Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

Introduction

Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders bring the bold, smoky heat of classic Nashville chicken into a fun, bite-sized form. Crispy chicken strips coated in a spicy sauce are nestled in soft slider buns, making these sliders perfect for parties or a flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 6 slider buns
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Nashville hot chicken sauce
• Dill pickle slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 1 hour to tenderize and add flavor.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
4. Step 4: Dredge the chicken strips in the flour mixture, then fry in batches for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
5. Step 5: While chicken fries, combine melted butter with Nashville hot chicken sauce to make the spicy coating mixture.
6. Step 6: Toss the cooked chicken strips in the hot sauce mixture until well coated.
7. Step 7: Lightly toast the slider buns, ideally in a bit of butter for extra flavor.
8. Step 8: Assemble each slider with a piece of spicy chicken and, if desired, add dill pickle slices for a tangy crunch.
9. Step 9: Serve hot and enjoy your Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders!

Tips & Variations

• Marinate chicken strips for at least an hour or overnight for juicier results.
• Use vegetable or peanut oil for frying to handle high heat without burning.
• Double-dip the chicken by dipping it again in buttermilk and flour for extra crispiness.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your taste.
• Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamy contrast to the heat.
• Try replacing chicken with crispy fried cauliflower for a vegetarian alternative.
• Toast buns in butter to prevent sogginess and add a rich flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy. Slider buns are best stored separately in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier and more flavorful slider, but they may take slightly longer to cook through. Slice them into strips similar in size to chicken breasts.

How spicy are Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders?

The sliders have a moderate to strong heat depending on how much cayenne pepper and hot sauce you add. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the cayenne pepper in the flour mix and hot sauce.

Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

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4.9 from 147 reviews

Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders feature crispy fried chicken strips coated in a spicy, smoky hot sauce, served on soft slider buns with optional dill pickle slices. Perfectly balanced with heat, crunch, and savory richness, these sliders are a flavorful and convenient twist on the classic Nashville Hot Chicken, ideal for gatherings or a fun meal.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 sliders 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk

Dredge and Seasoning

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Frying and Assembly

• Vegetable oil for frying
• 6 slider buns
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Nashville hot chicken sauce
• Dill pickle slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken strips in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Mix to coat and let marinate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
2. Prepare the Dredge: In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all the spices.
3. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan to a depth suitable for frying and heat over medium to medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C).
4. Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge each strip in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated. For extra crispiness, optionally dip back into buttermilk and flour again before frying.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place chicken strips into the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Make the Hot Sauce Coating: While the chicken fries, combine the melted butter with the Nashville hot chicken sauce in a bowl, mixing well to create a spicy coating.
7. Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Toss the fried chicken strips in the hot sauce mixture until they are well coated and thoroughly spicy.
8. Toast the Slider Buns: Lightly toast the slider buns in a pan or under a broiler with a little butter to add flavor and prevent sogginess.
9. Assemble the Sliders: Place a piece of the coated fried chicken on the bottom half of each slider bun. Add dill pickle slices if desired, then top with the bun.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sliders hot, optionally with sides like fries or coleslaw to complete the meal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for at least one hour for best tenderness and flavor.
• Use an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or peanut oil, for frying at the right temperature (around 350°F/175°C).
• Double-dipping the chicken in buttermilk and flour results in a crispier crust.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your taste.
• Lightly toasting the slider buns in butter enhances flavor and prevents sogginess.
• Serve with pickles, creamy sauces, or coleslaw for added flavor balance.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute fried cauliflower or plant-based chicken for the chicken strips.

Keywords: Nashville Hot Chicken, Chicken Sliders, Spicy Chicken, Fried Chicken, Slider Recipe, Southern Cuisine, Party Appetizer