Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

why make this recipe

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on traditional fried chicken. Their crispy texture and spicy kick make them perfect for those who love bold flavors. Whether you’re preparing a weekend meal or hosting a gathering, these tenders are sure to impress. Plus, they are easy to make at home and can be served with various sides, making them a versatile choice.

how to make Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Start by prepping your ingredients and setting up your workspace. Here’s how to make Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders step by step:

Ingredients:

• 10 pieces chicken
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1/3 cup hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons seasoned salt
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/3 cup cayenne pepper (for coating)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dark brown sugar (for coating)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (for coating)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for coating)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for coating)
• White bread and pickles, for serving

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk, and back into the flour. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the tenders in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
6. Remove the tenders and drain them on paper towels.
7. To make the Nashville Hot Coating, mix 1 cup of the frying oil with cayenne pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
8. Brush the spicy mixture over the hot chicken.
9. Serve the tenders on white bread with pickles.

how to serve Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders are best served hot. Place them on slices of white bread and add some pickles on the side. You can also add a simple coleslaw or some potato chips for a complete meal. For those who love heat, feel free to drizzle more hot sauce on top!

how to store Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

If you have leftovers, let the chicken tenders cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to retain their crispiness.

tips to make Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. This helps create a crispy coating.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying, as it can lower the oil temperature.
• If you like it spicier, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating.
• Let the coated chicken rest before frying to help the breading stick better.

variation

You can try using different types of chicken, like thighs or wings, if you prefer. Additionally, you can adjust the spice level to make it milder or hotter based on your taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken, but leaving the skin on adds flavor and crispy texture.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for the flour?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. How can I make these chicken tenders less spicy?
You can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or use a milder hot sauce to lessen the heat.

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders are crispy, spicy chicken pieces that are perfect for bold flavor lovers. They're easy to make and versatile for various sides.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 10 pieces

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken and Marinade

• 10 pieces chicken Use your preferred cut, skin-on recommended.
• 2 cups buttermilk For marinating the chicken.
• 1/3 cup hot sauce Adjust to taste for spiciness.
• 1 tablespoon onion powder

Breading Mixture

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch For extra crispiness.
• 3 tablespoons seasoned salt
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper Adjust for spiciness.
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Hot Coating

• 1/3 cup cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For Serving

• 1 loaf white bread For serving.
• to taste pieces pickles For serving.

Cooking Oil

• as needed cups vegetable oil For frying.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk, and back into the flour. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes.

Cooking

1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the tenders in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
3. Remove the tenders and drain them on paper towels.
4. To make the Nashville Hot Coating, mix 1 cup of the frying oil with cayenne pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
5. Brush the spicy mixture over the hot chicken.

Serving

1. Serve the tenders on white bread with pickles.

Notes

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy coating. Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying to maintain oil temperature. Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spiciness. Let coated chicken rest before frying for better breading adhesion.