Nashville Hot Chicken Burger

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts (4, boneless and skinless)
• Buttermilk (1 cup)
• Hot sauce (1/2 cup, divided)
• All-purpose flour (1 cup)
• Cayenne pepper (2 teaspoons)
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
• Vegetable oil (for frying (approximately 2 cups))
• Buns (4, soft burger buns)
• Pickles (1 cup, sliced)
• Coleslaw (2 cups, prepared)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and half of the hot sauce. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
2. In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
5. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
6. In a small bowl, combine the remaining hot sauce with 1 tablespoon of the frying oil to create the Nashville hot sauce.
7. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and brush generously with the Nashville hot sauce.
8. To assemble the burgers, place the spicy chicken on the bottom half of the buns. Top with sliced pickles and a generous scoop of coleslaw. Place the top half of the bun over the filling and serve immediately.