No need for take-out. This copycat recipe for Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders is easy to make so you can have that sweet and spicy chicken you love without ever having to leave the house.
Ever had that undeniable craving for something crispy, spicy, and oh-so-irresistible? Enter the world of Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders: golden brown strips of chicken dripping with a spicy glaze that’s a beautiful dance of sweet, savory, and fiery flavors.
Let me tell you, I love crispy, fried chicken. When I can do the full recipe at home? Well, all the better! It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the experience.
Every bite in this Nashville chicken recipe delivers a kick of spice, wrapped in a crispy coating that’s to die for. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Spice up your life (and your kitchen) with these Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders. From the crunchy exterior to the flavorful, spicy insides, this recipe promises to deliver an experience unlike any other.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for the perfect game day snack, or just want to treat yourself to a delicious meal, this is the recipe to try.
And remember, the journey of cooking is all about experimenting, so feel free to make this dish your own!
Common Questions About Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
How spicy is the Nashville Chicken?
The spiciness is adjustable to your preference, but traditionally, it comes with quite a kick! The cayenne pepper and chili powder ensure that.
If you’re new to spicy food, start with less and adjust as you go. My advice is to enjoy it as spicy as is comfortable for you. Maybe just a little past that point.
Do I really need to marinate for 4 hours?
While 30 minutes can give you a nice flavor, marinating longer ensures that the spicy and savory flavors seep deep into the chicken pieces, making every bite a flavorful explosion. You really can’t go wrong with more flavor in your chicken fingers!
Is deep frying the only method?
No, you can try air frying for a healthier version. The cooking process might differ, but you’ll still get that amazing crispiness. Look for air fryer-specific recipes like the air fryer Nashville hot chicken tenders.
Storage
I love leftover chicken. How about you? These spicy chicken tenders are certainly best when fresh and hot. But that doesn’t mean you can enjoy them later right out of the fridge!
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
For longer storage, place the cooled chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Transfer to an airtight container and store for up to a month. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Tips
Here are a few things to think about while you’re making this great fried chicken recipe. Don’t worry! It’s simple, easy, and sooo yummy!
- Use paper towels for draining to keep that exterior crunchy.
- Want an extra kick of spice? Increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Always use high-quality oil for frying to get the best results.
- Try serving with white bread to balance the spice and absorb the flavors.
- Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder and cayenne.
Ingredients
With these basic ingredients, you’re going to bring a world of spicy flavor into your kitchen. These chicken tenders will satisfy anyone you serve them to!
- Chicken tenders or breasts
- Cayenne
- Brown sugar
- Black pepper
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Paprika
- All-purpose flour
- Buttermilk
- Hot sauce
- Vegetable oil
How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
I absolutely love the sauce in this recipe. Don’t skip that part! The chicken is great all on its own but that sauce takes things to a whole new level!
- Place the chicken in a shallow dish.
- Add the cayenne, brown sugar, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and paprika to a bowl and stir.
- Add ¾ of the seasoning mixture to the chicken.
- Rub in and coat the chicken well.
- Add the remaining ¼ of the seasonings to the flour and set aside.
- Pour the buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken, mix well, and let marinate for at least 30 mins but up to 4 hours.
- When you are ready to fry, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade and coat it with the flour mixture.
- Let sit for 5 mins on a wire rack before frying.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides (about 8 mins total)
- Remove, place on a wire rack, and let the oil drain. (Using a wire rack will help the chicken maintain its crispiness.)
Make the glaze
- Add the oil, honey, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl and stir until combined then brush over the hot chicken!
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Nothing too complicated here. The deep fryer is going to do the hard part. In the end, you’ll have golden brown, crispy chicken that the whole family will devour!
- Frying Pan, Deep Fryer, or Dutch Oven
- Tongs
- Paper Towels
- Cookie Sheet or wire rack for draining
What to Serve With Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
I love to have some fruit on the side with my spicy chicken. Think cantaloupe or grapes! It’s great to have some sweet to go with the spicy!
- Collard greens: A Southern classic that is adored by many. It pairs perfectly with this crispy, spicy chicken.
- Coleslaw: The creamy, fresh texture balances out the spice. The veggies do a lot to round out this dish.
- Cornbread: Because who doesn’t love cornbread? Bring on the butter and honey!
- Dipping sauces like mustard sauce or a classic ranch.
Why You Should Make Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Everyone needs a bit of spice in their life. Spicy food has been shown to play a role in good heart health. So not only is it tasty, it’s good for you too!
- It’s the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory.
- A crowd-pleaser for parties and gatherings.
- Makes for a late-night snack that hits the right spots.
- A delicious alternative to regular fried chicken.
Variations and Add-Ins for Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Variety is the spice of life, right? Don’t hesitate to try something new with this dish. You’re going to love it!
- Onion Powder: For an added depth of flavor.
- Wheat Flour: A healthier alternative to all-purpose flour.
- Olive Oil Spray: Use for air frying the chicken tenders.
- Spicy Butter Sauce: Mix some melted butter with the hot sauce for a creamy drizzle.
If you love this easy chicken recipe, you’re going to love these other chicken dinner ideas too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Great Fried Chicken Recipes
If you love this recipe for chicken tenders as much as I do, please write a five-star review, and be sure to help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!
CONNECT WITH YUMMI HAUS!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 chicken tenders or 2 breasts cut into strips
- 3 tbsp cayenne can increase to 5 tbsp if you like it hotter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar light or dark
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- hot sauce your favorite
- 10 cups vegetable oil
Glaze/Sauce
- ¼ cup oil from the chicken – or 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
Chicken
- Place the chicken in a shallow dish.
- Add the cayenne, brown sugar, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and paprika to a bowl and stir.
- Add ¾ of the seasoning mixture to the chicken.
- Rub in and coat the chicken well.
- Add the remaining ¼ of the seasonings to the flour and set aside.
- Pour the buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken, mix well, and let marinate for at least 30 mins but up to 4 hours.
- When you are ready to fry, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade and coat it with the flour mixture.
- Let sit for 5 mins on a wire rack before frying.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides (about 8 mins total)
- Remove, place on a wire rack, and let the oil drain. (see notes)
Make the glaze
- Add the oil, honey, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl and stir until combined then brush over the hot chicken!
Notes
Equipment
- Frying Pan, Deep Dryer or Dutch Oven
- Tongs
- Paper Towels
- Cookie Sheet for draining
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Reader Interactions
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Share Your Thoughts