Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a finger-licking, spicy, and crispy delight! Our recipe for Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a zesty hot sauce, all sandwiched between fluffy brioche buns. Whether you’re looking for a weekend treat or a crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe has you covered.

We’ll guide you through the process with clear instructions and share valuable tips to ensure your fried chicken sandwich turns out perfectly. From marinating the chicken to achieving that ideal crispy coating, you’ll master the art of making a delicious, restaurant-worthy sandwich.

INGREDIENTS

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound Skinless, Boneless Chicken Thighs (about four)
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour

For the Hot Sauce:

• 1 cup Vegetable Oil
• 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 4 Brioche Buns
• Coleslaw
• Pickles

INSTRUCTIONS:

Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, cayenne pepper, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the buttermilk mixture and ensure they are well coated. Marinate the chicken overnight for the best results or for at least 1 hour.

Coat and Air Fry the Chicken:

1. Place the flour in a zip-top bag or container.
2. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Add the chicken to the bag with flour, seal it, and shake to coat the chicken thoroughly. Make sure to shake off any excess flour.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
5. Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Let the fried chicken sit for about 5 minutes while preparing the hot sauce.

Prepare the Hot Sauce:

1. In a medium pot, combine the vegetable oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Bring it to a simmer, then remove it from heat.
2. Just before serving, brush the fried chicken with the hot sauce.

Assemble and Serve:

1. Serve the hot, spicy buttermilk fried chicken on brioche buns topped with coleslaw and pickles.

TIPS:

• Chicken Thighs for Flavor: Skinless, boneless chicken thighs are used in this recipe for their tenderness and rich flavor. They absorb the buttermilk marinade and spices beautifully.
• Marinating Magic: Marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1 hour or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chicken.
• Crispy Coating: When coating the marinated chicken in flour, make sure to shake off the excess to ensure a thin, even layer that fries up crispy.
• Proper Frying Temperature: Use an air fryer set to 400°F for frying. It’s essential to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
• Spicy Hot Sauce: Customize the spiciness of your hot sauce by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. It adds an extra kick to your sandwich.

Prepare to savor the Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich—a mouthwatering combination of tender chicken, spicy hot sauce, and crisp coleslaw. Whether you enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion, this sandwich will surely satisfy your cravings. Let’s get cooking and create a meal that’s a fiery flavor sensation!