Nashville Style Shredded Hot Chicken (Slow Cooker Recipe) Recipe
This Nashville Style Shredded Hot Chicken recipe is a slow cooker favorite that delivers spicy, flavorful shredded chicken effortlessly. Infused with a bold blend of cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic, and paprika, this dish embodies the signature heat and sweetness of Nashville hot chicken. Perfect for sandwiches or sliders, the tender shredded chicken pairs wonderfully with coleslaw and pickles for a classic taste experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes (depending on slow cooker setting)
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 to 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken (thighs or breasts, skinless and boneless preferred)
Spices & Seasonings
- 3 Tablespoons (38g) brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 ½ to 2 Tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Liquids & Fats
- ¼ cup (57g) oil or unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240mL) chicken broth
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, oil or butter, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine and evenly coat the chicken with the spices and liquids.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on high for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or on low for 3 to 3 ½ hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for quick shredding. Mix the shredded chicken thoroughly with the cooking juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Serve: Serve the shredded hot chicken warm on slider buns topped with classic coleslaw and dill pickle chips for an authentic Nashville style experience.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level to your preference.
- Using bone-in chicken thighs can add extra flavor but may require slightly longer cooking time.
- Butter provides a richer flavor, while oil keeps the dish lighter.
- Perfect served with classic southern sides like coleslaw, pickles, or potato salad.
- Reheat gently to avoid drying out the shredded chicken – microwave with a splash of broth or warm slowly on the stovetop.
Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, shredded chicken, slow cooker chicken, spicy chicken, Southern recipe, hot chicken sandwich
