Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders with Dill Pickle Aioli Recipe
Introduction
Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders are a spicy, crispy treat perfect for game day or casual gatherings. These small sandwiches pack a flavorful punch with tender fried chicken and a tangy dill pickle aioli that balances the heat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Slider buns
- Dill pickle slices
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 2 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Coat the marinated chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Step 4: Fry the coated chicken in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Step 5: For the dill pickle aioli, mix mayonnaise and dill pickle juice in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 6: Assemble the sliders by placing fried chicken on slider buns, adding dill pickle slices, and topping with the dill pickle aioli.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the flour mixture.
- Use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust frying time to avoid drying out.
- Try adding coleslaw to your sliders for added crunch and flavor contrast.
Storage
Store leftover fried chicken and aioli separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven until crispy and warmed through. Assemble sliders just before serving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your slider buns are gluten-free as well.
How spicy is Nashville hot chicken?
It has a bold, spicy kick from cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne used.
PrintNashville Hot Chicken Sliders with Dill Pickle Aioli Recipe
These Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders with Dill Pickle Aioli offer a spicy, tangy twist on classic Southern fried chicken. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in buttermilk, coated with a fiery seasoning blend, and fried to crispy perfection. Paired with a creamy, tangy dill pickle aioli and crunchy pickle slices on soft slider buns, these sliders are perfect for game days, parties, or a flavorful snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Slider Assembly
- Slider buns
- Dill pickle slices
Dill Pickle Aioli
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour in the buttermilk. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere a good coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to around 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken thighs and fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Dill Pickle Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and dill pickle juice until smooth and creamy. This will add a tangy, zesty flavor to complement the spicy chicken.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice the slider buns in half. Spread a generous amount of dill pickle aioli on the bottom bun, add a fried chicken thigh, then top with dill pickle slices and the top bun. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper to 3 tablespoons.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
- Make sure the oil temperature remains steady for even frying and a crispy crust.
- Slider buns can be toasted lightly for added texture if desired.
- These sliders are best served fresh; the chicken can be reheated in an oven to retain crispiness.
Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, sliders, spicy chicken, fried chicken, dill pickle aioli, party food, Southern recipe
