Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders with Dill Pickle Aioli Recipe

Introduction

Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders with Dill Pickle Aioli bring a perfect balance of spicy heat and tangy coolness in a bite-sized sandwich. These sliders are ideal for game days, parties, or any time you crave bold southern flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Slider buns
• Dill pickle slices
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 2 hours to tenderize and add moisture.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the spicy coating mixture.
3. Step 3: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and thoroughly coat each piece in the flour mixture.
4. Step 4: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C) and fry the coated chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Step 5: For the dill pickle aioli, mix mayonnaise and dill pickle juice in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
6. Step 6: Assemble the sliders by placing the fried chicken on slider buns, topping with dill pickle slices, and spreading dill pickle aioli over the chicken before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or brush fried chicken with a cayenne butter sauce before serving.
• Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust frying time accordingly.
• Serve with coleslaw inside the sliders for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Storage

Store leftover fried chicken and aioli separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Assemble sliders fresh before serving to prevent buns from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the coated chicken on a wire rack at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, but frying gives a crispier, more authentic texture.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

Substitute with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders with Dill Pickle Aioli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 108 reviews

Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders with Dill Pickle Aioli are a fiery and flavorful twist on classic sliders. Featuring crispy, spicy fried chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and coated in a bold seasoning blend, these sliders are topped with a tangy dill pickle aioli and crunchy dill pickle slices, creating the perfect balance of heat, zest, and creamy coolness.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 sliders 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Coating

• 1 lb chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Slider Assembly

• Slider buns
• Dill pickle slices

Dill Pickle Aioli

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or zip-top bag and cover with buttermilk. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring every surface is coated for maximum crispiness and spice.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the coated chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes per side or until they are golden brown, cooked through, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
5. Make the Dill Pickle Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and dill pickle juice until smooth and creamy. This aioli will add a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy chicken.
6. Assemble the Sliders: Place the fried chicken on the slider buns, top with dill pickle slices, and spread a generous amount of dill pickle aioli on the buns. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• For extra heat, increase cayenne pepper to 3 tablespoons.
• Ensure oil temperature is consistent for evenly cooked chicken.
• Marinating chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use a thermometer to guarantee proper internal chicken temperature for safety.
• These sliders pair well with coleslaw or crispy fries.

Keywords: Nashville Hot Chicken, sliders, fried chicken, spicy chicken, dill pickle aioli, appetizer, Southern food