Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Nashville Hot Tenders are the ultimate spicy, crispy chicken dish that’s packed with bold, fiery flavor. Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, these tenders are a must-try for anyone who loves a little heat with their crunch!

I remember the first time I made Nashville hot chicken tenders at home. The smell of the spices filled my kitchen, and with each bite, the crispy coating gave way to tender, juicy chicken with a kick that was just right. It was love at first bite!

Since then, they’ve become a staple in my house. If you love a good kick of heat and irresistible crunch, then this chicken tenders are perfect.

I promise, they will quickly become one of your favorites too just like our Chicken Vesuvio.

Why I love this recipe

• The combination of cayenne, black pepper, and chili powder creates a perfectly balanced heat.
• Marinating the chicken in buttermilk keeps it tender and juicy under the crispy coating.
• Additionally, the honey-infused glaze complements the spice blend, resulting in a delightful array of flavors in every bite.

Equipment

• frying pan, deep fryer, or Dutch oven
• tongs
• paper towels
• cookie sheet for draining

Ingredients

FOR THE CHICKEN

• chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• all-purpose flour
• buttermilk
• hot sauce
• vegetable oil for frying
• Spices: cayenne, brown sugar, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, paprika

For the Glaze/Sauce

• oil from the chicken (or 3 tbsp unsalted butter)
• honey
• paprika
• garlic powder
• salt
• pepper

Step by step

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the seasonings and stir until well combined.
2. Add ¾ of the seasoning mixture to the chicken. Rub it in and coat the chicken well.
3. Add the remaining ¼ of the seasonings to the flour and set aside.
4. Pour buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken, mix well, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours.

1. Remove each piece from the marinade and coat with the flour mixture. Let them sit for 15 minutes on a wire rack before frying to allow the coating to set.
2. When you are ready to fry, heat your oil over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small amount of flour sprinkled in causes the oil to shimmer and sizzle.
3. Fry until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
4. Remove the chicken, place it on a wire rack, and let the oil drain. Reserve some of the cooking oil from the pan to make the glaze.
5. Mix all the sauce ingredients until well combined, then brush over the hot chicken before serving.

Variations

For a healthier twist, try baking or air frying instead of frying. You can also adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. More cayenne for extra heat or less for a milder version.

Serving suggestions

Pair these chicken tenders with coleslaw, pickles, and soft white bread for a classic Nashville hot chicken experience. They are also great on their own or with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.

Storage

To keep leftovers crispy, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F, place the tenders on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This keeps them crispy and delicious. Microwaving can make them soggy.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

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