Nashville 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
Scale
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
