Making Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches can be simplified by following these easy steps:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.

2. Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix together flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying; you can test it by dropping a small amount of the flour mix into the oil – it should sizzle immediately.

4. Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off excess flour and set aside.

5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).

6. Drain the Chicken: Use tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. Make the Spicy Oil (Optional): In a small bowl, combine a couple of tablespoons of the leftover oil from frying with additional cayenne pepper and hot sauce to your preferred spice level.

8. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread the spicy oil over the top of each chicken piece. Place the chicken on the bottom half of each sandwich bun. Add dill pickle slices and coleslaw if desired.

9. Serve: Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately while hot!