Print

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Print Recipe

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders deliver a bold, fiery flavor wrapped in perfectly crispy bite-sized pieces. Featuring juicy, tender chicken strips coated in a crunchy, seasoned crust and finished with a signature spicy oil blend, this quick and customizable recipe is perfect for heat seekers and casual gatherings alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 lb chicken tenders (tender strips of chicken breast)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper (for marinating)

Coating and Spice Mix

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free)
  • 1–2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Frying

  • Oil for frying (neutral oil with high smoke point)

Hot Oil Sauce

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tbsp hot sauce (adjust based on heat preference)
  • Additional 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk mixed with a pinch of salt and black pepper for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the meat and build moisture for juicy bites.
  2. Prepare the Spice Mix and Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the signature spicy coating.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Drain chicken tenders from the buttermilk. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to form a thick, crunchy crust that holds during frying.
  4. Fry the Tenders: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken tenders in small batches, about 4-5 minutes each, until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  5. Prepare the Hot Oil Sauce: Mix melted butter with hot sauce, extra cayenne pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. This spicy oil will add the iconic Nashville heat.
  6. Brush and Serve: While tenders are still warm, generously brush them with the hot oil sauce. Serve immediately to enjoy their crispiness and spicy finish.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to ensure tenderness.
  • Maintain oil temperature steadily at 350°F to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
  • Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding and greasy tenders.
  • For extra crunch, double-dip tenders by dipping again in buttermilk and flour before frying.
  • Adjust the spice level gradually by tasting the hot oil sauce before brushing on tenders.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, spicy chicken tenders, Southern fried chicken, crispy chicken, hot chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken tenders

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/nashville-hot-chicken-tenders/