Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

Introduction

Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of spicy, crispy chicken and soft, sweet slider buns. These bite-sized sandwiches pack big Southern flavor with a smoky heat that’s balanced by tangy pickles. They’re ideal for parties, snacks, or a fun dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 6 slider buns
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Nashville hot chicken sauce
• Dill pickle slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 1 hour to tenderize and add flavor.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat, enough for shallow frying.
4. Step 4: Dredge the marinated chicken strips in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
5. Step 5: Fry the chicken strips for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Step 6: While the chicken fries, mix the melted butter with the Nashville hot chicken sauce to create a spicy coating.
7. Step 7: Toss the fried chicken strips in the hot sauce mixture until evenly coated.
8. Step 8: Lightly toast the slider buns to your liking.
9. Step 9: Assemble the sliders by placing a piece of coated chicken on each bun and adding pickle slices if desired.
10. Step 10: Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders!

Tips & Variations

• Marinate chicken for at least one hour or overnight for extra tenderness and flavor.
• Use vegetable or peanut oil for frying to ensure a crispy crust without burning.
• Add more cayenne pepper if you prefer extra heat in your sliders.
• Swap the slider buns for brioche or potato rolls for a richer taste.
• Include coleslaw for added crunch and creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Keep buns separate and assemble sliders just before serving to avoid sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier and more flavorful slider, but cooking times may vary slightly.

How spicy are Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders?

They have a moderate heat level from cayenne and smoked paprika but can be adjusted to taste by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce and spices.

Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 85 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 sliders 1x

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Description

Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders are a flavorful and spicy twist on classic fried chicken, featuring crispy chicken strips marinated in buttermilk, coated with a spicy blend of seasonings, and fried to golden perfection. Served on soft slider buns with a smoky hot sauce and optional tangy pickles, these sliders offer a perfect balance of heat, crunch, and savory richness, making them an ideal party snack or main course.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken & Marinade

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk

Coating & Seasoning

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Frying & Sauce

• Vegetable oil for frying
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Nashville hot chicken sauce

Assembly

• 6 slider buns
• Dill pickle slices (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with buttermilk and let them marinate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan and heat it over medium heat until it reaches an ideal temperature for frying—hot but not smoking.
4. Dredge and Fry Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, dredge each strip thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, and fry in the hot oil for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
5. Make Hot Sauce Coating: While frying the chicken, mix the melted butter with Nashville hot chicken sauce to create a spicy, flavorful coating.
6. Coat Fried Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, toss it in the hot sauce mixture to evenly coat each piece.
7. Toast Slider Buns: Lightly toast the slider buns to add a slight crunch and warmth.
8. Assemble Sliders: Place a piece of the spicy fried chicken on each bun, add dill pickle slices if desired, and top with the other half of the bun.
9. Serve: Serve the sliders hot and enjoy their spicy, crunchy, and tangy flavors.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize it and adds moisture.
• Use vegetable or peanut oil for frying to handle high heat without burning.
• Adjust cayenne pepper in the coating and hot sauce to control the spice level.
• Pickle slices are optional but add a refreshing tang that balances the heat.
• Ensure oil temperature is optimal to achieve crispy, non-greasy chicken.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snack, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: Nashville Hot Chicken, Chicken Sliders, Spicy Chicken, Fried Chicken Sliders, Appetizer, Party Food, Southern Cuisine