If you love bold flavors with just the right amount of heat and a juicy, satisfying bite, you are going to adore this Nashville Hot Chicken Burgers Recipe. This dish takes the iconic spicy kick of Nashville hot chicken and transforms it into a delightful burger that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Juicy ground chicken patties seasoned with a smoky, spicy blend then brushed with that legendary hot sauce, all tucked inside a soft brioche bun with pickles and ranch dressing to balance the heat — it’s an explosion of flavors and textures that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients will make all the difference when crafting your Nashville Hot Chicken Burgers Recipe. Each component, from the seasoning to the sauce and even the buns, plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and ensuring a perfect burger every time.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The lean yet tender base that cooks up juicy and holds all the fabulous flavors.
- 2 Tbsp McCormick Grill Mates Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning: This seasoning blend brings the authentic smoky, spicy taste that makes Nashville hot chicken famous.
- ½ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Nashville Hot Wing Sauce: Adds that classic fiery glaze that gives the burger its signature kick.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Helps to cook the patties evenly and adds a subtle richness.
- Brioche buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns that perfectly cradle the spicy chicken patties.
- Pickles: Provide a crispy, tangy contrast to the heat and richness of the burger.
- Ranch dressing: A cool, creamy element to balance the bold spices.
How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Season and shape the patties
Start by gently combining the ground chicken with the Nashville hot chicken seasoning in a medium bowl. This careful mixing ensures the spices are evenly distributed without overworking the meat, keeping the patties tender. Form the mixture into burger patties, making sure to press a shallow divot into the center of each one with your thumb. This simple trick helps prevent the patties from puffing up as they cook, maintaining a nice flat shape perfect for stacking on your buns.
Step 2: Cook the patties
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the burger patties and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden crust on the outside while ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through. The aroma at this stage is irresistible, full of smoky and spicy notes teasing your taste buds.
Step 3: Add the Nashville Hot Wing Sauce
After flipping the patties, brush each side generously with Sweet Baby Ray’s Nashville Hot Wing Sauce just before removing them from the skillet. This step locks in that fiery glaze on every bite and creates a sticky, flavorful coating that’s signature to this Nashville Hot Chicken Burgers Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble your burgers
Place each cooked patty onto a split brioche bun. Top the patties with crunchy pickles for a tangy snap and dollops of ranch dressing to cool down the heat. The result is a harmony of spicy, savory, creamy, and crunchy textures that makes each bite blissfully addictive.
How to Serve Nashville Hot Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like crispy dill pickle slices and a generous drizzle of ranch dressing bring balance to the fiery flavors. You can also add sliced red onions or shredded lettuce if you want a fresh, crisp contrast to the spice and richness of the chicken.
Side Dishes
Pair these burgers with classic sides such as crispy fries, coleslaw, or even a refreshing cucumber salad. The creamy or tangy sides complement the heat beautifully and complete the meal, turning it into a satisfying feast for you and your friends.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving Nashville Hot Chicken Burgers Recipe at a gathering, turn it into a burger bar with various toppings and sauces. Offer assorted buns, cheeses, and fixings so everyone can customize their spicy creation. You can also serve the patties open-faced with a side of sweet potato fries for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate if possible to prevent them from getting soggy, and always reheat the patties gently to maintain their juicy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked patties by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Nashville Hot Chicken Burgers Recipe is in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the crispy edges and juiciness, or in a toaster oven. Avoid the microwave when possible as it can dry out the chicken and soften the bun too much.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey can be a good substitute if you prefer a slightly different flavor but want to keep that lean, juicy texture. Just be sure not to overcook it as turkey can dry out faster.
How spicy is the Nashville Hot Chicken Burgers Recipe?
The heat level is moderate to hot, thanks to the seasoning blend and the wing sauce. If you want it milder, start with less sauce and seasoning and add more until it suits your taste.
What kind of buns work best for these burgers?
Brioche buns are ideal because they are soft and slightly sweet, helping to mellow the spicy chicken. However, potato buns or sturdy burger buns also work well for holding all the delicious toppings.
Can I make these burgers on a grill instead of a skillet?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a lovely smoky char that pairs wonderfully with the spicy seasoning. Just be sure to use medium heat and watch closely to cook the chicken thoroughly without drying it out.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The chicken patties and seasoning themselves are gluten-free, but you’ll want to choose gluten-free buns and confirm that your sauces don’t contain wheat ingredients if you need a fully gluten-free meal.
Final Thoughts
There really is something special about this Nashville Hot Chicken Burgers Recipe that turns a classic flavor into a fun, easy-to-eat meal everyone will rave about. Whether you’re feeding family for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next cookout, these burgers hit all the right notes with their perfect balance of heat, juiciness, and crunch. Don’t wait to make them your new favorite — once you try these, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe you just can’t get enough of.
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Nashville Hot Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Nashville Hot Chicken Burgers combine spicy seasoned ground chicken with a bold Nashville hot sauce, pan-seared to juicy perfection. Served on brioche buns with pickles and ranch dressing, these burgers deliver a flavorful twist on a classic Southern favorite in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 Tbsp McCormick Grill Mates Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce and Toppings
- ½ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Nashville Hot Wing Sauce
- Split brioche buns
- Pickles, as desired
- Ranch dressing, as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a medium bowl, gently combine the ground chicken with the Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning until evenly mixed. Shape the mixture into burger patties, making sure to press a small divot in the center of each with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Place the patties in the pan and cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through and browned.
- Apply Sauce: Brush each side of the cooked burgers generously with the Sweet Baby Ray’s Nashville Hot Wing Sauce while still in the skillet, ensuring the spicy flavor is well coated.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each burger onto a split brioche bun. Top with pickles and ranch dressing to balance the heat and add creaminess. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pressing a divot in the patties helps prevent them from bulging and ensures even cooking.
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spice level.
- Using brioche buns adds a slightly sweet complement to the spicy chicken.
- For a lower-fat option, use ground turkey instead of chicken.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Southern
