Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey

This Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The crispy, spicy chicken is complemented by the rich honey butter glaze, making each bite an irresistible combination of flavors. It’s a Southern-inspired classic with a modern twist.

Perfect for a weekend dinner or a casual gathering, this sandwich is sure to satisfy anyone craving a hearty, flavorful meal. The addition of pickles brings a cool crunch, which cuts through the heat of the chicken and adds an extra layer of texture. It’s a comforting yet bold dish that’ll leave your taste buds wanting more.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 sandwich buns
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup pickles, sliced

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they are fully submerged, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Remove the chicken thighs from the buttermilk mixture and coat them in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to ensure an even coat.
5. Place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is crispy and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
6. While the chicken bakes, melt the butter and stir in honey.
7. Once the chicken is done, brush each thigh with the honey butter mixture.
8. To assemble the sandwich, place a crispy chicken thigh on each bun and top with sliced pickles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 4 sandwiches

Origin and History

Nashville Hot Chicken is a Southern classic that has taken the world by storm with its bold flavors and unique blend of spicy heat and sweetness. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, this dish has roots in the African American community and was popularized by Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack in the 1930s. The distinctive feature of Nashville Hot Chicken is the spicy oil-based marinade that gives the chicken its signature fiery kick. Traditionally fried, this baked version offers a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor, making it a delicious alternative for those who want to indulge in this Southern comfort food without the extra oil.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe gives you the best of both worlds: crispy, spicy chicken with a sweet, buttery finish. It’s easy to make, healthier than the deep-fried version, and perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend treat. Whether you’re a fan of Southern cuisine or just love a good spicy sandwich, this Baked Nashville Hot Chicken with Honey will satisfy your cravings and leave you coming back for more.

Baked Nashville Hot Chicken: A Healthier Twist

The baked version of Nashville Hot Chicken allows you to enjoy all the flavor without the added calories of deep-frying. The chicken is coated in a flavorful seasoned flour and baked at a high temperature to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Then, the sweet and spicy honey butter glaze is drizzled on top to add sweetness and help balance the heat, making it a perfect pairing with the spicy chicken.

Not only is this baked version healthier, but it also simplifies the cooking process. By using just a few basic ingredients—such as buttermilk, flour, spices, and honey—you can recreate this Southern delicacy at home without the need for a deep fryer or complicated techniques. It’s a recipe that will impress guests and satisfy even the most discerning food lovers.

Tips for Perfect Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The longer you let the chicken marinate in the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will become. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marination, but you can let it sit overnight for even better results.

2. Achieving the Crispy Crust: The key to making the chicken crispy in the oven is a generous coating of seasoned flour. After dredging the chicken in the flour, gently press the coating onto the meat for an even layer. This will help ensure that your chicken has a crispy, golden-brown crust when it’s baked.

3. Adjusting the Spice Level: Nashville Hot Chicken is known for its heat, but you can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the recipe. If you’re not a fan of overly spicy food, start with less cayenne and hot sauce, and taste-test the honey butter glaze before applying it to the chicken.

4. Making it Sweet: The honey butter glaze is what gives this recipe its signature sweet and spicy kick. You can play around with the ratio of honey to butter, depending on how sweet or spicy you want your chicken to be. Adding more honey will create a sweeter glaze, while adding a pinch of sugar can also enhance the sweetness.

5. Sandwich Assembly: Serve the hot chicken on a soft sandwich bun with a generous drizzle of honey butter glaze and a few slices of pickles to provide a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the chicken. The pickles also add a lovely crunch that complements the crispy chicken.

Serving Suggestions for Your Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches

1. Creamy Coleslaw: A cold and creamy coleslaw provides a cool contrast to the heat of the chicken and adds texture and crunch.

2. Potato Wedges or French Fries: Pair your sandwich with crispy potato wedges or French fries for the ultimate comfort food combo. Sweet potato fries would be an excellent option as well to add a touch of sweetness.

3. Cornbread: A classic Southern side dish, cornbread pairs perfectly with spicy chicken. Its sweet, buttery flavor complements the heat and adds a satisfying carb element to the meal.

4. Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred, seasoned vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini, make a great side dish and help balance out the richness of the sandwich.

5. Beer or Iced Tea: The bold flavors of Nashville Hot Chicken pair wonderfully with a cold beverage. Serve it with a chilled glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a light beer for a complete Southern-inspired meal.

Conclusion

This Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey brings together the perfect balance of spicy, crispy chicken and a sweet honey glaze. It’s a healthier, easier take on the classic, making it ideal for a delicious, satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or a special gathering, this sandwich is sure to impress with its bold flavors and comforting appeal.