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Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders

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These crispy Nashville hot chicken sliders deliver a perfect balance of fiery heat and satisfying crunch, ideal for quick meals, casual gatherings, or late-night cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 12 slider buns
  • Pickle slices
  • Optional: mayonnaise or ranch dressing

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs, coat fully, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  2. In another bowl, combine flour, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or pot to about 3 inches depth. Heat to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off. Dredge each piece in flour mixture, pressing firmly to build a thick crust. Shake off excess flour and set aside.
  5. Fry chicken in batches for 6-7 minutes until golden but not fully cooked. Drain on wire rack. Rest 5 minutes, then fry again for 2-3 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for extra crispiness.
  6. Combine cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Warm vegetable oil in a small saucepan until hot but not smoking, then whisk oil into spice mix.
  7. Using tongs, dip each fried chicken piece into the hot spicy oil mixture, coating thoroughly. Place back on wire rack to drain excess.
  8. Slice slider buns in half and toast lightly if desired. Spread mayonnaise or ranch if using, add spicy chicken, top with pickle slices, and serve immediately.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for best results. Double frying is essential for a crispy crust. Adjust cayenne pepper in spicy oil to control heat level. Toast buns lightly and assemble sliders just before serving to avoid sogginess. For gluten-free, substitute flour and buns accordingly. Air fryer adaptation possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, sliders, spicy chicken, fried chicken, crispy chicken, game day snacks, quick dinner

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