced into 4 cutlets
02 -
Oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, or canola oil)
→ Breading Mixture
03 -
½ cup buttermilk
04 -
1 tablespoon vinegar-based hot sauce
05 -
1 cup all-purpose flour
06 -
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
07 -
1 ½ teaspoons salt
→ Nashville Hot Dipping Oil
08 -
½ cup of the frying oil
09 -
2 teaspoons light brown sugar
10 -
2 teaspoons cayenne powder
11 -
¼ teaspoon chili powder
12 -
¼ teaspoon paprika
13 -
½ teaspoon garlic powder
→ For Assembly
14 -
4 brioche burger buns, buttered and toasted
15 -
Bread and butter pickle chips
16 -
Homemade coleslaw
17 -
¼ cup mayonnaise
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into cutlets. Place them in a glass bowl, sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper, and let them rest covered in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. This quick brine helps keep the chicken juicy while frying.
02 -
Mix the flour with salt and pepper in one shallow bowl. In another, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Here's a pro tip: take a spoonful of the buttermilk mixture and drop it into the flour, then use your fingers to create little crumbles - this adds extra crispiness to your chicken!
03 -
Take each chicken cutlet and dredge it first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the buttermilk mixture, letting any extra drip off, before coating again in the flour. Make sure to pat gently to help the coating stick.
04 -
Heat 1-2 inches of oil in a dutch oven until it reaches 350°F. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces, two at a time to avoid crowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160°F. Transfer to a wire rack in a warm oven while you finish the remaining pieces.
05 -
In a small heat-safe bowl, combine the brown sugar, cayenne, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Carefully ladle about half a cup of the hot frying oil over these spices and whisk quickly. This hot oil activates all those spicy flavors! Immediately brush or spoon this flavorful oil over your freshly fried chicken while it's still hot.
06 -
Spread a generous layer of mayo on your toasted bun bottoms. Place your Nashville hot chicken on top, followed by a cool, creamy scoop of coleslaw and several pickle chips. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately while the contrast between crispy hot chicken and cool toppings is at its peak!
# Notes:
01 -
This Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich balances fiery heat with cooling coleslaw and tangy pickles for the perfect flavor experience.
02 -
The key to authentic Nashville hot chicken is applying the spiced oil while the chicken is still hot from frying.
03 -
Recipe created by Diana and serves 4 hungry sandwich lovers.