Growing up in the heart of Nashville, I have some of the fondest memories surrounding the city’s signature dish – the mouthwatering, spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders. The sizzling smell of the chicken, the satisfying crunch with each bite, and the unmistakable heat that slowly builds up on your tongue – it’s an experience that truly captures the spirit of Music City. I can still vividly recall the first time I tried these bold, flavorful tenders at a local joint downtown. The mix of crispy batter, tender chicken, and that signature Nashville hot seasoning had me hooked from the very first piece. Since then, I’ve perfected my own Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders recipe that I know you’re going to love.
Why This Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
What makes this Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the marinade – soaking the chicken tenders in buttermilk for just the right amount of time ensures they stay unbelievably juicy and tender on the inside, while the crispy, flavorful coating seals in all that Southern goodness. And the secret spice blend? That’s where the magic really happens. The blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and onion powder packs a powerful punch of Nashville-style heat that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders, you’ll need a few essential ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders – The star of the show! Chicken tenders are the perfect size and shape for soaking up all those bold flavors.
- 1 cup buttermilk – This tangy, thick marinade is the key to ultra-juicy, tender chicken. The acids in the buttermilk also help break down the proteins for a more tender texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The crispy, crunchy coating starts with a simple dredge in seasoned flour.
- 1 tablespoon paprika – This smoky, slightly sweet spice adds depth and color to the coating.
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper – The star of the show! Cayenne pepper is what gives Nashville Hot Chicken its signature fiery kick.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For an extra punch of savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Complements the garlic perfectly for a well-rounded seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Balances out the heat and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds the perfect amount of warmth.
- Vegetable oil for frying – You’ll need enough oil to fully submerge the chicken tenders for that golden, crispy coating.
Step-by-Step Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Instructions
Preparing Your Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
With a quick 15 minute prep time and 15 minute cook time, you can have a plate of piping hot, perfectly crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders on the table in just 30 minutes! All you’ll need is a large mixing bowl, a shallow dish or plate for dredging, a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven for frying, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Start by placing the chicken tenders in a large bowl and pouring the buttermilk over top. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator. This crucial step ensures the meat stays juicy and tender.
2- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork to mix the seasoning into the flour until well combined.
3- Working with one tender at a time, dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, pressing to help the coating adhere. Shake off any excess before transferring to a plate.
4- Fill a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven with 2-3 inches of vegetable oil and heat to 350°F. Carefully add the breaded tenders in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per batch, flipping halfway, until the coating is golden brown and crispy.
5- Transfer the fried chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Season immediately with an extra sprinkle of the spice blend.
6- Serve your Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. The combination of juicy, tender chicken and that signature Nashville heat is truly unbeatable.
Pro Tips for Success
- For extra-crispy chicken, let the coated tenders rest for 10-15 minutes before frying. This helps the batter set up and get extra crunchy.
- Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the perfect 350°F temperature. Fluctuations in heat can lead to greasy or unevenly cooked chicken.
- Work in small batches when frying to maintain the oil temperature and prevent the chicken from steaming instead of crisping up.
- Can’t handle the heat? Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance. Start with 1/2 tablespoon and work your way up.
- For the best texture, avoid crowding the chicken in the marinade or dredging. Work in batches to ensure each tender is fully coated.
Serving and Storing Your Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Perfect Pairings for Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
This recipe makes 4 generous servings of Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders, perfect for sharing as a main course or appetizer. I love serving them alongside cool, creamy coleslaw to balance out the heat, plus a few slices of dill pickle for that classic Southern touch. An ice-cold beer or sweet tea also makes for the perfect pairing. For a heartier meal, pair the tenders with fluffy white bread, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a fresh green salad.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place the tenders on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until hot and crispy. You can also reheat them in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-6 minutes.
For longer storage, the chicken tenders can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the tenders to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes.
This recipe is also a great make-ahead option. You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk up to 2 days in advance, then bread and fry just before serving for maximum crispiness.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Creative Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few fun twists on classic Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders:
- Make it spicier with extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce in the coating.
- Add a sweet-and-spicy twist by brushing the fried tenders with a honey-sriracha glaze.
- For a creative spin, try Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Tacos or Sliders.
- Use the seasoned coating to make Nashville Hot Chicken Nuggets or Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches.
- In the mood for something lighter? Bake the breaded tenders instead of frying for a healthier take.
Making Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps:
- Use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free coating.
- Substitute the buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk or a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option.
- Bake the breaded chicken tenders instead of frying to reduce fat and calories.
- Omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount to lower the heat level.
- Serve the tenders over a fresh salad or cauliflower rice instead of bread or potatoes for a low-carb meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
A: Absolutely! You can easily swap in boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as breasts may take a minute or two longer to fully cook through.
Q: How long do I need to marinate the chicken?
A: For best results, marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps ensure the meat stays incredibly tender and juicy.
Q: Can I make these Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
A: Yes! The tenders can be marinated in buttermilk up to 2 days in advance. When ready to serve, just bread and fry the chicken right before eating for maximum crispiness.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe for Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders makes 4 generous servings. It’s the perfect amount to feed a small group as a main course or have as an appetizer.
Q: What if my chicken tenders aren’t as crispy as I’d like?
A: A few troubleshooting tips: make sure the oil is at the right 350°F temperature, work in small batches to maintain the heat, and let the coated tenders rest for 10-15 minutes before frying. This helps the coating set up and get extra crispy.
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the bold, spicy-sweet flavors of Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders, a quick and easy version of the iconic Southern dish. Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1. In a shallow bowl, combine the buttermilk and chicken tenders. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
2. In a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the tenders in the seasoned flour, coating them completely.
4. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Fry the chicken tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Drain the fried chicken tenders on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra crispy tenders, let the breaded chicken sit for 10-15 minutes before frying. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper to the seasoned flour. Leftover tenders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a 400°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Conclusion
These Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders are truly a must-try recipe. With their perfect balance of juicy, tender chicken and a bold, spicy coating, it’s no wonder this dish has become a Southern staple. The best part? You can have this Nashville-inspired feast on your table in just 30 minutes. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the fryer, and get ready to experience the magic of Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out – I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
