Save These spicy Nashville hot chicken tenders bring big flavor and irresistible crunch every time I crave Southern comfort with a fiery twist. They are juicy and bold with a signature cayenne kick that wakes up your taste buds in the best way possible. Serve with bread and pickles or cool ranch for a meal that rivals your favorite chicken spot.
My first batch disappeared before the platter hit the table and nobody believed I made them from scratch. Ever since I keep them on rotation for game days and fun family nights.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders: boneless skinless chicken strips ensure quick cooking and juicy bites Choose organic or air-chilled for best flavor
- Buttermilk: tangy marinade keeps the chicken moist and tender If unavailable use milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice
- Hot sauce: infuses every piece with spice and flavor I love using a classic cayenne pepper hot sauce
- Cayenne pepper: delivers signature Nashville fire Freshness matters so check your spice jar for potency
- All purpose flour: builds the craggy crispy crust Choose unbleached for heartier texture
- Cornstarch: for lighter crunch and helps coating stick
- Paprika: mild heat and savory color Use smoked paprika for richness
- Garlic powder: punchy base flavor for the dredge
- Kosher salt: brings everything together and seasons throughout
- Black pepper: sharpens all the other flavors Use freshly ground for best results
- Brown sugar: a hint of sweetness to balance the heat
- Oil: for frying neutral high smoke point oils like peanut or canola keep the tenders crisp and golden
- Pickles and white sandwich bread: traditional sides to cool the heat Dill pickles are a classic
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- Soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk and a generous splash of hot sauce for at least thirty minutes up to four hours to infuse spice and create a juicy tender bite
- Mix the Breading:
- In a wide shallow bowl whisk together flour cornstarch paprika cayenne garlic powder kosher salt black pepper and a sprinkle of brown sugar ensuring everything is evenly combined and no lumps remain
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove tenders from marinade letting excess drip off then dredge them in the flour mixture pressing firmly to fully coat each piece and maximize texture
- Prepare the Hot Oil:
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit Use a thermometer for accuracy and keep the oil depth around two inches for safe even frying
- Fry Until Golden:
- Fry chicken tenders in batches careful not to crowd Flip occasionally and cook until the breading turns a deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit About five to seven minutes total per batch
- Make the Nashville Hot Oil:
- Ladle out half a cup of hot frying oil into a heat safe bowl Add a hefty spoonful of cayenne more brown sugar a little paprika extra salt and hot sauce whisking to combine until a fiery red spicy oil forms
- Brush and Serve:
- Brush the hot oil all over the fried tenders while they are still hot Serve immediately over white sandwich bread with dill pickles on the side for the classic Nashville experience
Save My favorite ingredient is the spicy cayenne oil It makes a huge difference every time and reminds me of visits to Nashville where every spot has their secret blend My youngest calls it fire sauce and insists on extra pickles for relief
Storage Tips
These tenders stay crisp for a day when kept uncovered on a wire rack in the fridge Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer for five to seven minutes until sizzling Hot oil can be kept separately and drizzled on after reheating
Ingredient Substitutions
No buttermilk No problem Use whole milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice Let it sit for five minutes before using Gluten free flour blends work well for dredging and rice flour gives extra crunch
Serving Suggestions
Pile the tenders with fresh slaw on a brioche bun for the ultimate hot chicken sandwich For balance serve with potato salad mac and cheese or even a tangy cucumber salad Cool sauces like ranch or blue cheese are always a hit
Save Easy to double for crowds Kids love the crunchy coating even if you dial back the heat The spicy oil can be used on fries eggs and more
Recipe Guide
- → What makes Nashville hot chicken tenders spicy?
They get their heat from cayenne pepper and a spicy hot oil brushed onto the fried chicken after cooking.
- → What is the best way to serve them?
Serve with sliced pickles, white bread, and extra spicy oil for an authentic Nashville experience.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can reduce or increase cayenne in the breading and oil to adjust heat levels as desired.
- → How do I keep the chicken tenders juicy?
Marinate the chicken in buttermilk before dredging, and fry at the correct temperature for a crisp, juicy result.
- → Are these best enjoyed fresh?
Yes, chicken tenders are crispiest and most flavorful when served right after frying and brushing with spicy oil.