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Irresistible Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

Nashville hot chicken sliders - featured image

A flavorful and spicy Nashville hot chicken sliders recipe that delivers a crispy, juicy bite perfect for game nights, parties, or a fun weeknight dinner. Easy to make with simple ingredients and customizable heat levels.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • Salt to taste
  • 12 slider buns
  • Pickle slices
  • Mayonnaise or ranch dressing (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs, submerge fully, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
  2. In another large bowl, mix flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly.
  3. Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a skillet or pan and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain temperature.
  4. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  5. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep crispy.
  7. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, hot sauce, and salt. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
  8. Brush or spoon hot sauce generously over each piece of fried chicken.
  9. Toast slider buns if desired. Spread mayonnaise or ranch on bottom bun, add sauced chicken, a pickle slice, and top with bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for crispy chicken. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid greasy chicken. Rest chicken on wire rack to keep crust crispy. Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level. Use fresh spices for best flavor. For a lighter version, bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, sliders, spicy chicken, fried chicken, game day food, party food, homemade sliders