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Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
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Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders offer a crispy, fiery, and addictive twist on classic chicken tenders. Tender chicken strips are marinated in tangy buttermilk, coated with a perfectly spiced flour crust, deep-fried to golden perfection, then drenched in a rich, buttery, spicy sauce. This recipe balances smoky, savory, and spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch, ideal for spice lovers and newcomers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 lb chicken tenders (strips of chicken breast)
  • 2 cups buttermilk (or plain yogurt with 1 tbsp lemon juice as substitute)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Flour Coating and Spices

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Hot Sauce and Oil

  • ½ cup hot sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • Vegetable or peanut oil, for deep frying (enough for 2–3 inches in pan)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for best tenderness and moisture.
  2. Mix the Flour Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
  3. Dredge the Chicken: Remove each tender from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Thoroughly coat the tenders in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating sticks for maximum crunch.
  4. Heat the Oil and Fry: Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the tenders in small batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook each batch about 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack to remove excess oil.
  5. Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and hot sauce. Whisk until smooth and heated through, forming a rich and fiery sauce.
  6. Coat the Tenders: Toss or brush the freshly fried chicken tenders in the hot sauce until evenly coated with the signature reddish-orange glaze. Serve immediately for the crispiest, most flavorful experience.

Notes

  • Use fresh spices to enhance flavor depth.
  • Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 360°F for optimum crispiness.
  • For extra crunch, double dredge chicken by dipping again in buttermilk and flour.
  • Rest fried tenders on a wire rack instead of paper towels to preserve crunch.
  • Adjust heat gradually by adding cayenne and hot sauce slowly to control spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot chicken tenders, spicy chicken tenders, crispy chicken, hot chicken recipe, southern fried chicken, spicy chicken

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/nashville-hot-chicken-tenders/