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Close-up of the craggy texture of the fried chicken breast with visible cayenne spice flecks in a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich.

Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich: The Ultimate Crispy & Spicy Recipe

This Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich features an extra-crispy fried chicken breast dipped in a glistening deep-red cayenne glaze, served on toasted brioche with creamy slaw and crinkle-cut dill pickles for the ultimate spicy bite.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 850
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large Chicken Breasts halved into 4 pieces
  • 1.5 cups Buttermilk (355ml)
  • 2 tbsp Pickle Juice (30ml)
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (240g)
  • 0.5 cup Cornstarch (64g)
  • 0.5 cup Lard or Frying Oil (120ml) reserved from fryer
  • 3 tbsp Cayenne Pepper adjust for heat
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (25g)
  • 4 pieces Brioche Buns toasted
  • 12 slices Crinkle-Cut Dill Pickles 3 per sandwich

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven or deep fryer For frying the chicken.
  • 1 Meat Thermometer To ensure internal temp reaches 165F.
  • 1 Pastry Brush To apply the cayenne oil glaze.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Submerge chicken in buttermilk and pickle juice for at least 4 hours.
  2. Coat chicken in flour, cornstarch, and spice mixture. Double dip for extra-crispy texture.
  3. Fry in 350°F (175°C) oil for 5-7 minutes per side until golden-brown.
  4. Whisk hot frying oil with cayenne and brown sugar; brush onto fried chicken.
  5. Place glazed chicken on toasted brioche, top with slaw and 3 pickles.

Notes

Rest the breaded chicken for 10 minutes before frying to ensure the crust sticks.
Use cold pickles to contrast the hot chicken.