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Nashville Hot Chicken

Featured in Perfect Poultry Recipes.

This healthier spin on Nashville’s favorite hot chicken uses baking instead of frying, offering the same crunchy outside and juicy inside with less grease. Panko gives it that satisfying texture, and a honey-butter glaze adds irresistible heat and sweetness. Toss in some lettuce and buttermilk ranch for a refreshing finish! It’s the perfect choice for hot chicken lovers looking for a lighter meal without losing the flavor.
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Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 05:21:21 GMT
Nashville Hot Chicken made in the oven Pin it
Nashville Hot Chicken made in the oven | cuisinegenial.com

Experience classic Nashville heat and crunch with this oven-baked chicken sandwich. The recipe delivers signature spicy flavor and crispy texture while using a healthier cooking method. Each bite features tender, well-seasoned chicken breast in a golden-brown panko crust, finished with a rich spicy honey butter glaze.

The secret to achieving restaurant-quality crunch lies in proper breading technique combined with precise oven temperature and timing.

Key Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts: Uniform 8 oz pieces
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy exterior
  • Local Honey: Adds sweetness
  • Cayenne: Delivers signature heat
  • Ranch Dressing: Tempers spiciness
  • Brioche Buns: Holds up to toppings

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Chicken:
Flatten chicken to ½-inch thickness between plastic wrap. Pat completely dry. Season with salt and pepper. Rest 15 minutes at room temperature.
2. Create Breading Station:
Set up three shallow dishes: seasoned flour mixture, beaten eggs with hot sauce, seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Place wire rack at end.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Coat each piece in flour, dip in egg wash, then press into panko. Place on rack. Chill 30 minutes uncovered.
4. Bake to Perfection:
Heat oven to 425°F. Transfer chicken to lined baking sheet. Spray with olive oil. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden and 165°F internal.
5. Prepare Spicy Butter:
Mix melted butter, honey, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder. Keep warm over low heat.
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Pin it
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich | cuisinegenial.com

Assembly Instructions

1. Build the Sandwich:
Brush hot chicken with spicy butter. Toast buns until golden. Layer with lettuce, chicken, pickles, extra butter sauce if desired.
2. Serving Notes:
Serve immediately for maximum crispiness. For multiple servings, hold finished pieces in 200°F oven up to 15 minutes. Arrange in single layer on rack.
Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe Pin it
Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe | cuisinegenial.com

Suggested Side Dishes

  • Classic coleslaw
  • Seasoned french fries
  • Southern mac and cheese
  • Dill pickle spears
  • Spiced sweet potatoes
  • Cold craft beer or fresh lemonade

Prep-Ahead Tips

Organize components for easy assembly:

  • Bread chicken up to 8 hours before cooking
  • Prepare honey butter sauce ahead
  • Chop and store garnishes separately
  • Toast buns just before serving

This healthier take on Nashville hot chicken proves that baked versions can deliver authentic taste. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.

Easy Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe Pin it
Easy Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe | cuisinegenial.com

Recipe Success Notes

Practice reveals the nuances of balancing heat, sweetness and texture. Focus on proper coating and temperature monitoring. The result is a satisfying, healthier version that maintains the soul of traditional Nashville hot chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I control the spiciness?
You can make it milder or even hotter by adjusting the cayenne in the honey butter sauce.
→ What’s the benefit of chilling the chicken?
Letting the breaded chicken chill for half an hour helps lock the panko in place so it won’t fall off while baking.
→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?
It’s best straight out of the oven, but you can bread the chicken a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge.
→ What pairs well with this dish?
Great sides are coleslaw, potato wedges, pickles, or even macaroni salad.
→ Can I swap the chicken breasts for thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs are a great option, just be ready to adjust the baking time a bit.

Nashville Hot Chicken

A baked twist on the classic hot chicken sandwich with a crispy coating and honey butter spice drizzle.

Prep Time
40 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each), cut into thinner pieces lengthwise
02 3/4 cup plain flour
03 1 teaspoon turmeric
04 1 tablespoon garlic powder (split in half)
05 1 teaspoon salt
06 1 teaspoon paprika, smoked
07 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 2 big eggs
09 1 cup panko-style breadcrumbs

→ Spicy Honey Butter

10 1/2 cup melted butter, unsalted
11 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
12 1/4 teaspoon salt
13 1 teaspoon cayenne spice
14 1/4 cup of honey

→ Burger Build

15 4 burger buns, toasted slightly
16 1/2 cup creamy buttermilk ranch dressing
17 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

Instructions

Step 01

Dry off the chicken with paper towels and sprinkle salt and pepper on it. Use three separate dishes: combine half the seasonings with flour in one, beat the eggs in the second dish, and in the last one, mix the breadcrumbs and the rest of the spices.

Step 02

Coat the chicken first in the flour mixture, then dip it in the eggs, and finally press it into the breadcrumb mix until fully covered. Put the breaded pieces on a greased rack placed over a baking tray, then chill in the fridge for half an hour.

Step 03

Heat your oven to 400°F. Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray, then bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 04

Stir together the melted butter, paprika, cayenne, honey, and salt in a bowl. Glaze the chicken with the sauce once baked.

Step 05

Spread ranch over the toasted buns, lay the chicken on top, and finish it with lettuce. Serve while warm.

Notes

  1. To make this vegetarian, swap the chicken for pressed firm tofu.
  2. Chilling the coated chicken makes the breading stick better when baked.
  3. A baked version of Nashville-style hot chicken that's healthier than frying.

Tools You'll Need

  • Wire rack on top of a baking tray
  • 3 shallow bowls or plates for breading
  • A whisk for mixing
  • Pastry brush for coating

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat/gluten
  • Contains eggs
  • Dairy is used in this recipe

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 680
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
  • Protein: 35 g