Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders with Championship Onion Rings

Whether you like it or not, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the sweetheart stars of this year’s Super Bowl.

I love it, by the way!

So, in honor of Taylor and the Kansas City Chiefs, let’s make Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders with “Championship” Onion Rings.

These spicy fried chicken sandwiches are crunchy, hearty, and fully loaded with flavor. 

The chicken is juicy, the coating is fiery, and the onion rings add a nice, sweet finish.

Throw all that into a slider bun, and you’ve got one of the best Super Bowl party appetizers ever!

Ultimate Nashville Hot Chicken Slider Recipe for Game Day

These Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders with Championship Onion Rings are not just one of my favorite Super Bowl party food ideas - they’re a tribute to the vibrant city of Nashville, Taylor Swift’s hometown, and a playful nod to Travis Kelce and his new Championship ring!

(Let’s hope anyway).

This recipe more than brings the heat. And between the perfectly seasoned fried chicken, tender slider buns, and crispy, golden onion rings, it’s a symphony of textures, too. 

Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just here for the halftime show, these gamy day sliders are guaranteed to elevate your Super Bowl spread. 

So, gather your friends, choose your favorite Eras playlist, and indulge in a dish as bold and dynamic as the stars it celebrates.

Ingredients

Okay, so the ingredient list here is kind of long. But don’t let that intimidate you! Basically, we’re making spicy fried chicken and homemade onion rings. 

Easy peasy.

For the Chicken:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are easier to work with, in my opinion. But use thighs if you prefer. Just remember you’ll have to cut them to fit the sliders.
• Dill Pickle Juice: The acidity tenderizes the meat, and the flavor infuses into the meat. 
• Sugar: To balance the acidity.
• Buttermilk: Further tenderizes the meat and adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
• Hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Louisiana): For a spicy kick. 

For the Coating:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the crispy coating.
• Cornstarch: Makes it even crispier. 
• Seasoned Salt: Adds depth and flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: For a smoky undertone.
• Garlic Powder: Gives an aromatic note.
• Cayenne Pepper: For more spice. 
• Peanut Oil or Vegetable Oil: To fry the chicken. 

For the Spicy Oil:

• Vegetable Oil or Lard: The base of the spicy oil. 
• Cayenne Pepper: The primary source of heat.
• Smoked Paprika: For smokiness.
• Brown Sugar: To balance the heat.
• Chili Powder: Adds complexity.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory accent.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

For Serving:

• Slider Buns: Use whatever buns you like best.
• Crispy Onion Rings: Recipe below :-)
• Hot Honey: Offers sweet heat to complement the spicy chicken.
• Dill Pickle Slices: For cool, crunchy tang. 
• Mayonnaise or Ranch Dressing: A creamy layer to offset the spice.

How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders with Pickles and Onion Rings 

Fried chicken and onion rings are always winners. But they’re especially a hit at parties.

So, if you need Super Bowl appetizer ideas, try this recipe.

Most of this will be easy if you’ve ever made fried chicken before. 

You just need to marinade the meat, add a floury coating, and fry it until golden. Easy peasy!

Here’s how it’s done:

1. Flatten the chicken breasts to even thickness and slice them into three pieces each to fit the buns.
2. Dissolve the sugar in warm pickle juice over low heat, then cool.
3. Combine cooled pickle juice with buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s submerged, and marinate in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight.
4. Mix the dry coating ingredients - flour, cornstarch, seasoned salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.
5. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven to 175°C/350°F.
6. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and coat thoroughly in flour mixture.
7. Fry the chicken in batches until golden and cooked, about 4 minutes on each side, then drain on a wire rack.
8. Make the spicy oil coating. Heat 3/4 cup oil or lard, blend in the spices and sugar, and evenly coat each chicken piece.
9. Toast the slider buns if desired, spread mayo or ranch over the cut sides, then add a chicken piece, pickles, onion rings, and hot honey to each.
10. Top the buns and secure them with toothpicks.
11. Serve Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders immediately, and enjoy!

If you want to make the Nashville Hot Chicken ahead, you can. But only to a point.

You can get the chicken in the marinade the day before, prep the dry coating and oil and store until ready to serve.

But I don’t recommend frying the chicken (or onion rings) ahead, as they won’t reheat as crispy.

Championship Onion Rings Recipe

What makes these onion rings Championship rings? 

To be honest, it’s just the setting. They’re for a Super Bowl party, after all.

Having said that, they are pretty darn impressive. They’re crispy, kind of sweet, and a great way to take your sliders over the top.

Ingredients

• 1 large yellow onion
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• vegetable oil or peanut oil, for frying

Method

1. Warm 2-3 cups vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Attach a thermometer to the side and heat to 185°C/365°F.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Peel and cut the onion into 1/4-1/3 inch slices. Separate the rings on a plate.
4. Dredge the onion rings in the flour mixture until well coated, and shake off the excess. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. 
5. In a medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk with the egg until smooth. Add the remaining flour mixture and whisk until smooth and pancake batter-like. 
6. Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish and set aside.
7. Working in batches, dip the floured onion rings into the buttermilk batter, shake off the excess, and press them into the breadcrumbs. Be sure to coat all sides evenly.
8. Place a few onion rings into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning halfway through. Fry in batches to keep from overcrowding the oil.
9. Transfer cooked, crispy onion rings onto a paper towel-lined plate.

What to Serve with Nashville Hot Chicken

Spicy fried chicken sliders are a terrific centerpiece for your Super Bowl table. But you can also serve them for lunch or dinner with some tasty sides,

Here’s a few of my faves:

Coleslaw: It’s crunchy, cool, and classic.

Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet and crispy contrast to the heat.

Mac and Cheese: If you need to cool off, mac and cheese is your best bet.

Cornbread: Nashville Hot Chicken + cornbread = dinner heaven.

Potato Salad: Whether you go for creamy or hot, potatoes are my go-to way to bulk up a meal and mellow out heat.

Oh, and if you’re in the mood for a drink, here’s a few ideas:

• Passionfruit and Elderflower “Wildest Dreams” Martini
• Pomegranate “Red” French 75
• Kansas City Old Fashioned (Cherry Old Fashioned)