Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey
A crispy, spicy, and sweet Southern-style sandwich baked to perfection!
Calories per serving: Approx. 450–500 kcal
Serving size: 1 sandwich
Best served: Lunch or Dinner
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for more heat)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (for a smoky kick)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray or any cooking spray
For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
- ¼ cup cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
For the Sandwich:
- 4 soft sandwich buns (brioche or potato buns are ideal)
- Pickles (optional, for crunch)
- Lettuce or creamy coleslaw (optional, for freshness)
- Extra honey (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken and let marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Bread and Bake:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade and coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently for better adhesion.
- Arrange chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack.
- Lightly spray with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
3. Make the Nashville Hot Sauce:
- Heat vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and brown sugar. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add honey and vinegar, stir, and simmer for 1–2 minutes more. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Brush baked chicken with the spicy Nashville hot sauce.
- Lightly toast buns.
- On each bottom bun, layer spicy chicken, pickles, lettuce, or coleslaw.
- Drizzle with a touch of honey for sweetness (optional).
- Add the top bun and serve warm.
Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Healthier option: Use an air fryer for even crispier chicken with less oil.
- Flavor profile: The sandwich balances bold heat, crispy texture, and honeyed sweetness—a dream for spice lovers.
- Serving idea: Pair with sweet potato fries, a creamy slaw, or chilled lemonade for a satisfying Southern-style meal.