I've got to tell you, these Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe are one of my all-time favorite crowd-pleasers. Imagine crispy, juicy fried chicken with that iconic Nashville heat, sandwiched perfectly in soft slider buns with tangy coleslaw and pickles—it's pure magic in every bite.

The image shows a close-up of a fried chicken sandwich placed on a wooden board with a white marbled texture underneath. The sandwich has three main layers: a soft, golden brown top bun with a slight shine, a thick layer of crispy, dark orange fried chicken with a crunchy texture, and a layer of light coleslaw made of shredded white and light green cabbage mixed with thin orange carrot strips sitting beneath the chicken. The bottom bun is soft and white, matching the top bun in texture but lighter in color. In the blurred background, multiple similar sandwiches are visible, arranged closely together. A small piece of green pickle and coleslaw are scattered on the white marbled surface 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

Whenever I crave something bold and satisfying, I always turn to these Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders. They're spicy, packed with flavor, and just the right size for sharing or a fun dinner at home.

Perfectly Balanced Heat: The cayenne-spiked sauce delivers a lip-tingling kick without overwhelming the flavors.
Double-Fried Crispy Chicken: The two-step frying method ensures juicy meat inside with an irresistibly crunchy crust.
Fresh and Tangy Toppings: Creamy coleslaw and pickles add a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
Easy to Assemble: These sliders come together with simple steps and ingredients you can find easily.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you're gathering ingredients for these sliders, I recommend going for fresh chicken tenders and homemade buttermilk if you can—it makes all the difference. Also, having good quality vegetable oil and fresh buns really uplifts the final taste and texture.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders with smooth skin, two whole clean white eggs, a small white bowl of buttermilk, a small white bowl filled with white all-purpose flour, a smaller white bowl of fine cornstarch, a few bright red cayenne peppers arranged near a small pile of paprika powder, a mound of dark brown raw brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl of fine salt, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of golden vegetable oil, a simple white ceramic bowl with a mix of shredded green and purple cabbage, a small white bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a few thin slices of bright green pickles, and a stack of soft mini slider buns with golden tops, all 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: They cook quickly and stay juicy, perfect for slider-sized portions when halved.
Egg whites: Help the marinade cling to the chicken, creating a thin layer for the crispy coating.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang that balances the spice.
Salt and pepper: Basics that enhance all the other flavors in the marinade and breading.
All purpose flour: Forms the crispy coating; mixing with cornstarch and baking powder makes it extra crisp.
Cornstarch: Adds lightness and crunch to the fried crust.
Baking powder: Gives a slight lift to the coating so it’s not dense.
Vegetable oil: Essential for deep frying; it holds heat well and doesn’t overpower flavors.
Cayenne pepper: The star of the Nashville hot sauce for that signature fiery bite.
Paprika: Adds smoky depth and color to the spicy sauce.
Brown sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
Garlic powder: Brings savory warmth to the sauce blend.
Shredded cabbage: For fresh and crunchy coleslaw with a mix of colors.
Mayo: Used in both coleslaw and slider sauce to add creaminess and bind flavors.
Sugar and vinegar: Create that perfect sweet-tangy balance in the coleslaw.
Ketchup: Adds a familiar tomatoey touch to the slider sauce with a hint of tang.
Pickles: Thinly sliced for a crisp, acidic bite that cuts through the richness.
Mini slider buns: Soft and slightly sweet, ideal for holding everything together without overpowering.

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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

One of the best parts of this Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to dial up the heat, swap out ingredients for dietary needs, or add your own twist, these sliders are a fantastic base to make truly your own.

Less Heat Variation: If you prefer a milder slider, simply reduce the cayenne pepper in the Nashville hot sauce or replace it with smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor without the flames. I tried this with my family’s crowd and everyone loved it—it kept the flavor punch without overwhelming spice.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these sliders suitable for gluten sensitivities. I tested this out using a rice-based blend and found the crispiness still held up beautifully after frying.
Make It Vegan: For a vegan take, try using crispy fried cauliflower florets in place of chicken and use plant-based mayo for your sauces. The spicy hot oil and seasonings still pack a great punch!
Seasonal Freshness: Add some thinly sliced jalapeños or fresh herbs to the coleslaw for a bright, fresh contrast that complements the heat perfectly. When I added mint and cilantro last summer, it brightened things up wonderfully.

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

A close-up of a sandwich held by a woman's hand shows a soft golden brown bun on top and bottom. Inside, there is a thick piece of crispy fried chicken that is golden and crunchy in texture. On the chicken, there is a layer of light green and pale orange shredded cabbage or coleslaw. Both the top and bottom buns have a spread of creamy, pale orange sauce. In the blurred background, two more sandwiches sit on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Juiciness

Start by removing any tendons and excess fat from your chicken tenders for a nice clean bite. If you’re using mini slider buns, go ahead and cut each tender in half so they fit just perfectly. Whisk together the buttermilk, egg whites, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Submerge your chicken pieces thoroughly—this bath keeps the tenders juicy and tender. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight if you can; this step makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.

Step 2: Whip Up Your Coleslaw and Slider Sauce While Chicken Marinates

While your chicken is soaking up all that buttermilk goodness, combine the shredded purple and green cabbage with mayo, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper for a tangy, crunchy coleslaw. In a separate bowl, mix mayo, ketchup, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a creamy slider sauce that adds a cool contrast to the spicy heat. Don’t forget to slice your pickles thin—those little tangy bursts are sliders’ best friend.

Step 3: Double Coat Your Chicken for Crispy Perfection

Mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Remove each chicken piece from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Give each piece a generous coating of the flour blend, then dip back into the marinade, and coat once more with flour. This double-dip method builds a sturdy, crackly crust. Place the coated tenders on a wire rack and let them rest for about 20 minutes—this resting time really helps the coating stick and crisp up well when fried.

Step 4: First Fry to Cook Gently, Second Fry for Golden Crunch

Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F—hot enough to sizzle but not smoke. Carefully fry about a third to half of your tenders for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway so they cook evenly but remain light in color. Drain on a wire rack and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. Then heat the oil back to 350°F and fry the chicken a second time for 2-3 minutes. This quick second fry seals in juiciness and produces that signature golden, crispy crust everyone craves.

Step 5: Whisk Together the Fiery Nashville Hot Sauce

Combine cayenne, paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. When your chicken is nearly done with the second fry, carefully ladle ½ cup of that hot frying oil over the spice mixture and whisk vigorously to marry the heat and flavor. This is where the magic happens—the sauce created here packs the intense heat and caramelized sweetness that makes Nashville hot chicken so addictive.

Step 6: Coat Chicken in Sauce and Build Your Sliders

Working quickly, dunk each fried chicken piece into the spicy hot sauce, coating every surface with those fiery flavors. Place the coated tenders back on a wire rack with a baking sheet underneath to catch drips. Warm your buns just before serving, spread a good layer of slider sauce on the bottom bun, add your sliced pickles, the spicy chicken, top generously with coleslaw, and cap with the top bun. Serve immediately—hot, crispy, and bursting with flavor!

Top Tip

Locking in crispy, juicy fried chicken inside soft slider buns is an art. These tips helped me perfect this Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe, and I’m sure they’ll make your experience just as rewarding!

Double Dredging: From my kitchen trials, double coating the chicken tenders—flour, marinade, then flour again—ensures a perfectly crispy crust that holds up to the spicy hot sauce.
Resting the Coated Chicken: Letting the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for 20 minutes before frying was a game changer, allowing the breading to set and helping it stick during frying.
Two-Stage Frying: The two-part frying process—first to cook through, then a short burst for golden crispiness—makes a huge difference. It keeps the chicken juicy inside while getting that irresistible crunch outside.
Hot Sauce Timing: Dunking the chicken immediately after frying while the oil is still hot lets the spicy sauce soak in without sogginess. Avoid skipping this or waiting too long; the flavor penetration won’t be the same.

How to Serve Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

A woman's hand holds a piece of raw chicken coated in white flour, showing a rough, powdery texture. Below the hand is a white bowl filled with white flour. To the right, a clear glass bowl contains raw chicken pieces soaking in a pale, milky liquid with small black pepper specks floating on top. At the top left, a metal wire rack holds two pieces of coated chicken over a white marbled surface. The whole scene is lit with soft natural light, highlighting the textures of flour, chicken, and liquid photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your sliders with fresh garnishes like extra sliced pickles for a satisfying crunch, or sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. If you love heat, a few thin rings of jalapeño peppers can kick things up a notch without overpowering the classic spicy flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these sliders with classic Southern sides such as crispy sweet potato fries or seasoned waffle fries, as their sweetness balances the heat beautifully. A cool cucumber salad or baked mac and cheese complements the spicy, crunchy chicken perfectly. For something lighter, your favorite tangy pickled vegetables or a dill pickle spear never fail.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken sliders separately with the buns and coleslaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the crispiness of the fried chicken without the buns getting soggy. Keep the spicy Nashville hot sauce aside, and add fresh when reheating.

Freezing

You can prepare the chicken ahead by coating it with flour and freezing it before frying. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, fry directly from frozen at 350°F until golden and cooked through.

Reheating

To revive the crispy texture, reheat your fried chicken sliders in an air fryer at approximately 300°F for a few minutes until warmed through and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving as it will make the crust soggy. Reapply fresh spicy sauce after reheating if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and adjust frying time slightly if needed.

How spicy is this Nashville hot chicken sauce? Can I adjust it?

The spice level depends mainly on how much cayenne pepper you add. The recipe suggests 2-3 tablespoons; start with less if you prefer milder heat. You can always add more to taste.

Why do I need to fry the chicken twice?

The first fry cooks the chicken through, while the second fry crisps the coating to a beautiful golden brown. This technique ensures crispy, juicy chicken without overcooking.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor, prep coleslaw and slider sauce in advance, and even coat the chicken and freeze it before frying. This makes assembly quick and easy when it’s time to serve.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up these Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe has been such a joy — there’s something about that perfect crispy crust, the spicy kick, and the creamy coleslaw that just hits the spot every time. Whether you’re serving friends at a casual party or making a satisfying meal for yourself, these sliders never disappoint. I hope these tips, tricks, and ideas help you make sliders as unforgettable as the ones I love to savor. Happy cooking and even happier eating!