If you’re craving that perfect balance of heat, crunch, and zest, then this Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe is just what your taste buds need! Juicy, crispy chicken tenders layered with tangy coleslaw and punchy pickles are nestled in soft slider buns to make an irresistible bite-sized Southern delight.

The image shows a sandwich with three main layers. The base is a soft, light brown bun. On the bottom bun, there is a layer of white and slightly creamy coleslaw that has thin strips of cabbage and carrot. Above the coleslaw, there is a thick layer of crispy fried chicken with a reddish-brown crunchy texture. The top layer is another soft, light brown bun placed gently on the chicken. In the background, there are more sandwiches similar in style, all arranged on a wooden board set on a white marbled surface. Small stray pieces of coleslaw and a green pickle slice are scattered 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 Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I could eat these sliders every day. The layers of flavor—spicy, savory, tangy, and sweet—work together in a way that feels like a warm hug and electric buzz all at once. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home!

Authentic Flavor: Brings that classic Nashville heat and seasoning right to your kitchen without the restaurant price.
Crispy & Juicy: Double-fried coating guarantees maximum crunch with tender, juicy chicken inside.
Perfect for Sharing: Slider size means these are fantastic for parties, game days, or casual family dinners.
Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the cayenne pepper in the sauce to fit your spice tolerance.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure to gather fresh chicken tenders and fresh produce for the coleslaw. Using a good quality buttermilk really helps tenderize the chicken, and don’t skip that double dredge—it’s the secret to that iconic crispy crust!

Flat lay of six raw chicken tenders with naturally textured skin, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of creamy buttermilk, a small white bowl of pure white all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of golden cornstarch, a small white bowl of reddish paprika powder mixed with bright orange cayenne pepper and brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl filled with golden hot vegetable oil, a simple white ceramic bowl of finely shredded green and purple cabbage, a small white bowl of smooth pale mayonnaise, a small white bowl of bright red ketchup, a few fresh green pickle slices, and six soft golden slider buns arranged symmetrically, all elements fresh and natural, 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 perfect for sliders and cook quickly while staying juicy.
Egg whites: Help the buttermilk marinade cling better to the chicken for superb coating.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning for the marinade and flour coating to enhance flavor.
All-purpose flour: The base of the crispy breading that locks in moisture.
Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch and lightness to the coating.
Baking powder: A small boost to create a crispier texture when fried.
Vegetable oil: Chosen for its high smoke point to get that golden fry without burning.
Cayenne pepper: The star spice of Nashville hot chicken, bring on the heat here!
Paprika: Adds smoky depth and balances the spice.
Brown sugar: Counteracts the heat with a touch of sweetness for a perfect glaze.
Garlic powder: Rounds out the seasoning with a savory note.
Shredded cabbage: Crisp and fresh for the tangy coleslaw topping.
Mayonnaise: Brings creaminess both in the slaw and the slider sauce for smooth balance.
Sugar & vinegar: The classic combo that brightens the coleslaw.
Slider buns: Soft and slightly sweet to cradle those spicy chicken bites.
Pickles: Thin slices add tangy crunch and are a must-have topping for traditional Nashville sliders.

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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 things about this Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you like things extra spicy, want to lighten it up, or add a fun twist for the season, these sliders are a perfect canvas for your creativity.

Mild Heat Version: If the cayenne pepper scares you off, try cutting it back to 1 tablespoon and add a bit more brown sugar for a sweeter balance. I once made these for a family gathering and the toned-down spice kept everyone happy, while still delivering that authentic flavor.
Gluten-Free Twist: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use cornstarch as usual. The outcome stays crispy and delicious—I’ve tested this variation with gluten-free guests and received rave reviews.
Seasonal Slaw Upgrades: For a fall or winter touch, mix shredded apple or roasted sweet potato into the coleslaw. It adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken.
Healthier Frying: If you want to keep the crunch but reduce oil, try air frying the coated tenders instead of deep frying. Adjust times accordingly, and you’ll still get a satisfyingly crispy bite.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

A close-up of a sandwich held by a woman's hand showing three layers: a golden brown soft bun on top, a layer of light green and orange coleslaw with thin cabbage and carrot strips, and a crispy golden fried patty with rough textured crust resting on a layer of light orange sauce above the bottom bun. The background has blurred similar sandwiches on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Chicken for Perfect Juiciness

Start by removing any tendons and excess fat from your chicken tenders — this makes for a nicer bite and even cooking. If you’re using the mini slider buns, slice each tender in half so they fit just right. Whisk together the buttermilk, egg whites, salt, and pepper until smooth, then add your chicken. Let these marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight. This step ensures the chicken becomes tender and juicy with a subtle tang that’s classic for Nashville hot chicken.

Step 2: Fresh Coleslaw and Tangy Slider Sauce Prep

While your chicken is soaking up all those flavors, mix up the crunchy coleslaw by combining shredded cabbage, mayo, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. It’s the perfect cool counterpart to spicy heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, ketchup, and a pinch of salt and pepper for an irresistible slider sauce that adds just the right creamy tang. Don’t forget to thinly slice those pickles—they punch the sliders up with a delicious sharpness.

Step 3: The Crucial Double Coating for Crispy Perfection

In a shallow bowl or plate, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Here’s a tip: work one tender at a time—lift it from the marinade and shake off the excess. Dredge it thoroughly in your flour mixture, shake off any extra, then dip back into the marinade briefly before coating it again in flour. This double-dip technique creates the exceptionally crispy crust that makes these sliders unforgettable. Place them on a wire rack and let them rest for about 20 minutes while your oil heats up—this resting step helps the coating stick better during frying.

Step 4: Master the Two-Step Frying Technique

Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok to 350°F. Carefully add a portion of your chicken tenders—about a third to half at a time—and fry for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll notice the chicken cooking through but remaining a light golden color; this is the first fry. Drain these on a wire rack. After all pieces have had their initial fry, give them a 10-15 minute rest to let the moisture settle. Then, fry them again at 350°F for just 2-3 minutes until they develop that deep golden color and addictive crunch. This two-step frying is the secret behind chicken that’s crispy on the outside but juicy inside.

Step 5: Whip Up the Signature Nashville Hot Sauce

While your chicken finishes frying, combine cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Carefully ladle ½ cup of the hot oil straight from your frying skillet over the spices, then whisk vigorously. The heat from the oil blooms the spices, creating that fiery Nashville hot chicken signature kick. Get ready to coat your fried tenders immediately!

Step 6: Coat Your Chicken and Assemble Sliders

Using tongs, quickly dunk each hot fried tender into the Nashville hot sauce, making sure every side is covered in that vibrant spice blend. Return them to your wire rack to catch any drips. Meanwhile, warm your slider buns just before assembly to make them soft and inviting. Spread a generous amount of the slider sauce on the bottom bun, add sliced pickles, then nestle on the spicy chicken. top it off with a hearty scoop of coleslaw and crown with the bun top. Serve these sliders hot for the best experience—crispy, spicy, juicy bites that every slider lover dreams about.

Top Tip

Mastering the Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe is all about balancing heat, crispiness, and flavor. These tips will help you nail that perfect spicy bite every time.

Double Dredge for Crunch: From my experience, dipping the chicken twice in the flour mixture after the marinade is what gives that unbeatable crispy crust that stays crunchy even after applying the hot sauce.
Oil Temperature Matters: I learned the hard way that keeping your frying oil steady at 350°F ensures the chicken cooks evenly and develops the signature golden color without burning the spicy coating.
Resting Between Fries: Allowing your chicken tenders to rest 10-15 minutes after the first fry locks in juiciness and makes the second fry crispy perfection. Don’t skip this step!
Adjust the Heat Thoughtfully: I always recommend starting with 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper if you’re heat sensitive, then add more next time. The right spice level makes these sliders addictive without overwhelming your palate.

How to Serve Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

A woman's hand holding a piece of raw chicken coated thickly with white flour above a white bowl filled with more white flour, next to a clear glass bowl containing raw chicken soaking in a pale creamy liquid with specks of black pepper. There are two more flour-coated raw chicken pieces resting on a gray metal wire rack with a white marbled texture surface beneath everything. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

While the sliders come loaded with tangy coleslaw and pickle slices, you can elevate them even further with thin rings of red onion for a sharp bite, or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a little ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side to cool down the heat.

Side Dishes

Pair these sliders with classic Southern sides for the full experience. Think crispy French fries dusted with paprika, sweet baked beans, or buttery macaroni and cheese. For something lighter, a crisp cucumber salad or fresh corn on the cob complements the spicy chicken beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the crispy coating and hot sauce, the texture is best preserved when eaten soon after cooking.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken tenders after coating them with the flour mixture but before frying. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to 1 month. When ready, fry from frozen, adjusting cooking time slightly.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy texture, reheat leftover fried chicken in an air fryer at 300°F until hot and crispy again. This method works much better than microwaving, which can leave the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into strips about the size of tenders and proceed with the marinade and coating steps as directed. Adjust frying time if the pieces are thicker.

How spicy is this Nashville hot chicken sauce?

The heat primarily comes from cayenne pepper. The recipe calls for 2-3 tablespoons, so you can tailor it to your preference. For milder sliders, start with 2 tablespoons and gradually increase in future batches.

Can I make the sliders ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare and marinate the chicken the day before and even coat it with flour in advance and freeze it. For best results, fry, sauce, and assemble the sliders shortly before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This will tenderize the chicken just as well.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about biting into a Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Slider that balances heat, crunch, and tangy freshness all in one. Whether you’re hosting a game day, a casual dinner, or just craving some bold Southern flavor, this recipe delivers every time. I hope these sliders bring a little fiery joy to your table and inspire you to enjoy cooking with a bit of spice and a lot of love.