Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks Recipe

Get ready to dive into the irresistible combination of spicy, creamy, and savory with these Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks. Imagine all the bold flavors of Nashville hot chicken—fiery seasoning, tangy pickles, and creamy sauce—piled onto a soft, toasted hoagie that drips with gooey pepper Jack cheese. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing game day treat or just shaking up your weeknight dinner routine, this sandwich is a total flavor powerhouse that brings comfort and excitement by the bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks is in their straightforward ingredient list—each element plays its part in building layers of flavor, from the vibrant veggies to the spicy-smooth sauce that ties everything together. Don’t skip the details; the magic is in how these basics come together.

• Mayonnaise: A cool, creamy base to anchor the heat and add lusciousness to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice (from 1/2 lemon): Adds a splash of zip that brightens and balances the spicy flavors.
• McCormick® Grill Mates® Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning (3 tablespoons, divided): This is the flavor bomb! It brings heat, tang, and all those signature Nashville spices.
• Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and keeps everything juicy on the grill.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (1 1/2 pounds, cut into bite-size chunks): Thighs stay tender and soak up tons of flavor—ideal for this sandwich.
• Green Bell Pepper (1 medium, chopped): Tosses in some crunch and a touch of sweetness for freshness.
• Yellow Onion (1 medium, chopped): Caramelizes on the grill, adding subtle sweetness to the filling.
• Pepper Jack Cheese (4 slices): Melts into the filling, bringing creaminess and a little extra kick.
• Hoagie Rolls (2, 8- to 10-inch, toasted): The sturdy, slightly chewy vehicle for all that spicy goodness.
• Dill Pickle Slices: The all-important tangy crunch that puts the “Nashville hot” flavor over the top.

How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks

Step 1: Make the Nashville Hot Mayo & Marinate the Chicken

Start by whipping up the special sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of the Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning. Give it a taste—you’ll want to steal a spoonful! Cover and set the sauce aside. For the chicken, toss the bite-sized pieces with oil and the remaining seasoning in a large bowl, ensuring every chunk is fully coated in that mouthwatering spice blend.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Cook the Chicken

Fire up a flat top grill or a large skillet over high heat. First, add the chopped green bell pepper and yellow onion. Stir frequently until everything softens and the veggies start to caramelize. Push the peppers and onions to one side to keep warm while you move on to the chicken.

Step 3: Grill and Mix the Filling

Add the seasoned chicken to the hot grill surface. Give it a good stir as it cooks, about 5 to 7 minutes, until every piece is juicy and cooked through. Fold the peppers and onions back in, mixing everything together. Then lay those glorious slices of pepper Jack cheese on top—the residual heat will melt everything into a cheesy, spicy tangle.

Step 4: Build Your Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks

Divide the cheesy chicken-veggie mixture into two even piles. Place a toasted hoagie roll on top of each mound, then use a wide spatula to scoop and flip the filling straight into the roll. Pile on dill pickle slices and drizzle with that Nashville hot mayo you made earlier. Slice each sandwich in half, and prepare to feast!

How to Serve Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of condiments and toppings with Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks. Aside from plenty of dill pickles for that trademark crunch, you might add a handful of finely chopped green onions or a dusting of extra seasoning on the top for a pop of color and kick. If you love more heat, a few dashes of hot sauce over the meat before closing the roll really turn up the fire!

Side Dishes

These sandwiches instantly become the star of the meal, but a few classic sides make the experience even better. Crisp, golden french fries or a cool, crunchy coleslaw are classic companions. For something lighter, serve with a simple green salad to balance all that spicy, cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Unleash your inner sandwich artist! Try serving your Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks sliders-style for parties—just divide the filling among mini rolls. You can also open-face the sandwich, melt extra cheese on top under the broiler, and serve knife-and-fork style. Or, wrap each sandwich in parchment and slice diagonally for an extra-decadent picnic lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), tuck the chicken and veggie mixture into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the sauce, pickles, and rolls separate, so everything stays fresh and tasty.

Freezing

For longer storage, the cooked chicken, peppers, and onions freeze surprisingly well. Let the mixture cool completely, then spoon it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. Skip freezing the rolls, mayo, and pickles for the best texture.

Reheating

To keep things juicy and flavorful, warm the filling gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring with a splash of water if needed. Alternatively, the microwave works for single servings. After reheating, pile the filling on a toasted roll and add fresh sauce and pickles for a sandwich that tastes like it’s fresh off the grill.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works just fine—just cook carefully so it doesn’t dry out. Chicken thighs hold moisture a little better, which is why they’re my go-to for Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks, but either cut will soak up that spicy, tangy flavor beautifully.

What if I can’t find Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning?

If your store doesn’t have the specific seasoning blend, make your own by combining cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. It won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll get those essential fiery, savory notes.

Can I make Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks without a flat top grill?

No problem! A heavy skillet or cast iron pan on the stove works great. Just give everything enough space to sear, and you’ll still achieve perfectly browned veggies and juicy, spiced chicken.

How spicy are these sandwiches?

Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks bring medium heat, but you can easily dial it up or down. Use less seasoning in the mayo and on the chicken for a milder bite, or add extra hot sauce and pickles if you love the burn!

Can I make these sandwiches dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite plant-based cheese slices or omit the cheese altogether. Make sure to check that your mayo is dairy-free as well, and you’ll still have a seriously flavorful sandwich.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bold, comforting, and guaranteed to wow the table, give Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks a try. This is one of those recipes that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat—bold flavor, creamy sauce, and just enough kick to keep things exciting. Dive in, share with friends, and don’t forget the extra pickles!

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