There’s something absolutely magical about Nashville hot chicken tenders that makes them irresistible to spice lovers everywhere. This iconic dish originated in Nashville, Tennessee, and has taken the culinary world by storm with its perfect balance of crispy coating and fiery heat. What started as a local specialty has become a nationwide obsession, and once you try these homemade Nashville hot chicken tenders, you’ll understand why everyone is raving about them.
Making authentic Nashville hot chicken tenders at home might seem intimidating, but this recipe breaks it down into simple, manageable steps that guarantee restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, craving comfort food with a kick, or simply want to impress your family with your culinary skills, these spicy tenders recipe will become your go-to crowd-pleaser that delivers maximum flavor with every single bite.
Recipe Information
- Difficulty: Medium
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Marinating Time: 2-4 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 3-5 hours
- Servings: 4-6 people
- Estimated Cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs chicken tenderloins (or 4 large chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Breading:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Nashville Hot Oil:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or lard
- 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For Serving:
- White bread slices
- Dill pickle chips
- Coleslaw (optional)
- Nashville hot honey (optional)
Equipment Required
- Large mixing bowls (2-3 bowls)
- Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Candy thermometer
- Wire cooling rack
- Paper towels
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken tenderloins in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Add hot sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the buttermilk. Mix thoroughly to ensure all pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This marinating process is crucial for tender, flavorful Nashville tenders recipe results.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
In a large shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano. Whisk everything together until the mixture is uniform and no lumps remain. This seasoned flour coating is what gives our hot chicken tenders recipe their signature crunch and flavor base.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Set up your breading station with the seasoned flour mixture in one dish and a clean plate for the breaded chicken. This organization makes the coating process much smoother and more efficient.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into your deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot, filling it to about 3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is essential for achieving perfectly crispy fried chicken strips without burning the coating.
Step 5: Bread the Chicken
Working with one piece at a time, remove chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Place breaded tenderloins on a clean plate. For extra crunch, you can double-dredge by dipping back in buttermilk and flour once more.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken Tenders
Carefully lower 4-5 pieces of breaded chicken into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove with tongs and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 7: Prepare the Nashville Hot Oil
While the chicken is frying, prepare the signature Nashville hot oil in a small saucepan. Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches about 250°F (120°C). Remove from heat and immediately whisk in cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. The oil will sizzle and bubble – this is normal and creates the perfect Nashville hot tenders recipe flavor.
Step 8: Apply the Hot Oil
Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat each hot fried chicken tender with the Nashville hot oil mixture while the chicken is still warm. The heat from the chicken will help the spiced oil penetrate and create that signature Nashville hot chicken appearance and taste. For extra heat, apply a second coat.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Allow the Nashville hot chicken tenders to rest for 2-3 minutes after applying the hot oil. This brief resting period lets the flavors meld together and prevents the coating from becoming soggy. Serve immediately on white bread with dill pickle chips for the authentic Nashville experience.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
Temperature control is absolutely crucial for this Nashville tenders recipe. Use a reliable thermometer for both oil temperature and internal chicken temperature. If your oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the chicken cooks through. Too cool, and you’ll end up with greasy, soggy chicken strips.
For an extra crispy coating, add a tablespoon of the seasoned buttermilk marinade back into your flour mixture. This creates small clumps that fry up into incredibly crunchy bits. Many professional kitchens use this technique for their chicken strip recipes fried to perfection.
Spice Level Variations:
The beauty of this spicy tenders recipe lies in its customizability. For mild heat, reduce the cayenne pepper in both the breading and hot oil by half. For those who want to test their limits, increase the cayenne and add a teaspoon of ghost pepper powder to the hot oil mixture.
Create Nashville hot honey chicken tenders by mixing equal parts honey and hot sauce, then drizzling over the finished chicken. This sweet-heat combination has become incredibly popular and adds another layer of flavor complexity.
Air Fryer Adaptation:
To make air fryer Nashville hot chicken tenders, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray breaded chicken with cooking oil and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious, and you’ll save calories by using less oil.
Storage and Reheating:
Store leftover Nashville hot chicken tenders in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the coating soggy. The hot oil mixture can be stored separately and reapplied when reheating.
Side Dish Suggestions:
Traditional Nashville hot chicken is served with white bread and pickles, but these tenders pair beautifully with creamy coleslaw, mac and cheese, or crispy french fries. For a lighter option, serve over a fresh green salad with ranch dressing to cool down the heat.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (4 tenders):
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Conclusion
This Nashville hot chicken tenders recipe brings the authentic taste of Music City right to your kitchen. The combination of perfectly seasoned, crispy coating and that signature fiery hot oil creates a flavor experience that’s both addictive and satisfying. What makes this recipe special is the attention to detail in every step, from the buttermilk marinade that ensures juicy, tender chicken to the carefully balanced spice blend that delivers heat without overwhelming your taste buds.
Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or just discovering the magic of Nashville hot chicken, this recipe offers the perfect introduction to this beloved Southern dish. The versatility of the recipe means you can adjust the heat level to suit your preferences while still maintaining that authentic Nashville flavor profile that has made this dish famous worldwide.
Have you tried this Nashville hot chicken tenders recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below sharing your results, any modifications you made, or questions you might have. Don’t forget to share photos of your homemade Nashville hot tenders on social media – tag us so we can see your delicious creations! For more amazing fried chicken recipes and Southern comfort food favorites, be sure to check out our other chicken strip recipes fried to perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this Nashville tenders recipe less spicy? A: Absolutely! Reduce the cayenne pepper by half in both the breading and hot oil mixture. You can also substitute some of the cayenne with mild paprika to maintain the color while reducing heat. Start with less spice and add more to taste.
Q: What makes Nashville hot chicken different from regular spicy fried chicken? A: Nashville hot chicken is distinguished by the spiced oil mixture that’s brushed onto the chicken after frying. This hot oil contains cayenne pepper, paprika, and other spices that create the signature reddish color and intense heat that penetrates the coating.
Q: Can I use this recipe for air fryer Nashville hot chicken tenders? A: Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, spray the breaded chicken with oil, and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different from traditional frying but still delicious. Apply the hot oil mixture the same way after cooking.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftover Nashville hot chicken tenders? A: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the coating soggy. You can reapply the hot oil mixture when reheating for extra flavor.
Q: What’s the best way to make Nashville hot honey chicken tenders? A: After applying the traditional hot oil mixture, drizzle a combination of equal parts honey and hot sauce over the chicken tenders. This creates a sweet-heat balance that’s become incredibly popular. You can also mix honey directly into the hot oil for a more integrated flavor.
Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Try this authentic Nashville hot chicken tenders recipe and bring the heat of Music City to your table tonight!
