Description
A fast, flavorful, and crispy Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich featuring a buttermilk-marinated thigh, a cornstarch-flour dredge, and a fiery brown sugar-cayenne glaze, served on a brioche bun with cheddar and coleslaw.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 2–3 cups vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 large brioche or potato rolls
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups creamy coleslaw
Instructions
- Marinate chicken thighs in buttermilk for 15-30 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge).
- In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika.
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the flour mixture to coat all sides, creating crags for crunch.
- Fry chicken in batches (2 pieces at a time) for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Place on a wire rack to drain.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in brown sugar, cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and remaining black pepper to form a paste. Whisk in hot sauce.
- While chicken is still hot, brush or spoon the glaze generously over each piece.
- Toast brioche buns lightly. Place cheddar on the bottom bun, add coleslaw, top with glazed chicken, and cap with the top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure crispiness. Use chicken thighs for juiciness; if using breasts, pound thin and cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Glaze chicken while hot to help the sauce adhere. Do not microwave leftovers; reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich with cole
- Calories: 680
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 35
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, chicken sandwich, spicy chicken, fried chicken, brioche bun, coleslaw, comfort food, easy dinner, 30 minute meal