The Nashville hot chicken sandwich, a spicy chicken dish that hails from Nashville, Tennessee, is commonly known to include hot chicken.
The sandwich generally consists of a piece of hot chicken on a bun, often topped with pickles and slaw.
While the exact origin of the Nashville hot chicken sandwich is unknown, it is believed to have originated in the late 1800s or early 1900s.
The sandwich gained popularity in Nashville in the 1930s when African American cooks began selling hot chicken out of their homes and from roadside stands.
Today, the Nashville hot chicken sandwich is a popular dish throughout the United States and can be found at many restaurants and food trucks.
It has also been featured on several foods and travel shows, including the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”
If you’re looking to make your own Nashville hot chicken sandwich, there are a few things you’ll need:
Fried chicken
- Peanut oil, for frying
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 large egg
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, patted dry
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons ground cayenne
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sandwich
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
- Mayonnaise
- 4 soft sesame seed buns
- Bread-and-butter pickle chips
What is Peanut oil?
Peanut oil, also known as groundnut oil or Arachis oil, is a vegetable oil derived from peanuts.
The oil has a mild flavor and is often used in Asian and African cuisine for stir-frying, marinating, and as a dipping sauce.
Peanut oil is high in mono-unsaturated fats and low in polyunsaturated fats, making it a healthier option than other vegetable oils.
It also has a high smoke point, which can be heated to a high temperature without smoking or burning.
While peanut oil is generally safe for most people, those with peanut allergies may want to avoid it.
All-purpose flour
All-purpose flour is a type of wheat flour that can be used for various baking recipes.
It is made from a blend of hard and soft wheat flour and typically has a lower protein content than bread flour.
While all-purpose flour can be used for bread, it may not produce as light and fluffy of a loaf due to its lower protein content.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a type of starch made from the endosperm of corn kernels.
It is a thickening agent in recipes such as sauces, gravies, and pies.
Baking powder
Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps baked goods rise.
It is made from baking soda, acid, and starch.
Kosher salt
Kosher salt is a type of salt used in many recipes, including pickling and brining.
It is also used in koshering meat.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a type of milk that has been cultured with bacteria.
It is thicker and tangier than regular milk and is often used in baking recipes.
Hot sauce
Hot sauce is a condiment made from chili peppers, vinegar, and spices.
It is used to add heat and flavor to food.
Egg
Eggs are a type of protein that can be used in many recipes.
They are often used as a binding agent or leavening agent.
Chicken thighs
Chicken thighs are a type of poultry used in many recipes.
They are generally more flavorful and juicier than chicken breasts.
Cayenne
Cayenne is a type of chili pepper that is used to add heat to food.
It is often used in powder form as a spice.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar is a type of sugar that is made from cane or beet sugar.
It is darker in color and more flavorful than granulated sugar.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder is a type of seasoning made from ground garlic.
It is used to add flavor to food.
Smoked paprika
Smoked paprika is a type of paprika that has been smoked over a fire.
It is used to add flavor and color to food.
Black pepper
Black pepper is a type of spice made from the dried berries of the Piper nigrum plant.
It is used to add flavor and heat to food.
Iceberg lettuce
Iceberg lettuce is a type of lettuce that is crisp and refreshing.
It is often used in salads or as a sandwich topping.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a condiment made from eggs, oil, and vinegar.
It is used to add flavor and creaminess to food.
Sesame seed buns
Sesame seed buns are a type of bun that is typically used for hamburgers or sandwiches.
They are often topped with sesame seeds.
Bread-and-butter pickle chips
Bread-and-butter pickle chips are a type of pickle that is made from cucumbers, vinegar, and sugar.
They are often used as a sandwich topping.
How to Make a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich?
1. Start by heating your chicken. You can do this by cooking it in a pan on the stove, grilling it, or baking it. If you are using raw chicken, cook it until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
2. Once your chicken is cooked, cut it into thin strips.
3. In a bowl, combine the chicken strips, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
5. Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture.
6. Place the chicken strips on a wire rack and let them sit for about 20 minutes.
7. While the chicken is resting, make the sauce by combining the hot sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne in a small saucepan.
8. Heat the sauce over low heat, occasionally stirring, until it is smooth and thickened.
9. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with cooking spray.
11. Place the chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet and brush with the sauce.
12. Bake for 15 minutes until the chicken is crispy and the sauce is bubbling.
13. To assemble the sandwiches, place a piece of chicken on each bun and top with iceberg lettuce, pickle chips, and mayonnaise. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
If you can’t find hot chicken, you can try making your own by marinating chicken breasts in a mixture of spices, then frying them until they are cooked through.
Try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks for a less spicy sandwich.
The meat will be more tender and less spicy than breast meat.
If you want a truly authentic experience, try eating your sandwich with white bread and mayo.
Variations
You can enjoy your Nashville hot chicken sandwich in a few different ways.
Here are a few of our favorites:
- Add some spice to your sandwich by including a slice of pepper jack cheese or some jalapeño peppers.
- Swap out the pickles for cucumber slices for an excellent and crunchy twist.
- Give your sandwich a tangy kick by adding a dollop of barbecue sauce or hot sauce.
- Make it a meal by adding french fries or potato chips to your sandwich.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 490
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 1260 mg
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Protein: 24 g
The Nashville hot chicken sandwich is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Nashville.
This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to eat.
This sandwich will surely please whether you like your chicken spicy or mild.
So, give the Nashville hot chicken sandwich a try next time you’re in the mood for something hot and tasty!
What are the Health Benefits of Eating a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich?
A Nashville hot chicken sandwich is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for those on a low-carb diet.
The chicken is a good source of niacin, which helps the body convert food into energy.
The pickles and slaw add crunch and flavor to the sandwich.
The Nashville hot chicken sandwich is also a good option for those looking for a gluten-free meal.
The bun can be swapped out for a gluten-free alternative, or the chicken can be served on a salad instead.
So, if you’re looking for a healthy and delicious sandwich option, the Nashville hot chicken sandwich is a great choice!
What is Nashville sauce made of?
Nashville sauce is a hot sauce made with a blend of cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and paprika.
It is often used as a condiment for chicken dishes.
What is unique about Nashville chicken?
Nashville chicken is a type of fried chicken that is typically spicy.
The chicken is often marinated in a mixture of spices, then fried until cooked through.
It is then served with toppings, pickles, slaw, and bread.
Why is Nashville chicken served with white bread?
Nashville chicken is often served with white bread to help balance the chicken’s spice.
The bread can also help soak up any grease from the frying process.
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- oven
Ingredients
- Peanut oil
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 large egg
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs, patted dry
- 2 tablespoons ground cayenne
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Start by heating your chicken. You can do this by cooking it in a pan on the stove, grilling it, or baking it. If you are using raw chicken, cook it until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once your chicken is cooked, cut it into thin strips.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken strips, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
- Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Place the chicken strips on a wire rack and let them sit for about 20 minutes.
- While the chicken is resting, make the sauce by combining the hot sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne in a small saucepan.
- Heat the sauce over low heat, occasionally stirring, until it is smooth and thickened.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet and brush with the sauce.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the chicken is crispy and the sauce is bubbling.
- To assemble the sandwiches, place a piece of chicken on each bun and top with iceberg lettuce, pickle chips, and mayonnaise.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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