Print

Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders

Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders - featured image
Print Recipe

These Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders feature juicy, double-dredged chicken thighs with a bold, smoky, and fiery spice blend, served on soft buttery buns for a perfect spicy comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 12 slider buns, lightly toasted
  • Pickles (dill or bread-and-butter)
  • Mayonnaise or ranch dressing (optional)
  • Fresh shredded lettuce or coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken thighs, making sure each piece is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  2. In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat fully. Dip back into the buttermilk briefly, then dredge in flour one more time. Set aside on a plate.
  4. Pour vegetable oil into a heavy skillet to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Carefully place chicken thighs into hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C). Remove and drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
  6. While chicken fries, mix melted butter with cayenne, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.
  7. Brush each fried chicken piece generously with the spicy butter mixture.
  8. Toast buns lightly, spread mayo or ranch if using, layer on the hot chicken, add pickles and lettuce or coleslaw if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best results. Double dredge chicken for extra crispiness. Keep fried chicken warm in a low oven (200°F) if assembling in batches. For dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with coconut milk plus vinegar. For gluten-free, use almond or gluten-free flour. Baking option: bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes on wire rack, flipping halfway, then brush with spicy butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, sliders, spicy chicken, fried chicken, comfort food, Southern recipe, cayenne pepper, crispy chicken

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/crispy-nashville-hot-chicken-sliders-recipe-easy-fiery-spice-guide/