Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this bold and irresistible Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe! Crispy, juicy fried chicken drenched in a fiery, flavorful sauce, stacked in soft slider buns with tangy pickles and crunchy slaw—pure snack perfection.

The image shows a sandwich with three main layers. The base is a soft, light brown bun. On the bottom bun, there is a layer of white and slightly creamy coleslaw that has thin strips of cabbage and carrot. Above the coleslaw, there is a thick layer of crispy fried chicken with a reddish-brown crunchy texture. The top layer is another soft, light brown bun placed gently on the chicken. In the background, there are more sandwiches similar in style, all arranged on a wooden board set on a white marbled surface. Small stray pieces of coleslaw and a green pickle slice are scattered near the board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders plenty of times, and they never fail to wow my friends and family. The spicy heat, crunchy texture, and fresh toppings all come together in the most satisfying way. Seriously, once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again.

Perfect Party Food: Bite-sized sliders packed with bold flavors that are easy to serve and sure to impress your guests.
Crunchy & Juicy: Double-fried chicken tenders coated in a flavorful hot sauce for that perfect crispy crust and tender inside.
Balanced Flavors: Cool coleslaw and tangy pickles provide the perfect counterpoint to the spicy heat of the chicken.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can marinate ahead of time and even prep components while the chicken’s soaking up all those flavors!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive in, let’s talk about the key ingredients you'll need and why they’re important. Having quality basics like fresh chicken tenders, the right flour blend, and bold spices will elevate the final sliders to something truly special.

Flat lay of six raw chicken tenders with naturally textured skin, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of creamy buttermilk, a small white bowl of pure white all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of golden cornstarch, a small white bowl of reddish paprika powder mixed with bright orange cayenne pepper and brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl filled with golden hot vegetable oil, a simple white ceramic bowl of finely shredded green and purple cabbage, a small white bowl of smooth pale mayonnaise, a small white bowl of bright red ketchup, a few fresh green pickle slices, and six soft golden slider buns arranged symmetrically, all elements fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken tenders: These are perfect slider-size pieces that cook quickly and stay juicy.
Buttermilk: It tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang while helping the coating stick.
Egg whites: Work with the buttermilk to create a light yet adhesive marinade for the breading.
All purpose flour: Forms the crispy foundation for the chicken’s coating.
Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch and prevents the crust from getting soggy.
Baking powder: Gives the coating a light, airy texture after frying.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for deep frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Cayenne pepper and paprika: The heart of that signature Nashville heat and smoky flavor.
Brown sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness in the hot sauce.
Shredded cabbage: Provides crisp, refreshing texture in the slaw to cool down the spice.
Mayo and ketchup: Combine to make a creamy, tangy slider sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
Pickles: Their acidity and crunch add brightness and contrast against the spicy chicken.
Slider buns: Soft and small—just right to hold all those delicious layers without overwhelming your taste buds.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste buds and occasion. Whether you like it extra spicy, a little tangier, or need to accommodate dietary preferences, there’s plenty of room to customize!

Milder Heat: If you’re not a big fan of fiery spice, simply reduce the cayenne pepper in the hot sauce to 1 tablespoon or even less. This keeps that signature smoky flavor without overwhelming your palate.
Extra Crunch: For an even crispier bite, sprinkle a pinch of cornmeal into your flour coating mix. This adds a wonderful texture contrast that's just delightful in every slider.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap out chicken tenders for thick fried cauliflower or crispy fried portobello slices, and use the same marinade and breading technique. You won’t miss the meat with the spicy sauce and crunchy slaw!
Seasonal Slaw Variations: Try adding shredded carrots, apple slices, or even a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the coleslaw mix for a fresh seasonal flair that complements the richness of the chicken.
Slider Sauce Upgrade: For a smoky depth, mix some chipotle powder or a dash of smoked paprika into the slider sauce. It pairs beautifully with the Nashville hot sauce and adds a special homemade touch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

A close-up of a sandwich held by a woman's hand showing three layers: a golden brown soft bun on top, a layer of light green and orange coleslaw with thin cabbage and carrot strips, and a crispy golden fried patty with rough textured crust resting on a layer of light orange sauce above the bottom bun. The background has blurred similar sandwiches on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

First, trim your chicken tenders so they’re free of tendons or excess fat—this helps with a clean bite and better texture. If you're using mini slider buns, cut each tender in half so the slider is perfectly sized. Whisk together the buttermilk, egg whites, salt, and pepper until smooth, then submerge the chicken pieces in this marinade. Pop it all in the fridge for at least 2 hours; overnight is ideal if you have the time. This step tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Prep Your Slaw, Sauce & Pickles

While the chicken marinates, tackle the tasty sides. Mix your shredded cabbage with mayo, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper for a creamy coleslaw that adds crunch and freshness. In a separate bowl, whip up the slider sauce by blending mayo, ketchup, salt, and pepper for a tangy, creamy spread. Don’t forget to thinly slice your pickles—they bring the perfect tangy brightness to the sliders!

Step 3: Double Dredge for Crispy Perfection

Once your chicken has marinated, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Take each chicken piece out of the marinade, letting excess drip off. Coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, then dunk back into the marinade briefly. Shake off excess liquid and give the chicken a second dip in the flour blend. This double coating locks in juiciness and guarantees that every bite has a satisfying crunch. Lay each coated tender on a wire rack and let them rest about 20 minutes while you get the oil heated—it helps the coating adhere when you fry.

Step 4: The First Fry to Cook Through

Heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop in about one-third to one-half of the chicken tenders and fry for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through but still pale in color. Remove and drain on a wire rack while you fry the rest. Resist the urge to rush this step—the goal is to cook the chicken inside without darkening the crust too soon.

Step 5: The Crucial Rest

After your first fry, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period is key as it allows the juices to redistribute and firms up the coating so that second fry will yield that perfect golden crunch we’re aiming for.

Step 6: Second Fry for Golden Crispy Glory

Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F and return the chicken tenders for a second fry, about 2-3 minutes. This quick final frying gives the chicken a rich golden brown color and those signature crispy edges that make Nashville Hot Chicken so irresistible. Drain on a wire rack again to keep them from getting soggy.

Step 7: Make That Fiery Nashville Hot Sauce

While the chicken crisps during the second fry, mix the cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Carefully ladle ½ cup of the sizzling oil from your skillet into the spice mix and whisk until fully combined. This is where the magic happens—the hot oil blooms the spices, giving you that deep, punchy Nashville heat.

Step 8: Coat and Rest

As you remove chicken from the oil after the second fry, immediately dunk each piece into the Nashville hot sauce with tongs to coat every side with that spicy, flavorful glaze. Place them back on a wire rack with a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips. This keeps your chicken perfectly sauced without losing that crispiness.

Step 9: Assemble Your Sliders and Serve

Warm your slider buns gently in the microwave or on the stovetop so they’re soft and inviting. Spread a generous helping of the creamy slider sauce on the bottom bun, layer on pickles for a zesty crunch, then add your hot, spicy chicken. Top with a heaping spoonful of coleslaw to bring some cool creaminess and finish with the bun top. Serve these sliders immediately while they're hot, and enjoy every spicy, crunchy, juicy bite.

Top Tip

These little nuggets of spicy, crispy goodness deserve a few insider tips to make sure your Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe turns out perfectly every time.

Double-Dredging Magic: Don’t skip the double coating step for the chicken. It creates that irresistibly crispy crust that really holds up against the spicy sauce.
Oil Temperature Discipline: Keep the oil steady at 350°F during both frying stages to ensure the chicken cooks through and crisps just right without burning.
Rest Between Fries: Letting the chicken rest after the first fry might seem like a break, but it’s key for extra crunchiness after the second fry – trust me, it works wonders.
Balancing the Heat: Adjust cayenne pepper in the hot sauce gradually—start smaller if you're unsure—and work your way up to your perfect heat level without overwhelming the flavors.

How to Serve Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

A woman's hand holding a piece of raw chicken coated thickly with white flour above a white bowl filled with more white flour, next to a clear glass bowl containing raw chicken soaking in a pale creamy liquid with specks of black pepper. There are two more flour-coated raw chicken pieces resting on a gray metal wire rack with a white marbled texture surface beneath everything. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Try topping your sliders with a few fresh herb sprigs like chopped cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing can help mellow the heat if your sliders lean towards the spicy side. For an extra crunch, sprinkle some crispy fried onions or serve with a side of pickled jalapeños.

Side Dishes

These sliders shine alongside classic Southern sides such as baked beans, sweet potato fries, or cornbread. A crisp dill pickle spear or a light cucumber salad also balances the spicy richness. For parties, consider serving with a refreshing coleslaw or a simple green salad to complement the bold flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After assembling your sliders, it’s best to enjoy them fresh for the crispiest experience. If you have leftovers, separate the chicken from the buns and store the fried chicken pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep slider sauces and coleslaw separately to maintain texture and freshness.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze the chicken tenders after the coating stage but before frying. Arrange the coated pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. When ready, fry them straight from frozen, just adding a minute or two to the usual cook time.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer crispness, reheat your leftover fried chicken in an air fryer at 300°F until warmed through and crispy again—usually about 5-7 minutes depending on size. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and can give you an extra juicy bite. Just cut them into slider-appropriate sizes and adjust frying times slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

How spicy is this Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe?

It’s definitely got a kick thanks to the cayenne pepper in the hot sauce, but you can control the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne used. Start with 2 tablespoons for moderate heat, or increase to 3 if you like it really spicy.

Can I make this ahead of time for a party?

You can prep the chicken and even freeze it after breading. Fry the chicken on the day of your event for the best texture, and make the sauces and coleslaw ahead to save time during assembly.

What’s the best way to keep the sliders from getting soggy?

Keep the components separate as long as possible. Add coleslaw and sauce just before serving and use a wire rack to drain excess oil after frying. This helps maintain that crispy crunch in every bite.

Final Thoughts

Making Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders at home isn’t just a recipe, it’s an experience—a fun, flavorful adventure that brings the bold taste of Southern comfort food right to your table. With its crispy chicken, fiery sauce, tangy pickles, and creamy slaw, these sliders are sure to become a favorite for snack time, game day, or any gathering. So roll up your sleeves, get frying, and enjoy every spicy, juicy bite with friends and family!