Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders (Printable Version)

Crispy spicy chicken thighs with tangy dill pickle aioli in soft slider buns. The ultimate Southern-inspired bite-sized treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 1 cup buttermilk
03 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Breading & Spice Mix

04 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
06 - 1 tablespoon paprika
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Frying

10 - Vegetable oil for frying

→ Dill Pickle Aioli

11 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
12 - 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice

→ Assembly

13 - 8 slider buns
14 - Dill pickle slices

# Directions:

01 - Place chicken thighs in a bowl, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cover completely with buttermilk. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for enhanced tenderness.
02 - In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
03 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each thigh thoroughly in the flour-spice mixture, pressing gently to ensure coating adheres properly.
04 - Pour approximately 1 inch of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet and heat over medium-high heat until oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
05 - Working in batches to avoid crowding, fry coated chicken pieces for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and dill pickle juice until smooth and well incorporated.
07 - Lightly toast slider buns if desired for added texture and structural integrity.
08 - Place one piece of fried chicken on each bun bottom, top with dill pickle slices, spoon dill pickle aioli over pickles, and cap with bun top. Serve immediately while hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The ultimate combination of spicy, crispy, and tangy flavors in every bite.
  • Chicken thighs ensure a much juicier result compared to standard chicken breast.
  • Homemade dill pickle aioli provides a creamy, zesty contrast to the heat.
  • Great for gatherings, game days, or a fun twist on a weeknight dinner.
02 -
  • Ensure the oil reaches exactly 350°F before frying to prevent the chicken from becoming greasy.
  • Let the chicken drain on a wire rack rather than just paper towels to keep all sides of the breading crispy.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper for a milder or hotter slider depending on your spice tolerance.
  • Try serving with spicy coleslaw for extra flavor and texture.
Return