Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken
   In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces, ensuring they're fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare the coating
   In a shallow dish, mix the flour, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Place on a wire rack and let rest for 10 minutes.
3. Fry the chicken
   Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the hot coating
   While chicken is still hot, prepare the signature Nashville hot coating. In a heatproof bowl, combine melted butter, remaining tablespoon of cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well combined and sugar is dissolved.
5. Apply the hot coating
   Using tongs, dip each piece of fried chicken into the hot coating, turning to coat all sides. Return to the wire rack and let excess drip off. For extra heat, brush with additional coating.
6. Assemble the sliders
   Spread a small amount of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each slider bun if desired. Place a piece of hot chicken on each bun bottom, top with a spoonful of coleslaw and a few pickle chips, then add the bun top.
7. Serve immediately
   Arrange sliders on a serving platter. For an authentic Nashville experience, serve with additional pickles on the side and have extra hot coating available for those who want more heat.