Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies
Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Hoagies are a fiery, cheesy sandwich combining hot seasoning, melty pepper jack, and tangy pickles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breast, thinly sliced Thighs can be used for juicier results.
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided Use for cooking the chicken.
- ¼ cup hot chicken seasoning or Nashville-style spice blend For seasoning the chicken.
For the Spicy Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon pickle brine
- 1 tablespoon chopped chipotles (optional for extra heat)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons seasoning blend (from above) To taste.
For Assembly
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese Cheddar, mozzarella, or American cheese can be swapped for a milder taste.
- Pickle slices for topping Add more for serving.
Instructions
Season the Chicken
- Place the sliced chicken breast in a bowl.
- Add one tablespoon of oil and about two tablespoons of the seasoning blend. Mix thoroughly until every piece is coated.
- For deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
Make the Spicy Mayo
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, pickle brine, chopped chipotles (if using), and one to two teaspoons of the seasoning blend.
- Stir well until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the flavor to your liking. Set aside.
Toast the Rolls
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat.
- Spread a thin layer of the spicy mayo on the cut sides of the hoagie rolls.
- Toast until golden and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the hot griddle.
- Spread the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and let them sear for about 3 minutes without stirring.
- Flip the chicken and continue cooking until almost done (internal temperature around 160°F).
Add Cheese and Finish
- Top the chicken with slices of pepper jack cheese and lower the heat slightly.
- Let the cheese melt and gently mix and chop the chicken until evenly coated with melted cheese.
Assemble the Hoagies
- Spread more spicy mayo inside each toasted roll.
- Spoon the cheesy chicken mixture onto the rolls, pile it high, and top with pickle slices.
- Sprinkle on a little extra seasoning if desired.
Serve
- Serve the sandwiches hot with fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad on the side.
Notes
Store leftover chicken and mayo separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, warm the chicken in a skillet and toast the roll again before assembling.