Zesty Nashville-Style Chicken Sandwiches

Nashville Spicy Chicken Burgers

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Duration: 20 minutes Yield: 4

Experience all the tastes of Nashville-style spicy fried chicken sandwiches in simple and quick burger form!

ingredients

For the chicken burgers:

• 1 pound ground chicken (or ground beef or turkey)
• 1 cup grated zucchini, drained of excess moisture (optional)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 4 buns/rolls (use gluten-free for gluten-free)
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 16 slices of pickles

For the hot sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

For the seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons (smoked) paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

directions

For the chicken burgers:

1. Combine the chicken, zucchini, breadcrumbs, and seasoning (set aside 1 teaspoon for the hot sauce), then shape into 4 patties.
2. Cook the patties by grilling, pan-frying, or broiling, until fully cooked (165F), approximately 3-5 minutes on each side.
3. Brush the burgers with the hot sauce, assemble the burgers and relish the flavors!

For the hot sauce:

4. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, incorporate 1 teaspoon of the seasoning, stir and remove from heat.

For the seasoning:

5. Combine everything!

Note: Manage the spice level with the cayenne (and red chili flakes), use less for a milder taste! (Use 1/4 teaspoon cayenne if you prefer a hint of heat, 1/2 teaspoon for more spice, and 1+ for intense heat!)
Option: Incorporate 1 small grated onion into the burger mixture.
Option: Mix in 2 cloves of minced/grated garlic into the burger mixture.
Option: Apply some of the seasoning on the patties for a dry rub experience!
Option: Use your preferred burger fillings/toppings!