Crispy Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey Recipe

Spicing up lunch with a baked Nashville hot chicken sandwich hits all the right comfort food notes.

Nashville famous fiery flavors dance across a crispy golden exterior.

Layers of heat and sweetness create an irresistible combination that makes you crave every single bite.

Serious chicken enthusiasts will appreciate this healthier twist on the classic southern favorite.

honey drizzled over the top adds a gorgeous glaze that balances the intense spiciness perfectly.

Each carefully crafted bite promises a delightful explosion of flavor that satisfies deep hunger.

Come explore this mouthwatering recipe that brings restaurant-quality excitement straight to your kitchen.

FAQs

• How spicy is Nashville hot chicken?

Nashville hot chicken ranges from medium to very hot, depending on the amount of cayenne pepper used. This recipe allows you to control the heat level by adjusting the cayenne quantity to suit your personal spice tolerance.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe. They’re often more flavorful and juicy compared to chicken breasts. Just ensure they reach the same internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe cooking.

• Why marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat more soft and juicy. It also adds a subtle tangy flavor and helps the coating stick better to the chicken during cooking.

• What makes the coating extra crispy?

The combination of flour, panko breadcrumbs, and double-dredging technique creates an extra crispy exterior. Lightly spraying with cooking oil and baking on a wire rack also helps achieve a golden, crunchy coating without deep frying.

Nashville Chicken Sandwich That’s Hot and Honey-Sweet

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Baked method saves time and mess compared to traditional deep-frying, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality results.
• Customizable Heat Level: Easily adjust cayenne pepper in hot sauce to create mild or fiery versions that suit different spice tolerances, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Combines kid-friendly crispy chicken with exciting Nashville hot sauce flavor, transforming a classic sandwich into a memorable dining experience that bridges traditional and adventurous tastes.

Nashville Chicken Sandwich (Baked) Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the sandwich, tender and juicy when marinated and baked.
• Eggs: Helps create a crispy, golden coating for the chicken.

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy flavor, use full-fat for best results.
• Butter: Creates a base for the spicy Nashville hot sauce.

• Flour, Panko Breadcrumbs: Provide a crunchy exterior for the chicken, panko gives extra crispiness.
• Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning for depth of flavor.

• Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Powder: Brings heat and aromatic kick to the Nashville hot sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the spiciness with a touch of sweetness.

• Brioche Buns: Soft and rich base for the sandwich, toasting enhances flavor.
• Honey: Adds a sweet contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Pickles: Provides tangy crunch and cuts through the richness.

• Cooking Oil: Helps achieve a golden, crispy chicken exterior.
• Vegetable Oil: Incorporated into the Nashville hot sauce for smooth consistency.

Hot Chicken Sandwich Baking Instructions

Step 1: Kickstart the Chicken Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together buttermilk, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Submerge chicken breasts completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Refrigerate for a minimum of one hour, though overnight marinating will deliver maximum flavor intensity.

Step 2: Create the Crispy Coating

Fire up your oven to 425°F.

• Whisked eggs
• Flour mixture containing
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Paprika
• Salt

Carefully dredge each chicken breast through the flour mixture, then egg wash, and finally back into the flour mixture to achieve an incredibly crunchy exterior.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Position the coated chicken on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet for optimal air circulation.

Lightly mist with cooking spray to encourage a beautiful golden color.

Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping midway.

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 4: Craft Spicy Nashville Hot Sauce

In a small saucepan, gently melt butter over low heat.

• Cayenne pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Brown sugar
• Cooking oil

Stir continuously until ingredients meld into a smooth, fiery sauce.

Step 5: Build the Ultimate Sandwich

Quickly toast brioche buns to enhance their flavor.

Generously coat baked chicken in the Nashville hot sauce.

Layer chicken on bottom bun, drizzle with honey, add pickles, and crown with top bun.

Serve immediately for maximum deliciousness!

Sandwich Tips For Nashville Hot Chicken

• Let chicken soak in buttermilk overnight for extra tenderness and deeper flavor infusion.
• Double-dredge chicken in flour mixture for an extra crispy, thick crust that locks in moisture.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount in hot sauce to customize heat intensity for different taste preferences.
• Baking chicken on a wire rack helps air circulate, creating an evenly crispy exterior without soggy bottom.
• Drizzle honey strategically to cut through spicy sauce, creating a delicious sweet-heat flavor profile.

Keeping Nashville Chicken Sandwich Fresh

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the sandwich components separate to maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Chicken stays fresh for 2 months.
• Preheat to 350°F, place chicken on a wire rack, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy coating.
• Quickly pan-fry reheated chicken in a skillet with a touch of oil to restore the golden, crunchy exterior before reassembling the sandwich.

Hot Chicken Sandwich Pairings

• Spice-Cutting Cool Brew: Pair this fiery Nashville hot chicken sandwich with a crisp, light beer like a pilsner or wheat ale. The beer's refreshing qualities will beautifully balance the sandwich's intense heat and cut through the richness.
• Sweet and Tangy Wine Match: Select a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the honey and spicy sauce. These white wines offer a fruity counterpoint that softens the cayenne pepper's intense kick.
• Cooling Creamy Sidekick: Serve alongside a classic buttermilk ranch dressing or a creamy blue cheese dip. These cooling condiments provide a soothing contrast to the sandwich's spicy Nashville-style coating, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
• Southern Soda Companion: Grab an ice-cold classic cola or root beer to drink with this sandwich. The sugary sweetness and carbonation help neutralize the heat while enhancing the overall eating experience with a nostalgic Southern touch.

Hot Chicken Sandwich with Sweet Honey Mixes

• Gluten-Free Nashville Hot Chicken: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free panko to maintain crispy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Substitute chicken with thick slices of extra-firm tofu or jackfruit. Marinate plant-based protein in seasoned buttermilk alternative and follow same coating and baking techniques for similar crunch.
• Low-Sodium Nashville Sandwich: Reduce salt in marinade and coating by using herb-infused seasonings. Replace regular salt with potassium chloride or low-sodium seasoning blends to maintain flavor profile while decreasing sodium intake.
• Spice-Level Adjustable Sandwich: Create mild version by reducing cayenne pepper in hot sauce. Offer optional hot sauce on side for heat-lovers to customize their sandwich intensity according to personal spice tolerance.

Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich blends fiery southern spice with sweet honey drizzle, creating a flavor explosion that tantalizes taste buds. Crispy, golden chicken nestled between soft buns promises a culinary adventure you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs (whisked)

Breading and Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 brioche buns (toasted)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup pickles

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken for a flavor-packed marinade by whisking buttermilk with salt and pepper, then submerge chicken breasts completely, allowing them to soak in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes or ideally overnight.
2. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and create a three-stage coating station: one bowl with whisked eggs, another with seasoned flour and panko mixture containing paprika and salt, positioning them for a thorough dredging process.
3. Carefully coat each marinated chicken piece by first rolling in the flour mixture, then dipping into eggs, and finally returning to the flour blend to create a robust, textured exterior that promises crunchiness.
4. Position the breaded chicken on a wire rack atop a baking sheet, lightly misting with cooking spray to encourage an even golden crust, then slide into the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform cooking until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (75°C).
5. Craft the signature Nashville hot sauce by gently melting butter and incorporating cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and oil, stirring until the mixture transforms into a vibrant, spicy coating.
6. Enhance brioche buns with a quick toasting to amplify their richness, then generously brush the perfectly baked chicken with the fiery sauce, creating a glistening, bold exterior.
7. Construct the ultimate sandwich by placing the sauced chicken on the bottom bun, drizzling with golden honey, layering crisp pickles, and crowning with the top bun for a harmonious blend of heat, sweetness, and texture.

Notes

• Enhance the buttermilk marinade by adding hot sauce or garlic powder for deeper flavor complexity.
• Experiment with different flour types like cornmeal or almond flour for gluten-free alternatives and varied textures.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise chicken doneness without overcooking, maintaining juicy interior and crispy exterior.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity in hot sauce, catering to individual spice tolerance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg