The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich from Buffalo Wild Wings features spicy, crispy fried chicken coated in a fiery cayenne pepper sauce, topped with pickles and creamy mayo, all nestled between a soft, toasted bun for a bold and flavorful bite.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Sheet pan/rack
- Saucepan
- Basting brush
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula
- Toaster or grill pan
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Plate (for assembling)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 cup dill pickle chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Using fresh cayenne pepper and smoked paprika is essential to achieving the authentic spicy heat in your Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. The combination of buttermilk and hot sauce in the marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with flavor. Be sure to use a mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for the perfect crispy coating when frying. Toasting the hamburger buns adds texture and prevents them from becoming soggy once assembled. Your copycat Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich from Buffalo Wild Wings will capture the bold, fiery taste and crispy crunch that fans love.
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness on cutting board with chef’s knife.
- In mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce; whisk to blend.
- Add chicken breasts to buttermilk mixture; cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade; dredge in flour mixture, pressing to adhere; set on rack.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken breasts in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes; transfer to rack to drain.
- In saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in brown sugar, cayenne pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt to make hot sauce.
- Brush hot sauce over fried chicken using basting brush.
- Toast hamburger buns on toaster or grill pan until golden.
- Spread mayonnaise on bottom bun using spatula.
- Place fried chicken breast on bun.
- Top chicken with dill pickle chips.
- Cap with top bun and serve on plate.
Substitution
The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich from Buffalo Wild Wings copycat recipe calls for buttermilk to tenderize the chicken, but you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice if buttermilk is unavailable. Using a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch ensures a crispy coating, though you may use only flour for a lighter crust. The spicy cayenne pepper sauce can be adjusted to your heat preference by reducing or increasing cayenne and chili powder quantities. To keep buns warm and lightly toasted, a grill pan or toaster works equally well depending on your kitchen setup. When frying, maintain oil temperature at 350degF for a crispy, evenly cooked chicken without excessive oil absorption.
Tips
Ensure the oil temperature stays consistently at 350degF (175degC) to achieve a perfectly crispy chicken crust without undercooking the inside. Marinate your chicken in the buttermilk and hot sauce blend for at least one hour, as this tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor. Press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken to create an even coating that helps lock in moisture during frying. When assembling your sandwich, evenly brush the spicy cayenne hot sauce onto the fried chicken for that signature Nashville heat and balance it with creamy mayo and crunchy pickles for a satisfying bite.
Nutritions
The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich contains high-quality protein from the boneless chicken breasts, essential for muscle repair and growth. The spicy cayenne pepper sauce adds antioxidants and may boost metabolism, while the pickles provide a small dose of vitamins and probiotics. Your meal includes fats from mayonnaise and butter, contributing to flavor but also increasing calorie content, so moderation is key. The sandwich's bread offers carbohydrates, fueling your body for energy throughout the day.
Storage
Store leftover Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich components separately to maintain optimal texture and flavor; refrigerate the fried chicken wrapped in foil or airtight containers to keep it crispy, and place the buns in a resealable bag to prevent staleness. Keep the pickles and mayonnaise chilled in sealed containers to preserve freshness and avoid sogginess. When reheating your spicy fried chicken, use an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness without drying out the meat.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap out the traditional buttermilk marinade for a yogurt-based one to add a tangy flavor and tenderize the chicken gently. Instead of deep frying, try pan-frying the chicken breasts in a cast iron skillet with vegetable oil for a slightly lighter texture and easier cleanup. To elevate the sandwich, consider adding coleslaw or sliced jalapenos for extra crunch and spice. Using brioche buns in place of hamburger buns can provide a richer, slightly sweet contrast to the fiery cayenne pepper sauce.
Allergies
Your Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich may pose allergy risks from several key ingredients including wheat in the all-purpose flour and hamburger buns, which contain gluten. Buttermilk and mayonnaise contain dairy and eggs respectively, common allergens that can trigger reactions. The presence of spices like cayenne pepper and hot sauce may also irritate those with sensitivities to spicy foods or certain pepper varieties.
Why this recipe?
The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich at Buffalo Wild Wings boasts a perfect blend of spicy heat and crispy texture that tantalizes taste buds. Its signature cayenne pepper seasoning and juicy chicken breast deliver an authentic Southern flavor that food enthusiasts crave. You'll appreciate how easy it is to recreate this iconic dish at home, allowing you to customize the spice level and freshness. Making a copycat version saves money while providing a satisfying, restaurant-quality experience tailored to your preferences.