Fiery Nashville hot chicken on a pillowy bun with pickles delivers a spicy, high protein chicken sandwich experience. This trending favorite brings bold Southern heat to your family dinner table.
In a large bowl, marinate the chicken thighs with buttermilk and half the paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for at least 1 hour in the fridge.
Preheat a heavy cast-iron skillet with vegetable oil on medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F; meanwhile, prepare a dredging station with flour in one bowl and beaten eggs in another.
Remove chicken from marinade, dredge first in flour, then eggs, then again in flour for extra crunch, ensuring every side is coated fully.
Carefully fry chicken thighs in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, maintaining oil temperature at 350°F; drain cooked chicken on a rack.
Combine remaining paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper with a few tablespoons of hot oil to make the spicy Nashville glaze; brush over fried chicken immediately.
Assemble sandwiches: layer fried chicken on buns, top generously with pickle slices, and serve hot for best texture.