Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

Ever wanted a sandwich so spicy it feels like it has its own warning label? Meet the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with a Flavor Expedition Co. twist—featuring our Scorching Afternoon seasoning, where heat meets happiness (and maybe a few happy tears).

This isn’t your average fried chicken sandwich. This is a crispy, fiery, flavor-loaded monster that packs a hot punch and a sweet, tangy finish. Perfect for spice enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and anyone who believes flavor should come with a side of adventure.

Recipe Details:

• Feeds: 4 hungry explorers

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Marinade Time: 2 hours to overnight (the longer, the better)

• Total Time: About 2.5–3 hours

• Cook Temp: 350°F (for frying)

• Servings: 4 epic sandwiches

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 2–3 tbsp Scorching Afternoon seasoning

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 tbsp hot sauce

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tbsp paprika

• Preferred oil for frying

For the Sandwich Build:

• 4 brioche buns

• Pickle slices (don’t skimp!)

For the Spicy Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor:

   • Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and coat with Scorching Afternoon seasoning.

   • Whisk buttermilk and hot sauce together, then pour over chicken. Cover and let it soak in the heat for at least 2 hours (overnight if you want full-blown flavor infusion).

2. Prep Your Crispy Coating:

   • In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and paprika. Set aside.

3. Heat Up Your Oil:

   • Pour oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and heat to 350°F. (Pro tip: Use a thermometer—guessing here can lead to soggy chicken sadness.)

4. Fry Like a Pro:

   • Remove chicken from marinade, letting extra buttermilk drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing it on to form a thick, crunchy coating.

   • Fry chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.

5. Make That Sweet-Heat Sauce:

   • In a small saucepan, mix mayonnaise, honey, cayenne, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Heat gently until smooth and well-blended.

6. Assemble the Heat Beast:

   • Toast your brioche buns for extra crunch. Brush fried chicken generously with the spicy sauce.

   • Layer on pickles (because cool + tangy = balance).

   • Assemble and serve immediately while everything is still hot and crispy.