Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce (2+ hours).
2. Coat chicken: flour > buttermilk > flour (double dip).
3. Fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, golden and crispy.
4. Mix hot sauce ingredients: 1/2 cup hot frying oil, 2 tbsp cayenne, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp each paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt. Toss fried chicken in sauce.
5. Assemble: toasted buns, pickles, lettuce, ranch, chicken.

Pro Tip: For an extra crispy crust, let the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before frying—this helps the breading stick better during cooking!