If you're craving that perfect combo of heat, crunch, and juicy chicken, then this Spicy Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe is going to blow your mind. These sliders bring all the authentic Nashville hot chicken flavor you love, but in a fun, bite-sized form that's perfect for sharing or indulging solo.

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 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've made these sliders countless times for game days and get-togethers, and every single time the spicy, crispy chicken steals the show. They’re seriously addictive!

Authentic Heat & Flavor: The cayenne-spiked oil sauce packs a punch without overwhelming your taste buds.
Crispy, Juicy Chicken: Thanks to a double-fry technique, the coating is perfectly crunchy while the chicken stays juicy inside.
Easy to Assemble: Slider-sized portions make these a crowd-pleaser and super handy for any occasion.
Built-in Freshness: Tangy coleslaw and pickles balance the spice and add that fresh crunch we all crave.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you gather your groceries, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient plays a key role in creating these irresistible Nashville hot chicken sliders. Pro tip: choose fresh chicken tenders and good-quality slider buns for the best results.

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 cook up quickly and stay juicy, plus they're perfect for those slider-sized portions.
Buttermilk and Egg Whites: The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while the egg whites help the breading stick beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour and Cornstarch: Cornstarch adds extra crispiness when combined with flour in the dredge mix.
Baking Powder: A secret weapon that lightens the coating and helps it puff up crisp in the hot oil.
Vegetable Oil: Neutral and heat-stable, perfect for deep frying to get that golden crust.
Cayenne Pepper and Paprika: Essential for giving the sauce its signature fiery, smoky flavor.
Brown Sugar: Just the right touch of sweetness to balance the spice in the hot sauce.
Shredded Cabbage: Combines purple and green for a colorful, crunchy coleslaw.
Mayonnaise and Ketchup: Mix for a simple, tangy slider sauce that complements the heat without overpowering.
Mini Slider Buns: Soft, perfectly-sized buns that cradle the spicy chicken and toppings just right.
Pickles: Thinly sliced to add acidity and crunch that cuts through the richness.

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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 Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you're craving extra heat, want to lighten it up, or add your favorite twists, these sliders are a perfect blank canvas.

Spice it up or tone it down: I love bumping up the cayenne pepper in the hot sauce when I have friends over who crave some serious heat. But if mild is more your speed, just dial back the cayenne — the paprika and garlic powder keep the flavor rich and smoky even with less spice.
Try buttermilk alternatives: For a dairy-free option, I've swapped out buttermilk with almond milk mixed with lemon juice and it still tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
Coleslaw variations: Adding some shredded carrots or a splash of apple cider vinegar in the slaw mix gives it a wonderful brightness that contrasts the spicy chicken perfectly.
Slider bun swaps: For a fun twist, try serving these on pretzel buns or brioche sliders — they soak up the spicy sauce and add extra indulgence.
Make it family-friendly: I sometimes reduce the cayenne and serve the chicken sliders with a side of creamy ranch for dipping kids who prefer less heat but still want that crispy goodness.

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 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: Marinate the Chicken for Juicy Tenderness

Start by removing any tendons and excess fat from your chicken tenders for that perfect bite. If you're making mini sliders, cut each tender into halves so they'll snugly fit the buns. Whisk together the buttermilk, egg whites, salt, and pepper until the egg whites break down completely. Submerge the chicken in this marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours; overnight is even better for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Prep Your Slaw, Sauce, and Pickles

While the chicken marinates, mix the shredded cabbage with mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the coleslaw — fresh and tangy to balance the heat. In a separate bowl, combine mayo, ketchup, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make a creamy slider sauce. Thinly slice your pickles so they’re ready to layer on the sliders. Having all these components prepped ahead makes assembly a breeze later on.

Step 3: Double-Coat the Chicken for Extra Crunch

Mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Take each tender from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Shake off the extra flour and quickly dip the chicken back into the marinade for a second soak, then coat again with the flour blend. This double dredge is what gives the chicken that irresistible crunchy crust. Arrange the coated tenders on a wire rack and let them rest for about 20 minutes while you heat your oil — this drying time helps the coating stick better.

Step 4: First Fry — Cook the Chicken Through

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F. Carefully place a third to half of the chicken tenders into the oil — don’t overcrowd. Fry for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through; the chicken will be cooked inside but still pale. Drain on a wire rack to let excess oil drip away. Repeat with the remaining tenders. This first fry gets the chicken cooked without creating too deep a crust yet.

Step 5: Rest the Chicken Between Fries

Let the chicken rest on the wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes after the first fry. This rest period is key to developing the perfect texture in the final crust — it allows moisture to redistribute and prepares the surface for that ultimate crisp when fried the second time.

Step 6: Second Fry — Crispy, Golden Perfection

Reheat the oil back up to 350°F if needed. Fry the chicken tenders again for just 2 to 3 minutes this time. You’ll see them quickly turn a stunning deep golden brown, with a satisfyingly crispy crust. Drain on the wire rack once more to shed excess oil. This double-fry technique is what makes these sliders stand out — the texture is next level!

Step 7: Whisk Up the Nashville Hot Sauce

Mix cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Just as your chicken finishes the second fry, carefully ladle ½ cup of the hot frying oil from the skillet into the spice mixture, whisking quickly to emulsify the sauce. This oil-to-spice magic creates that signature fiery, flavorful coating you’re craving.

Step 8: Coat the Chicken in Fiery Goodness

Using tongs, dip each piece of fried chicken into the hot Nashville sauce, making sure to coat every side evenly. Place each coated tender back onto the wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch any drips. This step adds the bold, spicy kick that transforms crispy chicken into Nashville hot chicken sliders you’ll want to make again and again.

Step 9: Assemble the Sliders

Warm your slider buns for a few seconds on the stovetop or microwave to soften them up. Spread a generous layer of the creamy slider sauce on the bottom half of each bun, then add a few slices of pickles. Nestle a piece of Nashville hot chicken on top, followed by a hefty spoonful of coleslaw. Finally, crown your creation with the top half of the bun. These layers of spicy, tangy, crunchy, and creamy textures make each bite a celebration.

Step 10: Serve Immediately and Enjoy!

These sliders are best enjoyed fresh and hot to savor the crispy crust and juicy inside. Serve them right away at your next gathering or game day — trust me, they’ll disappear fast!

Top Tip

Getting that perfect balance of spicy, crispy, and juicy is what makes this Spicy Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe truly shine. Here are some tips that helped me nail it every time.

Double-Fry Technique: Don’t rush the frying process! The first fry cooks the chicken through, and the second fry crisps it perfectly. Skipping this will leave the crust less crunchy.
Resting the Coated Chicken: After dredging the tenders, let them rest for about 20 minutes. This step helps the flour coating adhere better and keeps the crust from falling off during frying.
Adjusting Heat Level: I always start with 2 tablespoons of cayenne and add more if I want it hotter. The brown sugar balances out the heat beautifully, so don’t skip it in the sauce.
Fresh Oil for Sauce: Use fresh, hot oil taken straight from the frying pan for the Nashville hot sauce. It helps emulsify the spices into a vibrant, flavorful coating without bitterness.

How to Serve Spicy Crispy 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

To amp up your sliders, consider adding fresh jalapeño slices for extra heat or chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of bright herbal flavor. A few dashes of hot sauce on the coleslaw also add a nice zing. And if you love a little smoky twist, a sprinkle of smoked paprika over the slaw or sauce is magic.

Side Dishes

Pair your Nashville hot chicken sliders with classic Southern sides like crispy French fries or seasoned sweet potato fries. Creamy macaroni and cheese, baked beans, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balance the spicy richness wonderfully. For a casual get-together, crunchy dill pickle chips and some cold beer round out the experience perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sliders are best stored uncovered on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet in the fridge to help retain crispiness. Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you want to save time later, freeze the coated but unfried chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen when ready—this way, you can enjoy freshly fried Nashville hot chicken any time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover sliders using an air fryer set to 300 degrees Fahrenheit until the chicken is heated through and the crust is crispy again, about 4-5 minutes. This method revives the spicy crispy texture much better than a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast by cutting it into tender-sized strips. Just be sure they’re evenly sized for consistent frying and adjust cooking times as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.

How spicy are these sliders?

The spice level is adjustable by the amount of cayenne pepper used in the Nashville hot sauce. Using 2 tablespoons results in moderate heat, while 3 tablespoons or more bring a serious kick. The coleslaw and slider sauce help mellow out the spice.

Can I prepare the coleslaw and sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Both coleslaw and slider sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. This actually helps the flavors meld and makes assembly quicker on the day you serve.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy after assembling the sliders?

To keep the crust crispy, assemble the sliders just before serving and avoid letting the hot chicken sit too long inside the buns. Serving immediately after assembly ensures the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making these Spicy Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders feels like a little celebration every time I fry up that chicken and layer it with pickles and freshly tossed coleslaw. The vibrant heat, crunchy crust, and creamy sauce come together so naturally—it’s a recipe I’m always excited to share with friends and family. Whether it’s game day, a weekend dinner, or just because, these sliders bring warmth and smiles to the table. Give them a try, and soon they’ll become a favorite in your home too!