If you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive, look no further than Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders. This mouthwatering recipe brings together tender chicken strips coated in a perfectly seasoned, crunchy crust and drenched in a bold, fiery sauce that’s bursting with southern charm. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight or aiming to impress friends with a homemade classic, these Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders hit all the right notes of heat, crispiness, and flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly crispy crust: The double-dredging method ensures a crunch that stays crispy bite after bite.
- Perfectly balanced heat: Bold spices bring the signature Nashville heat without overwhelming your palate.
- Simple ingredients: Easily accessible pantry staples combine to create complex, mouthwatering flavors.
- Quick to make: This recipe comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable spice level: Easily adjust the heat to suit your taste buds by tweaking the cayenne and chili powders.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders comes from using straightforward ingredients that each add a special touch, from crispy texture to bold flavor and fiery color. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need before diving into the cooking process.
- Chicken tenders: Choose fresh, boneless strips for juicy, easy-to-cook pieces.
- Buttermilk: Acts as a tenderizer while helping the seasoning stick for ultimate flavor.
- Flour: Provides the crunchy coating that makes these tenders truly addictive.
- Cayenne pepper: Packs the essential spice punch that defines Nashville hot chicken.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth to balance the fiery heat.
- Garlic powder: Enhances savory notes for well-rounded seasoning.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for taste balance and highlighting flavors.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying to golden perfection without overpowering taste.
- Butter: Used in the hot sauce, adding richness and a silky finish.
- Honey (optional): Provides a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spice.
Variations for Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
One of the best parts about making Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders at home is how adaptable the recipe is. Feel free to experiment and adjust to fit your dietary preferences and flavor cravings with these easy variations.
- Baked instead of fried: Swap frying for baking to enjoy a lighter version with less oil.
- Spicy mayo drizzle: Mix mayo with hot sauce and a squeeze of lime for a creamy, spicy topping.
- Gluten-free option: Use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend to keep the crispiness without gluten.
- Extra smoky heat: Add chipotle powder or smoked chili flakes for a smoky kick.
- Sweet heat combo: Incorporate brown sugar or maple syrup into your sauce for a sweet and spicy balance.
How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken tenders and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is important to ensure the breading sticks well and fries up crispy. Then, soak the tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the meat and infuse some moisture.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
While the chicken marinates, combine the all-purpose flour with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika in a large bowl. This flavorful flour blend will give your tenders their signature crunch and spicy kick.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Remove the tenders from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, then quickly dip them back into the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure they are well coated. For an extra crispy crust, dip each tender back into the buttermilk and then into the flour one more time for a double coating.
Step 4: Fry the Tenders
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken tenders in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove and drain on wire racks or paper towels to keep the crust crisp.
Step 5: Make the Nashville Hot Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and mix in cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a touch of honey if you like. Stir well to combine and remove from heat just before the butter starts to brown.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken
Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each fried tender with the hot sauce while still warm. This step is what delivers that iconic fiery, flavorful punch.
Pro Tips for Making Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
- Use fresh oil: Fresh frying oil yields a cleaner flavor and better crunch, so avoid reusing old oil when possible.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keeping the oil around 350°F ensures a crispy exterior without greasy chicken.
- Don’t skip the double dip: This technique is essential for achieving the crave-worthy crispiness of Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders.
- Adjust spice to taste: Start with moderate cayenne and add more if you love extra heat.
- Rest after frying: Let tenders rest on a wire rack to keep them crispy—not soggy—from steam buildup.
How to Serve Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped pickles or cool ranch dressing over the tenders to contrast the heat, or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty lift that complements the bold spices.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or crispy french fries pair perfectly with Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders, balancing spice with refreshing textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these tenders into a sandwich by piling them on toasted buns with pickles and slaw, or serve on a large platter with dipping sauces like blue cheese, honey mustard, or spicy ranch for a crowd-pleasing finger food experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep them as fresh as possible without losing too much crispiness.
Freezing
Flash freeze tenders on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months and can be reheated straight from frozen.
Reheating
For best results, reheat tenders in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F until crispy and warmed through; avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
What makes Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders different from regular fried chicken?
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders are distinguished by their spicy cayenne pepper sauce brushed on after frying, giving them a signature heat and flavor distinct from traditional fried chicken.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! Chicken breasts can be sliced into strips that mimic tenders, but cooking times may vary slightly due to thickness differences.
How spicy are Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders?
The heat level can be adjusted to your liking, but traditionally, they feature a moderate to high spice level thanks to cayenne pepper and smoked paprika.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or rice flour to achieve a crispy coating without gluten.
How do I keep the chicken tenders crispy after frying?
Drain tenders on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent steam from softening the crust, and avoid covering them until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders—crispy, spicy, and packed with that unforgettable southern flavor punch. This recipe is approachable, full of flavor, and easy to modify, making it a perfect addition to your cooking repertoire. Give it a try and watch these fiery tenders become a fast favorite in your home!