Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders with Dill Pickle Aioli

Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders with Dill Pickle Aioli are my go-to when I want something spicy, crispy, and downright crave-worthy. These little sandwiches are loaded with bold, fiery flavor from the hot chicken and cooled down perfectly with a tangy dill pickle aioli. They’re the ultimate combo of heat, crunch, and creaminess in a bite-sized package.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these sliders deliver such a punch of flavor in such a small package. The spicy coating on the chicken is addictively good, and the creamy, garlicky pickle aioli balances it all out. They’re fun to eat, easy to make in batches, and perfect for game day, parties, or just a dinner that’s a little more exciting.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into slider-size pieces)

• Buttermilk

• Hot sauce

• All-purpose flour

• Cornstarch

• Cayenne pepper

• Paprika

• Garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper

• Oil for frying

For the Nashville hot oil:

• Cayenne pepper

• Brown sugar

• Smoked paprika

• Garlic powder

• Hot frying oil (from the chicken)

For the dill pickle aioli:

• Mayonnaise

• Dill pickles, finely chopped

• Pickle juice

• Garlic, minced

• Fresh dill or dried dill

• Salt and black pepper

For assembling:

• Slider buns

• Pickle slices

• Butter (optional for toasting buns)

Directions

1. I marinate the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least an hour (or overnight if I plan ahead).

2. I mix the flour, cornstarch, and spices in a shallow dish.

3. I dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.

4. I heat oil in a deep skillet and fry the chicken until golden and crispy, then set it on paper towels to drain.

5. I mix the hot oil with cayenne, brown sugar, and spices to make the Nashville hot glaze, then brush it over the fried chicken.

6. For the aioli, I stir together mayo, chopped pickles, pickle juice, garlic, and dill until creamy.

7. I toast the slider buns, spread the bottom with dill pickle aioli, add a piece of hot chicken, top with a pickle slice, and close the bun.

8. I serve them warm and spicy, with extra aioli on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 sliders and takes around 20 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook (not including marinating time).

Variations

Sometimes I oven-bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter version. I’ve also made the aioli spicier by adding a touch of hot sauce or chili flakes. For a smoky twist, I use chipotle powder in the hot oil mix. And when I want a Southern-style combo, I serve them with coleslaw on the bun.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover fried chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and keep the crispiness, I use the oven or air fryer. The aioli keeps in the fridge for about 5 days. I recommend assembling the sliders fresh so the buns don’t get soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken tenders instead of thighs?

Yes, tenders work great and are already the perfect size for sliders. I just adjust the cooking time slightly since they cook faster.

How spicy are these?

They’re pretty spicy, but I can tone it down by using less cayenne in the oil mix or skipping the hot sauce in the marinade.

Can I make the aioli ahead of time?

Absolutely. I usually make it a day in advance—it gets even better as the flavors develop.

What kind of buns should I use?

I like soft slider buns or Hawaiian rolls for a touch of sweetness that balances the spice. Toasting them adds great texture.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes. I coat the chicken as usual and bake at 425°F on a wire rack for 20–25 minutes, flipping once. It won’t be as crispy, but it’s still delicious.

Conclusion

Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders with Dill Pickle Aioli are bold, spicy, and totally addictive. They’re a fun, flavorful twist on classic fried chicken that always gets people excited. Whether I’m making a batch for a party or just spicing up dinner at home, these sliders bring the heat in all the right ways.

Print