Get ready to fire up your taste buds with this bold and irresistible Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe. These sliders pack a punch with crispy, juicy chicken tenders coated in a fiery cayenne sauce, all nestled in soft, pillowy buns topped with tangy, crunchy coleslaw and pickles. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be your new go-to snack or party favorite.

The image shows a close-up of a fried chicken sandwich placed on a wooden board with a white marbled texture underneath. The sandwich has three main layers: a soft, golden brown top bun with a slight shine, a thick layer of crispy, dark orange fried chicken with a crunchy texture, and a layer of light coleslaw made of shredded white and light green cabbage mixed with thin orange carrot strips sitting beneath the chicken. The bottom bun is soft and white, matching the top bun in texture but lighter in color. In the blurred background, multiple similar sandwiches are visible, arranged closely together. A small piece of green pickle and coleslaw are scattered on the white marbled surface 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

I’ve made these sliders more times than I can count because they’re seriously addictive. The blend of heat, sweetness, and crunch is everything that makes Nashville hot chicken so iconic—but bite-sized and perfect for sharing or snacking solo.

Perfectly Spicy: You control the cayenne heat, so these sliders are great whether you like a mild kick or full-on fire.
Double-Fried Crispy: That second fry locks in crunch and juiciness like nothing else.
Balanced Flavors: Creamy coleslaw and tangy pickles cool down the heat for an irresistible combo.
Great for Parties: These sliders are perfect crowd-pleasers and easy to make ahead and reheat.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference here. Fresh chicken tenders are the centerpiece, and buttermilk helps tenderize and add tang. I always recommend using a mix of purple and green cabbage for the coleslaw—it’s prettier and adds a nice texture contrast.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders with smooth skin, two whole clean white eggs, a small white bowl of buttermilk, a small white bowl filled with white all-purpose flour, a smaller white bowl of fine cornstarch, a few bright red cayenne peppers arranged near a small pile of paprika powder, a mound of dark brown raw brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl of fine salt, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of golden vegetable oil, a simple white ceramic bowl with a mix of shredded green and purple cabbage, a small white bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a few thin slices of bright green pickles, and a stack of soft mini slider buns with golden tops, all 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: Easy to work with and perfect size for sliders—trimmed of tendons for the best texture.
Egg Whites: Lighten the marinade and help the coating stick beautifully.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderizes the chicken; you can make a simple substitute with milk and vinegar.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for the crispy breading—paired with cornstarch for extra crunch.
Cornstarch: Helps achieve that light, crackly crust we all crave.
Baking Powder: Boosts the coating’s crispiness by creating tiny air pockets as it fries.
Vegetable Oil: Neutral flavor and high smoke point make it ideal for deep frying.
Cayenne Pepper: The star spice for that authentic Nashville heat—adjust to your heat preference.
Paprika: Adds smoky depth and balances the cayenne’s sharpness.
Brown Sugar: Sweetens and mellows the sauce for that addictive sweet-heat combo.
Garlic Powder: Adds savory warmth to the spicy sauce.
Cabbage Mix: Purple and green cabbage shredded for crunchy, colorful coleslaw.
Mayonnaise: Creamy binder in coleslaw and the simple slider sauce.
Sugar & Vinegar: The classic coleslaw duo to balance tang and sweetness.
Ketchup: Brings tangy sweetness to the slider sauce.
Pickles: Thinly sliced for a refreshing bite that cuts through the richness.
Mini Slider Buns: Soft and slightly sweet, perfect for wrapping all the flavors together.

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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 easily you can adjust it to suit your taste or occasion. Whether you like it hotter, milder, or with a twist of your own, these sliders are a fantastic canvas for creativity.

Spice Levels: I love turning up the heat by adding an extra tablespoon of cayenne pepper to the Nashville hot sauce when I’m feeling bold — it gives the sliders that signature fiery kick that Nashville hot chicken is known for.
Make it Healthier: For a lighter version, swap the deep frying for oven baking at 425°F until crispy, and use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the coleslaw to cut down on fat.
Crunch Factor: Adding some thinly sliced jalapeños or pickled red onions on top offers an amazing tangy crunch that balances the heat perfectly — one of my personal favorites when serving to friends who like that extra zing.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the buttermilk marinade with coconut milk mixed with a splash of apple cider vinegar, and use a vegan mayo alternative for the coleslaw and slider sauce — it works wonderfully while keeping all the flavors exciting.

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

A close-up of a sandwich held by a woman's hand shows a soft golden brown bun on top and bottom. Inside, there is a thick piece of crispy fried chicken that is golden and crunchy in texture. On the chicken, there is a layer of light green and pale orange shredded cabbage or coleslaw. Both the top and bottom buns have a spread of creamy, pale orange sauce. In the blurred background, two more sandwiches sit on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Tenderness and Flavor

Start by trimming your chicken tenders to remove any tendons or fat—that little prep step really makes a difference for texture. If you’re using mini slider buns, slicing each tender in half ensures the perfect bite-sized portion. Whisk together buttermilk, egg whites, salt, and pepper; the egg whites break down nicely to create a tenderizing bath. Dunk your chicken into this mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated, then cover and chill for at least 2 hours. This longer marinade time lets the flavors infuse deeply and helps keep the chicken juicy after frying.

Step 2: Prep Your Slaw and Sauce While You Wait

While your chicken is soaking up those flavors, it’s the perfect time to mix the crunchy, tangy coleslaw and slide sauce. Toss shredded cabbage with mayo, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper for the coleslaw — it’s that simple but delivers a satisfying cool contrast to the spicy chicken. For the slider sauce, stir together the mayo and ketchup, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Don’t forget to slice your pickles thinly; their crisp acidity is a must-have component for this sandwich.

Step 3: Double Coat the Chicken for Super Crispy Goodness

Next comes the crucial breading step. Mix your flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. One by one, remove chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mix. For that iconic crispy crust, dip the tenders back into the marinade briefly, then back into the flour coating for a double layer. Placing the coated tenders on a wire rack and letting them rest for 20 minutes really helps the crust stick and ensures it won’t fall off in the fryer.

Step 4: The First Fry – Cook Through Without Over-Browning

Heat your vegetable oil to 350°F. Fry about a third to half of the chicken tenders at a time, carefully giving them 5-6 minutes total, flipping halfway to get an even cook. You want the chicken cooked through but still light in color at this stage—this first fry sets the foundation. Remove and drain on a wire rack, then repeat until all are cooked. Patience here makes all the difference.

Step 5: The Second Fry – Go for Deep Golden and Crunch

After a 10-15 minute rest, heat the oil again to around 350°F. This second fry is your ticket to that legendary Nashville heat and crunch. Fry each tender for just 2-3 minutes to get a deep golden color and extra crisp exterior. Remove and place back on the wire rack — your kitchen will start to smell amazing!

Step 6: Whip Up the Nashville Hot Sauce

Combine cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Carefully pour ½ cup of the hot frying oil over the spices and whisk it into a perfectly spicy, aromatic Nashville hot sauce. This is what turns crispy chicken into that unforgettable fiery classic — so get ready for incredible flavor.

Step 7: Dunk and Coat the Chicken in Saucy Heat

Quickly use tongs to dunk each fried chicken tender into the hot sauce, making sure every side is coated with that luscious fiery glaze. Place the chicken back onto the wire rack with a baking sheet underneath to catch drips — keep going until all pieces are evenly dressed. This step is where the magic flavors marry the crispy crust.

Step 8: Assemble Your Sliders and Serve Hot

Warm your slider buns for that fresh, soft bite. Spread a generous amount of slider sauce on the bottom half, add thinly sliced pickles, then nestle on a spicy chicken tender. Top with a good scoop of coleslaw for crunch and balance, then close it up with the bun top. These sliders are best enjoyed immediately, while the chicken is hot and crispy — a perfect snack or crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect balance of crunchy, spicy, and juicy in your Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe every single time.

Double Frying Magic: From my experience, frying the chicken twice at 350°F is absolutely essential—not only does it ensure the chicken is cooked through, but it also creates that addictive, crispy golden crust that makes these sliders unforgettable.
Marinate for Tenderness: Don’t skip the 2-hour (or overnight) buttermilk marinade; it’s the secret behind juicy, flavorful tenders that soak up the spice and stay tender inside.
Rest Your Coated Chicken: Letting the breaded tenders rest on a wire rack for 20 minutes before frying really helps the coating stick, so you don’t lose that crispy crust when frying.
Adjust Your Heat: The cayenne in the hot sauce can be dialed up or down based on your spice tolerance—start with 2 tablespoons if you’re cautious and increase from there once you know how much heat you like!

How to Serve Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders Recipe

A woman's hand holds a piece of raw chicken coated in white flour, showing a rough, powdery texture. Below the hand is a white bowl filled with white flour. To the right, a clear glass bowl contains raw chicken pieces soaking in a pale, milky liquid with small black pepper specks floating on top. At the top left, a metal wire rack holds two pieces of coated chicken over a white marbled surface. The whole scene is lit with soft natural light, highlighting the textures of flour, chicken, and liquid photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your sliders shine even more, add extra layers of crunch and flavor with classic garnishes like sliced jalapeños for some fresh heat, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for color, or a dash of extra pickles for tang. For a little twist, drizzle a touch of honey or hot honey on top to balance the spice with a hint of sweetness.

Side Dishes

Keep the Southern charm going with traditional sides like crispy seasoned fries or sweet potato wedges. Coleslaw on the side (even beyond the slider’s topping) adds a refreshing crunch. For something lighter, a simple cucumber and tomato salad or a tangy pickled vegetable medley pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken tenders and accompaniments separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay good for up to 3 days, but try to eat them sooner for the best taste and texture. Keep the slider buns and coleslaw chilled as well to maintain freshness.

Freezing

If you want to save time later, coat the chicken tenders with the flour mixture and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags. You can fry them straight from frozen when you're ready—just remember to adjust frying times slightly to ensure they're cooked through and crispy.

Reheating

For reheating, use an air fryer set to 300°F until the chicken tenders are warmed through and crispy again. This technique helps revive that freshly-fried crunch without drying out the juicy chicken inside.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these sliders less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the Nashville hot sauce. Starting with 2 tablespoons instead of 3 will tone down the heat while still giving you that signature flavor.

What type of buns work best for these sliders?

Mini slider buns are perfect for bite-sized servings, but if you prefer larger sandwiches, full-sized soft buns work great too. Just remember to halve your chicken tenders for mini buns so everything fits nicely.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

While baking is possible, frying is key to achieving that irresistible Nashville hot chicken crispiness and juicy interior. If you prefer baking, you might miss some of that signature crunch and flavor from the hot frying oil.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 2 hours of marinating in the buttermilk mixture is recommended to tenderize and flavor the chicken well. For even better results, you can marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Making these Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders is such a rewarding experience—there’s something truly comforting about creating that perfect crispy, spicy chicken paired with creamy coleslaw and tangy pickles all layered in a soft bun. I hope this recipe brings a little Southern joy to your kitchen and becomes a favorite go-to for your next snack, game day, or party. Grab some friends, fire up the fryer, and let the flavorful fun begin!