There's something undeniably special about a Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich that makes it the ultimate comfort food. Imagine biting into a juicy, crispy chicken breast, perfectly fried and generously coated with a spicy oil bath, accompanied by creamy, tangy mayo, and nestled between two soft slices of bread.
Ingredients
Scale:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more for extra heat)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
4 sandwich buns (preferably brioche)
Pickles (for topping)
Shredded lettuce (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for the best flavor.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
In a large, heavy-duty skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and let any excess marinade drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks.
Carefully place the breaded chicken thighs in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
In a small saucepan, combine the fried chicken drippings, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder over low heat. Stir until well combined and heated through. Brush the spicy oil generously over the fried chicken.
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, hot sauce, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on the bottom half of each sandwich bun. Add a piece of spicy fried chicken, top with pickles and shredded lettuce if desired, then place the top half of the bun on.
