There’s a certain comfort in a homemade meal, and few things hit the spot quite like a Nashville Hot Chicken Melt. The first time I took a bite, I was enchanted by the perfect blend of heat and flavor that danced on my palate, instantly taking me back to a bustling little diner where the scent of spices filled the air.
In just 20 minutes, you can create this mouthwatering sandwich bursting with juicy, spicy chicken topped with creamy pepper jack cheese and a zingy sauce that gives every bite a delightful kick. It’s a far cry from the tired offerings of fast food, and I promise, your taste buds will thank you for diving into this recipe. Perfect for a laid-back dinner or meal prep for the week, this sandwich not only satisfies hunger but also brings a little excitement back into your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Why is the Nashville Hot Chicken Melt a must-try?
Flavor Explosion: The Nashville Hot Chicken Melt is a fiery delight that combines succulent chicken and zesty seasonings, creating a flavor profile that excites every bite.
Quick and Easy: Whip this sandwich up in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Ultimate Comfort Food: This recipe merges the warmth of a melt with the boldness of Nashville hot chicken, ensuring a satisfying meal.
Great for Meal Prep: Keep it in mind for your next week’s lunch prep; it’s easily stored and reheats beautifully.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game days or gatherings, it offers a delicious twist that will have everyone clamoring for seconds!
Versatile: Feel free to customize toppings or adjust the heat level with more or less seasoning to suit your taste.
Nashville Hot Chicken Melt Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Chicken breast – 2 pounds, thinly sliced for quick cooking and juicy bites.
- Oil – 1 tablespoon, helps to sear the chicken to perfection.
- Nashville Hot seasoning – 1/4 cup, the star ingredient for that iconic spicy flavor.
For the Sauce
- Mayonnaise – 1/2 cup, adds creaminess to balance the heat.
- Pickle brine – 1 tablespoon, for a tangy kick that elevates the sauce.
For the Sandwich
- Hoagie rolls – 2 pieces, choose fresh ones for the best texture.
- Chipotles (optional) – 1 tablespoon, for those who love an extra smoky flavor.
- Pepper jack cheese – 4 slices, melty and spicy, perfect for topping.
- Pickles – for garnish, add crunch and a tangy bite to each delicious sandwich.
How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Melt
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Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of oil along with 2 tablespoons of Nashville Hot seasoning to the thinly sliced chicken, mixing it well to ensure every piece is evenly coated. If you have time, marinate in the fridge for a few hours to let those flavors deepen.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of pickle brine, and the remaining Nashville Hot seasoning. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, then spread some mayo mix onto each hoagie roll for added flavor.
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Toast the Rolls: Heat a griddle to medium heat. Toast the hoagie rolls face down for about 3-4 minutes until the insides form a crispy golden crust, enhancing their texture.
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Sear the Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the hot griddle, then place the seasoned chicken. Spread the chicken out and sear for 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown, before flipping. Cook until heated through and the internal temperature reaches around 160°F.
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Melt the Cheese: Introduce the optional chipotles and 4 slices of pepper jack cheese atop the chicken. Chop and mix with a spatula to complete the cooking and melt the cheese, creating a deliciously gooey texture.
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Assemble the Sandwiches: Layer the seared cheesy chicken onto the toasted hoagie rolls, adding pickles, a splash more of spicy mayo, and additional seasoning if desired for a pop of flavor.
Optional: For an extra kick, top with jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Nashville Hot Chicken Melts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in advance by mixing it with oil and Nashville Hot seasoning up to 24 hours ahead of time, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply for a more robust taste. Additionally, the mayo sauce can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just give it a quick stir before spreading it on the rolls. When you’re ready to enjoy your melts, simply sear the marinated chicken and melt the cheese as directed. By prepping ahead, you’ll save time on busy weeknights while still enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals that are just as satisfying!
What to Serve with Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich?
Elevate your meal with delightful sides that perfectly complement the rich flavors and heat of this tantalizing sandwich.
- Crispy Coleslaw: This fresh and tangy side offers crunch and coolness, balancing out the spiciness of the sandwich.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the heat, providing a delightful contrast that your taste buds will love.
- Creamy Mac and Cheese: The luscious, cheesy goodness adds comfort and decadence, making every bite a dreamy experience.
- Pickle Chips: Enhance the tangy pickle garnish on the sandwich by serving extra crispy pickle chips on the side for snacking.
- Corn-on-the-Cob: The sweetness of grilled corn enhances the spicy kick, and it’s a colorful addition to your dinner plate.
- Iced Tea: Refreshing and slightly sweet, a glass of iced tea cools the palate after each spicy bite, making for a perfect drink pairing.
- Chocolate Cake: Finish the meal with a decadent slice of chocolate cake, balancing the spice with rich sweetness and satisfying indulgence.
Nashville Hot Chicken Melt Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this sandwich your own by trying out these delicious twists!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute pepper jack cheese with vegan cheese or omit it entirely for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free hoagie rolls to make this sandwich suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters while keeping the same tasty experience.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mayo mix for an electrifying boost of heat.
- Crunchy Slaw: Top with homemade or store-bought coleslaw for a delightful crunch and tang that complements the spiciness.
- Sweet & Spicy: Incorporate a drizzle of honey or spicy sauce atop the chicken before serving to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Smoky Flavor: Enhance the smoky notes by using smoked paprika in the seasoning mix, offering a depth that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Veggie Version: Swap chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steak for a hearty vegetarian alternative that still satisfies.
- Herbed Twist: Use fresh herbs like cilantro or dill in the mayo for a refreshing herbaceous note that brightens every bite!
Storage Tips for Nashville Hot Chicken Melt
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual sandwiches tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, use aluminum foil followed by a layer of plastic wrap.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This helps restore that crispy roll texture!
Room Temperature: Serve immediately after preparation, but if left out, consume within 2 hours to ensure food safety. Enjoy your delicious Nashville Hot Chicken Melt!
Expert Tips for the Nashville Hot Chicken Melt
- Marinate for Flavor: Allowing your chicken to marinate in the Nashville Hot seasoning for a few hours enhances the flavor. Don’t skip this step if you have the time!
- Avoid Overcrowding: When searing the chicken, cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of a perfect sear.
- Perfect Cheese Melt: To ensure the pepper jack cheese melts beautifully, cover the griddle for a minute after adding the cheese. This traps heat and helps it melt smoothly.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of Nashville Hot seasoning to match your spice preference. Use less for a milder taste or more for that fiery kick!
- Toasty Rolls: Don’t rush the toasting process; a crispy roll will cradle all the flavors without falling apart. It’s a delightful texture contrast!
- Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover chicken, repurpose it for other meals like salads or wraps for a quick and delicious option.
Nashville Hot Chicken Melt Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best chicken breast for my Nashville Hot Chicken Melt?
Absolutely! Look for chicken breasts that are firm and have a slight sheen. Avoid any that have dark spots or a slimy texture. Thinner slices work best for quicker cooking and tenderness, so if possible, ask your butcher to slice them for you.
How should I store leftover Nashville Hot Chicken Melt?
After enjoying your meal, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s essential to let the chicken cool completely before sealing the container to maintain freshness. If you think you may not finish them, consider freezing instead.
Can I freeze the Nashville Hot Chicken Melt?
Yes, you can! Wrap each assembled sandwich tightly in aluminum foil, followed by a layer of plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. This dual layer prevents freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy texture.
What should I do if my chicken breast is still pink after cooking?
If your chicken is still pink, it may need a bit more cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. If it’s undercooked, simply cover it and give it more time on the griddle, flipping occasionally until fully cooked through.
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
Very! However, if someone has allergies, ensure to substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative if they are lactose intolerant, or omit the chipotles if they are sensitive to spicy foods. Always check any branded seasoning for hidden allergens, especially if your guest has dietary restrictions.
How do I make the Nashville Hot Chicken Melt spicier?
The more the merrier, especially when it comes to spice! You can increase the Nashville Hot seasoning in both the chicken marinade and the mayonnaise mix. Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to the finished sandwich for an extra kick! Adjust according to your taste preferences.
Nashville Hot Chicken Melt: Sizzling Comfort You Must Try!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Coat the chicken with oil and Nashville Hot seasoning, mix well, and marinate if possible.
- Whisk mayonnaise, pickle brine, and remaining seasoning in a bowl.
- Toast hoagie rolls on a griddle until golden brown.
- Sear seasoned chicken on a hot griddle until cooked through.
- Add chipotles and cheese on top of chicken and melt.
- Assemble sandwiches with the chicken, sauce, and pickles.