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Love a little heat in your meals? You’ll fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich!
This fiery, savory, and slightly sweet sandwich is the perfect blend of flavors and textures. This Nashville hot chicken sandwich is famous for its bold, spicy kick and crispy texture.
This version is made in a slow cooker, so it’s super easy to prepare! I think it’s just about the best chicken sandwich out there.
The combination of tender, shredded chicken with a spicy sauce makes this sandwich irresistible.
The chicken is slow-cooked with a blend of spices, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful.
The sauce is the real star, adding that iconic Nashville heat to every bite. Serve it on a soft bun with pickle chips and coleslaw for the ultimate Nashville hot chicken experience.
Pair these sandwiches with your favorite sides. Think potato salad or french fries. Nashville hot chicken sandwiches do not disappoint!
It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys spicy food. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich!
Some of our other favorite chicken recipes we have on our site include: Popcorn Chicken, Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Recipe, and Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Easy Preparation: Using a slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly easy. Just set it and forget it!
- Flavorful Chicken: The combination of spices and slow cooking ensures the chicken is juicy and packed with flavor.
- Spicy Sauce: The sauce is the highlight of this recipe, adding a perfect kick to every bite.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Light brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
HOW TO MAKE NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN SANDWICH:
- Spray the body of a 6 or 8-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt all over the chicken.
- Add the slices of butter on top.
- Cook for 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
- Shred the chicken with two forks in the slow cooker and mix with the juices. Keep warm while you make the sauce.
- In a small saucepot, add the butter, brown sugar, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Place over medium heat and stir constantly so it doesn’t burn, until it comes to a simmer. Take off the heat.
- Add the chicken on top of bread of your choice and drizzle the sauce on top, serve immediately.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN I USE CHICKEN THIGHS?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great in this recipe.
They add extra juiciness to the sandwich and enhance the flavor, making it a fantastic option.
If you’re looking to switch things up from boneless chicken breasts, chicken thighs are a good measure for a more tender bite.
Make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning for the best results.
Traditional hot chicken is a fried chicken sandwich, which can also consist of chicken breast, chicken tenderloins, or chicken thighs.
IS THIS SPICY?
Yes, this sandwich has a good amount of heat that will definitely wake up your taste buds!
The traditional Nashville hot seasoning brings a spicy kick to the chicken.
If you prefer less spice, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or mix in a little bit of Frank’s RedHot for a milder flavor.
Remember, the hot sauce mixture is what gives this sandwich its signature heat, so adjust to your liking.
ANY ADDITIONS?
My own Nashville hot chicken recipe gets changed from time to time.
Check out these ideas.
- Pickle Chips: Add some tangy pickle chips for extra crunch.
- Coleslaw: Top your sandwich with creamy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
- Cheese: Add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese on the chicken pieces for a melty, delicious twist.
- Hot Sauce: Drizzle some extra hot sauce for added heat.
- Lettuce: Add fresh lettuce for some crispness.
- Tomatoes: Sliced tomatoes add a fresh, juicy element.
- Onion Rings: Add crunchy onion rings for an extra layer of texture.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon strips for added flavor.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado for a creamy touch.
- Ranch Dressing: Drizzle some ranch for a cooling effect.
- Black pepper: For a little extra kick and flavor.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
I would seriously cook a whole chicken like this.
Keep some paper towels on hand. They’re plenty juicy!
- Chicken Breasts: Substitute with boneless skinless chicken thighs or other pieces of chicken for a juicier option.
- Butter: Use margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative if needed.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
- Cayenne Pepper: Use paprika for a milder flavor.
- White Bread: Use brioche buns or any bread of your choice.
- Pickles: Use butter pickles instead of dill pickles for a sweeter taste.
- Oven version: Put it on a baking sheet in the oven if you prefer.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Don’t store them already put together as the bottom buns will just get soggy.
Freezer: You can freeze the shredded Nashville hot chicken sandwich recipe in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Adjust the Heat: If you love spicy food, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Keep the Sauce Warm: The sauce tends to separate when it cools. Keep it warm on the stove and stir occasionally.
- Serve Immediately: This sandwich is best served hot and fresh.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion powder make a big difference in flavor.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the buns for added texture and flavor.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings to make the sandwich your own.
The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is a must-try for anyone who loves spicy, flavorful food.
It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this sandwich is sure to impress.
So grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a taste of Nashville at home!
Slow Cooker Shredded Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter thinly sliced
For the sauce:
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
- 1 & ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Spray the body of a 6 or 8-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker.2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Sprinkle the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt all over the chicken.2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Add the slices of butter on top.4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Cook for 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
- Shred the chicken with two forks in the slow cooker and mix with the juices. Keep warm while you make the sauce.
- In a small saucepot, add the butter, brown sugar, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.8 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 & ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper, ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, ¾ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt
- Place over medium heat and stir constantly so it doesn’t burn, until it comes to a simmer. Take off the heat.
- Add the chicken on top of bread of your choice and drizzle the sauce on top, serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the Heat: If you love spicy food, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Keep the Sauce Warm: The sauce tends to separate when it cools. Keep it warm on the stove and stir occasionally.
- Serve Immediately: This sandwich is best served hot and fresh.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion powder make a big difference in flavor.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the buns for added texture and flavor.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings to make the sandwich your own.
Nutrition
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