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Ultimate Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Slaw and Pickles

Fiery Nashville hot chicken sandwich with crispy fried chicken, tangy pickles, and creamy slaw on brioche.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 1093

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk whole or low-fat
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce Louisiana-style
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for the flour coating
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt for the flour coating
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or another neutral frying oil
  • 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper for the spicy glaze
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for the spicy glaze
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt for the spicy glaze
  • 4 soft brioche burger buns
  • 1 cup dill pickle chips or sliced dill pickles
  • 2 cups creamy coleslaw store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter optional, for toasting buns

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and turn to coat, then cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight.
  2. In a shallow dish, stir together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon fine salt until evenly combined.
  3. Remove each chicken thigh from the marinade and allow the excess liquid to drip off. Dredge every piece well in the seasoned flour, pressing gently so the coating adheres, and place on a wire rack to rest for 10 minutes.
  4. Pour the vegetable oil into a heavy skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350°F.
  5. Working in batches, fry the chicken thighs for 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until deep golden and crunchy. The thickest part should read 165°F on an instant-read thermometer; transfer to a wire rack to drain.
  6. In a heatproof bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the hot frying oil with the 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth. Brush the spicy oil generously over both sides of the fried chicken.
  7. If desired, spread the cut sides of the brioche buns with the unsalted butter and toast them in a clean skillet until golden brown.
  8. Place a glazed chicken thigh on each bun bottom, then top with dill pickle chips and a generous scoop of coleslaw. Close with the top bun and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 1093kcalCarbohydrates: 94gProtein: 42gFat: 61gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 195mgSodium: 1740mgFiber: 4gSugar: 20g

Notes

Use a thermometer to keep the frying oil at 350°F so the chicken cooks through without burning.
For a milder sandwich, reduce the cayenne in the glaze to 1 tablespoon and skip the cayenne in the flour.
Let the breaded chicken rest before frying so the coating sets and stays crisp.
Toast the brioche buns even if you skip the butter; it helps them hold up to the sauce.
If your coleslaw is watery, drain it for a few minutes before assembling.
Store leftover fried chicken separately from the buns and slaw, and reheat it in a 375°F oven on a wire rack.
You can marinate the chicken a day ahead for deeper flavor and juicier results.

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