Dinner

Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

Name: Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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)

ByElla Hart October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

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Introduction

Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders deliver a perfect bite-sized burst of bold, spicy flavor balanced with crispy texture and savory richness. These sliders are ideal for parties or quick meals, featuring tender fried chicken coated in a smoky, spicy sauce and nestled inside soft slider buns. Add tangy pickles for a classic finish that cuts through the heat.

A close-up shows a small sandwich with a soft, shiny brown bun on top and bottom. The bottom bun holds a bright green leafy lettuce. Above the lettuce is a crispy, golden-brown fried chicken piece with a rough texture. On top of the chicken, there is a dollop of creamy white sauce with small bits of red and green, likely from a creamy salad or dressing. Multiple similar sandwiches are blurred in the background on a wooden board, all with the same layers and colors, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 1 hour to tenderize and add flavor.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
Step 4: Dredge the marinated chicken strips in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is coated well.
Step 5: Fry the chicken strips in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 6: While the chicken fries, mix the melted butter with the Nashville hot chicken sauce to create the spicy coating.
Step 7: Toss the fried chicken strips in the hot sauce mixture so each piece is thoroughly coated.
Step 8: Lightly toast the slider buns to add flavor and prevent sogginess.
Step 9: Assemble the sliders by placing a piece of the hot chicken on each bun and adding dill pickle slices if desired.
Step 10: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Marinate the chicken for at least an hour to ensure juicy, tender meat with enhanced flavor.
Use vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying as they handle high heat well and result in a crisp crust.
For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken by dipping it in buttermilk again after the first flour coating, then coat it with flour once more before frying.
Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spice level, or add hot sauce for more heat.
Toast slider buns with butter to add taste and keep buns from getting soggy.
Pair sliders with fries or tater tots for a full meal or add a creamy ranch or blue cheese sauce to balance the spice.
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with crispy fried cauliflower or plant-based chicken alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy. Assemble sliders fresh after reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a sandwich with three main layers on a soft, shiny light brown bun. The bottom bun holds a fresh green leaf, followed by a thick piece of crispy fried chicken coated in a reddish-brown spicy sauce that looks crunchy. On top of the chicken is a creamy white sauce mixed with small bits of vegetables, likely coleslaw. The top bun sits perfectly on this stack. In the background, several similar sandwiches are slightly out of focus, all placed on a wooden board over a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the chicken strips ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken strips up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. Fry them just before serving to ensure they stay crispy and fresh.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic the tang and acidity of buttermilk.