How to Make a Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwich: a Bold, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy – the perfect Southern twist on a classic cheesesteak.
If you’re craving the fiery kick of Nashville hot chicken and the comforting indulgence of a classic cheesesteak, this Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwich is the perfect mash-up.
It brings the best of both worlds together: juicy, seasoned chicken thighs, sautéed onions and peppers, melty pepper jack cheese, and a creamy hot sauce, all piled high in a soft hoagie roll. This bold sandwich is packed with flavor and spice, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy any heat-loving sandwich enthusiast.
Why This Sandwich Works
This Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwich is a delicious recipe that delivers bold Southern heat, creamy richness, and cheesy comfort all in one.
The spice of the Nashville seasoning is tamed by the creamy sauce, while the pickles provide a refreshing tang creating a truly satisfying sandwich experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need for a Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteak
For the Sandwich
- 3 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 8 slices of pepper jack cheese
- 12 dill pickle slices
- 2 large hoagie rolls
For the Creamy Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Nashville hot seasoning
Nashville Hot Seasoning Mix
- ¼ cup cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteak
1. Brine the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken thighs in a container with pickle juice. Let them brine for one hour in the fridge. This adds moisture and tang to the chicken, making every bite flavorful and juicy.
2. Season the Chicken
After an hour, remove the chicken from the brine and pat them dry.
Generously coat the chicken thighs with the homemade Nashville hot seasoning mix. This blend of cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and spices is what gives the sandwich its signature heat and depth of flavor.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
While the chicken is soaking in flavor, grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayo, lemon juice, and two tablespoons of the Nashville hot seasoning.
This creamy Nashville hot sauce is what adds a smooth, spicy kick to finish the sandwich perfectly.
4. Dice the Vegetables
Cube one large yellow onion and one green bell pepper. These will be sautéed and mixed with the chicken, adding sweetness and crunch to balance out the heat.
5. Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of oil on a flat top griddle or in a large skillet over medium heat then add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook them, flipping every 2 minutes.
Remove and set aside to rest once they have some good flavorful crust on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Sauté the Veggies
Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the hot griddle or skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until soft and slightly caramelized.
7. Combine and Melt Cheese
With a sharp knife, chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Return the chopped top chicken to the griddle with the peppers and onions.
Add 4 slices of pepper jack cheese on top and allow it to melt, then mix everything thoroughly.
8. Assemble the Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwich
Divide the cheesy chicken and veggie mixture into two piles, top each with an additional 2 slices of pepper jack cheese, and allow them to melt slightly.
Stuff each pile into a hoagie roll, then slide in 6 dill pickle slices per sandwich for a tangy crunch.
Drizzle the creamy Nashville hot sauce over the top of the stuffed hoagie rolls. Serve the sandwiches warm and enjoy the bold, spicy, cheesy deliciousness!
Tips for Best Results
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for maximum juiciness and flavor retention.
- Don’t skip the pickle brine – it tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with tangy flavor.
- Let the cheese fully melt before mixing – this creates a rich, creamy texture throughout the filling.
- Serve with extra pickles and hot sauce on the side for true heat lovers.
More Must-Try Sandwiches
This sweet and smoky BBQ Chicken Cheesesteak features tender chicken smothered in barbecue sauce, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese on a toasted hoagie roll. It’s the perfect blend of tangy, cheesy, and savory, making it an instant comfort food favorite for any night of the week.
The Birria Cheesesteak is an explosion of flavor, combining slow-cooked, juicy birria-style beef with sautéed onions, melted cheese, and crispy griddled hoagie rolls. Served with a side of consommé for dipping, this fusion sandwich is a spicy, cheesy twist on the classic Philly.
Nashville Hot Pork Belly Sandwich
Crispy, tender pork belly meets fiery Nashville heat in this indulgent sandwich. Coated in a bold spice mix and paired with creamy sauce and pickles on a soft bun, this sandwich delivers on both flavor and texture—crispy, juicy, spicy, and creamy all in one bite.
Crispy Nashville Hot Pork Belly with Guacamole
This loaded open-faced dish brings together crispy pork belly tossed in Nashville hot seasoning and topped with creamy, fresh guacamole. It’s a flavor-packed appetizer or small plate that brings the heat and richness with a cooling, herby twist.
Nashville Hot Pork Belly Burnt Ends
These bite-sized pieces of pork belly are seasoned with Nashville hot spices, slow-smoked until tender, then finished with a crisp char. The result? A spicy-sweet, smoky snack or entrée that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.
Final Thoughts on Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Whether you’re a fan of traditional cheesesteaks or a spice-seeker looking to bring some Southern flair into your sandwich game, this Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteak recipe hits the mark.
Packed with bold flavor, creamy sauce, and plenty of cheesy goodness, it’s a must-try for anyone craving a sandwich that delivers on both heat and comfort.
Ready to bring the heat to your next cookout or weeknight dinner? Fire up that griddle and give this Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteak a try!
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Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteak
Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteak is a super delicious sandwich! Spicy chicken, gooey cheese, pickles and creamy sauce stuffed in a hoagie.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 8 slices of pepper jack cheese
- 12 Dill pickle slices (wavy)
- 2 large hoagie rolls
Creamy Sauce
- ½ cup mayo
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Nashville hot seasoning
Nashville Hot Seasoning Mix
- ¼ cup cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
- 2 tsp dry mustard
- 2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in pickle juice and let them brine for 1 hour.
- Remove chicken from the brine, then generously season with the homemade Nashville Hot seasoning mix.
- Make the creamy nashville hot sauce by combining all of the ingredients in a bowl then mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Cube an onion and green bell pepper with a sharp knife.
- Cook the chicken on a hot griddle flipping every 2 minutes. Remove once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add the cubed peppers and onions to the hot griddle and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Cut the chicken up into bite size pieces then add the chicken back in with the peppers and onions.
- Top with 4 slices of pepper jack cheese then mix everything once melted.
- Form a pile for the sandwich, then top with 2 slices of pepper jack cheese.
- Stuff the chicken, peppers and onions in a hoagie roll. Add slices of pickles and stuff them in the side of the sandwich
- Drizzle the creamy sauce on top then serve warm.
