Name: Spicy Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients: 6-8 chicken tenders; 2 egg whites; 1 cup buttermilk (240g) (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 cup all-purpose flour (130g); 2 tbsp cornstarch; ½ tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 2 inches vegetable oil (for frying); 2-3 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference); 1 tbsp paprika; 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ cup hot vegetable oil (from frying skillet); 1 ½ cups shredded cabbage (mix of purple and green); ⅓ cup mayonnaise; 2 tsp sugar; 1 tsp vinegar; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; ¼ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup ketchup; Pinch of salt; Pinch of pepper; 12 mini slider buns or 6-8 full-sized buns; 2-4 pickles, thinly sliced

If you love bold, spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch, then this Spicy Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These sliders pack all the heat and juiciness of classic Nashville hot chicken—but in a fun, bite-sized slider form that's perfect for sharing or entertaining.

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 Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this recipe because it nails the crispy, spicy, and juicy balance Nashville hot chicken fans crave—only scaled down to cute slider size. I’ve made these sliders multiple times for friends, and they always disappear within minutes.

The Perfect Bite: Each slider delivers a satisfying crunch and a punch of heat that you can adjust to your liking.
Simplified Process: Marinating and double-dredging make the chicken tender inside and crispy outside—like a pro’s.
Fresh and Tangy Toppings: Homemade coleslaw and a zesty slider sauce add creaminess and crunch to complement the heat.
Great for Gatherings: Slider size means easy snacking or party serving without the mess of a full sandwich.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this spicy crispy Nashville hot chicken sliders recipe, aim for fresh chicken tenders and good-quality fresh produce for the coleslaw. You’ll want pantry staples like all-purpose flour and spices, so you don’t have to make extra runs to the store.

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’re naturally tender and perfect slider size; cutting them smaller helps fit mini buns.
Egg Whites and Buttermilk: These create a marinade that tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour and Cornstarch: The cornstarch adds extra crispness to the breading than flour alone.
Baking Powder: Adds lightness and enhances the crunchiness of the chicken crust.
Vegetable Oil: Ideal for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Cayenne Pepper and Paprika: The backbone of the Nashville hot sauce’s signature spicy and smoky flavor.
Brown Sugar: Balances out the heat with a hint of sweetness in the hot sauce.
Shredded Cabbage: A fresh mix of purple and green cabbage adds color and crunch to the coleslaw.
Mayonnaise, Ketchup, and Vinegar: These form tangy, creamy dressing bases for the coleslaw and slider sauce.
Pickles: Thinly sliced for that classic tang and crunch that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.
Mini Slider Buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns that perfectly cradle each piece of spicy, crispy chicken.

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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 about this Spicy Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your own taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want it hotter, milder, or with a fun twist, you can make these sliders truly your own!

Extra Heat: I personally love turning up the cayenne pepper in the hot sauce to really make these sliders pack a punch. It’s a fiery kick that balances perfectly with the cool coleslaw.
Honey Drizzle: For a sweet and spicy combo, drizzle a little honey over the chicken just before adding the coleslaw. It creates a lovely contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Gluten-Free Option: You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and use gluten-free buns if needed. The double dredge still creates that irresistible crispy coating.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap the chicken tenders for fried cauliflower florets or crispy tofu strips, then follow the same sauce and assembly steps. The sliders still have that authentic Nashville vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Crispy 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 for Maximum Flavor and Juiciness

Start by prepping your chicken tenders—remove tendons and any excess fat to keep things tender. If you’re using mini buns, cut each tender in half so they fit perfectly. Whisk together buttermilk, egg whites, salt, and pepper until smooth. Then drop your tenders into this bath, ensuring they’re fully coated. Pop the bowl into the fridge and let those flavors infuse for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you have the time. This not only tenderizes the chicken but keeps it juicy once fried.

Step 2: Prep Slaw, Sauce & Pickles While You Wait

While your chicken marinates, it’s the perfect time to mix your coleslaw and slider sauce. Combine shredded cabbage with mayo, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl for that crisp and tangy coleslaw. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and seasoning to create a creamy, slightly sweet slider sauce that’ll elevate each bite. Lastly, thinly slice some pickles to add that essential tang and crunch in the finished sliders.

Step 3: Double Coat for Crispy Perfection

Now for the magic crunch! Combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a wide, shallow dish. Remove each tender from the marinade one by one, letting the excess drip off, then thoroughly coat in the flour mixture. For the crispiest, most flavorful crust, dip it briefly back into the marinade and coat again with flour. This double dredge ensures your chicken has that addictive crispy coating. Lay the coated tenders on a wire rack and let them rest for about 20 minutes while your oil heats up.

Step 4: The First Fry to Cook Through

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F in a heavy skillet or wok. Fry the chicken in batches—about a third to half at a time—so they cook evenly without crowding. Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through but still pale in color. Drain on a wire rack and continue with the rest. This first fry locks in moisture while prepping the surface for ultimate crispiness.

Step 5: Rest to Build Crunch

Give your chicken a 10-15 minute rest after the initial fry. This resting period is key—it lets steam escape so the crust can become even crispier during the next pass in hot oil.

Step 6: The Final Fry for Golden Crisp

Reheat your oil to 350°F and fry the chicken again for 2-3 minutes, flipping as needed. This second fry creates that gorgeous golden brown, extra-crispy exterior that makes these sliders irresistible. Transfer each piece to a wire rack with a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips.

Step 7: Craft the Nashville Hot Sauce

While your chicken finishes the second fry, combine cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Carefully pour ½ cup of the piping hot oil from your skillet over the spices and whisk it until smooth and vibrant. This sauce is the soul of Nashville hot chicken—fiery, smoky, with just a touch of sweetness.

Step 8: Coat Each Piece in Spicy Goodness

Right after frying, dunk each chicken tender in the hot sauce with tongs, covering every side in that flavorful, spicy oil. Place the coated pieces back onto the wire rack to catch any excess sauce as you continue. This step infuses the chicken with heat and deep flavor that will make your sliders stand out.

Step 9: Warm, Assemble & Devour!

Lightly warm your slider buns to make them soft and inviting. On the bottom halves, spread a generous layer of the creamy slider sauce, then add plenty of sliced pickles for brightness. Nestle the hot, spicy chicken on top, add a hearty scoop of your tangy coleslaw, and crown with the top bun. Serve immediately for that perfect contrast of crunchy, spicy chicken and cool, creamy toppings. Get ready to savor every delicious bite!

Top Tip

Mastering the art of the Spicy Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures perfectly. These tips come from hands-on experience to help you get that unbeatable crunch and fiery kick every single time.

Double Dredge Magic: The secret to achieving that irresistible crispy crust is the double coating of flour and buttermilk marinade. It locks in moisture while giving your chicken that satisfying crunch.
Resting Time is Crucial: Letting the coated chicken rest for about 20 minutes before frying really helps set the breading and prevents it from sliding off during cooking.
Two-Step Frying Method: The two-stage frying – first to cook through, then again to crisp – is a game changer for texture. Don’t skip the resting time between fries; it boosts crunchiness tremendously.
Adjust Your Heat: Start with less cayenne in the Nashville hot sauce if you’re unsure, since you can always add more later. Finding the perfect heat level makes enjoying these sliders way more comfortable and fun.

How to Serve Spicy Crispy 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

To elevate your sliders, try adding fresh jalapeño slices for extra spice or a drizzle of honey for a sweet balance to the heat. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions can add a bright, fresh element. For a fun crunch, consider a few crispy fried onions on top of the coleslaw.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair perfectly with classic Southern sides like crispy seasoned fries, tangy baked beans, or even a cool cucumber salad to refresh your palate. Don’t forget a side of creamy mac and cheese or buttery cornbread to round out your meal deliciously.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cooked chicken tenders separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them as crispy as possible. Keep the buns, coleslaw, pickles, and sauces in separate containers to assemble fresh sliders when you’re ready to eat.

Freezing

If you want to save some chicken for later, freeze it after the flour coating but before frying. Lay the coated tenders on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month and can be fried straight from frozen.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover sliders or chicken tenders is in an air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and crispy again—usually about 5-7 minutes. This method restores that perfect crunch without drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How spicy are the Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders?

The heat level depends on how much cayenne pepper you add to the Nashville hot sauce. The recipe starts with 2-3 tablespoons, but you can adjust it to suit your spice tolerance for a milder or fiery slider experience.

Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into tender-sized strips, marinate, and follow the same breading and frying steps to get that perfect crispy coating.

Why is the chicken fried twice?

The two-step frying process ensures the chicken is cooked through gently first, then crisps up beautifully in the second fry without burning or drying out. It’s the key to extra crispy and juicy tenders.

Can the Nashville hot sauce be made ahead?

Since the sauce uses hot oil fresh from frying, it’s best made just before serving for maximum flavor and heat. However, you can mix the dry spices in advance to save time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sinking your teeth into a spicy, crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Slider—it's a perfect bite of Southern comfort with a kick. With this recipe, you have everything you need to bring that authentic flavor right into your kitchen. Have fun experimenting with the spice levels and sides, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite with family and friends. Happy cooking!