Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies

Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies are a bold and delicious dish bursting with flavor. This recipe brings the heat of Nashville hot chicken to a hoagie roll, creating the perfect comfort meal. Easy to make at home, these chicken hoagies combine crispy chicken, creamy mayo, and crunchy pickles, all tucked inside a soft hoagie roll. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or any casual gathering, prepare to be wowed by this incredible dish.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love making Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies for several reasons. First, the crispy fried chicken is packed with spice and flavor. The blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic adds a delicious kick that brings excitement to every bite. Second, the combination of textures is wonderful. The crunchy chicken contrasts perfectly with the soft hoagie roll and crisp lettuce. Finally, this recipe is easy to follow, making it great for novice cooks and experienced chefs alike. Whether you are hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night at home, these hoagies will surely impress.

HOW TO MAKE Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies

Making Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies is straightforward. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you will have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time. This guide will take you from preparing the chicken to assembling the perfect hoagie, ensuring delicious results every time.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Before starting, gather the necessary equipment. You will need:

• A deep skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• A meat tenderizer or rolling pin
• Tongs or a slotted spoon
• Paper towels for draining
• A cutting board
• A knife for slicing

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make tasty Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 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
• Oil for frying
• Hoagie rolls
• Pickles
• Lettuce
• Mayo

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Follow these steps to create your Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken breasts in buttermilk. Cover the chicken and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. For better flavor, you can let it sit overnight. This will help the chicken stay moist and tender.
2. Prepare the Coating: While the chicken marinates, mix your coating. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the buttermilk. Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture. Make sure the chicken is coated well, pressing lightly so the flour mixture sticks.
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. You need enough oil so that the chicken can fry without sticking to the bottom of the pan. Check that the oil is hot enough by dropping a small bit of the flour mixture in. If it sizzles, the oil is ready.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil. Fry each piece for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs to turn the chicken carefully.
6. Drain the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oil and let it drain on paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil and keep it crispy.
7. Assemble the Hoagies: To make the hoagies, take the fried chicken and place it inside the hoagie rolls. Add a good spread of mayo, a layer of pickles, and fresh lettuce. Serve your hoagies hot for the best flavor.

HOW TO SERVE Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies

Serve your Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies fresh. They taste best when the chicken is hot and crispy. You can enjoy them with a side of fries, coleslaw, or potato chips. For an added crunch, consider topping the hoagies with sliced jalapeños or additional pickles for some extra heat.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies

If you have leftovers, you can store them safely. Place the fried chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It can stay fresh for up to 3 days. For freezing, wrap the cooked chicken in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven or skillet until heated through.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

There are many ways to serve Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies. Here are a few ideas:

• Classic Pairing: Serve with coleslaw and pickles for a traditional Southern touch.
• Hot and Spicy: Add hot sauce to the mayo or place sliced jalapeños on top for those who love extra heat.
• Side Dish Variations: Consider offering a variety of side dishes such as potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob for a casual meal.
• Beverage Pairings: These hoagies go well with iced tea, lemonade, or even a cold craft beer in the summer months.

VARIATIONS

You can easily modify the Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies to suit your taste. Here are some fun variations:

• Chicken Sandwiches: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite.
• Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the chicken for a healthier option. Coat the chicken, place it on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F until cooked through.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a hearty piece of fried eggplant or a portobello mushroom cap, seasoned similarly.
• Toppings: Add cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a cheesy twist. You can also add avocado for a creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour to coat the chicken.

2. How spicy are these hoagies?
They are quite spicy due to the cayenne pepper. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1 tablespoon or less.

3. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk and coat it in the flour mixture the day before. Just fry it before serving.

4. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 10 minutes.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies

You can save time by preparing some elements in advance:

• Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken overnight will not only enhance flavor but also cuts down on meal prep time when you’re ready to cook.
• Chop Vegetables Ahead: Wash and chop your lettuce and pickles in advance. Store them in the fridge so they are ready to go.
• Prepare Dipping Sauce: Make your mayo or sauce mix ahead of time. Just keep it sealed in the fridge until you need it for assembling.
• Fry Chicken in Batches: If serving a crowd, you can fry the chicken in batches and keep it warm in the oven until ready to serve. Just make sure to place the cooked pieces on a wire rack to keep them crispy.

With these simple steps and tips, you can easily make delicious Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Enjoy the process and relish every tasty bite!

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