Discover the ultimate Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders recipe that combines spicy, crispy goodness with a delicious glaze. This easy-to-follow recipe will elevate your fried chicken game and impress your family and friends!
This Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders recipe is the perfect blend of spicy, crispy, and savory flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’ve seen this dish trending on TikTok or you’re just looking for a full recipe to make at home, these hot chicken tenders are sure to impress.
With easy-to-follow steps and a delicious glaze that brings out the best in each bite, you’ll have a new favorite dish in no time. Dive into this recipe and get ready to enjoy some of the best fried chicken you’ve ever tasted!
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Recipe
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders are a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, offering a crispy texture that will have everyone asking for more. Follow this step-by-step guide to create these mouthwatering chicken tenders at home.
Equipment Needed:
- Frying Pan, Deep Fryer, or Dutch Oven
- Tongs
- Paper Towels
- Cookie Sheet for Draining
- Wire Rack
Ingredients:
Chicken:
- 8 chicken tenders or 2 breasts cut into chicken strips
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3-5 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 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 cup buttermilk
- Hot sauce (your favorite)
- 8-10 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
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 black pepper
Instructions:
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 4 servings
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Add all of your seasonings to a shallow bowl and stir.
- Add 3/4 of the seasoning mixture to the chicken. Rub in and coat the chicken well. (Add the remaining 1/4 of the seasonings to the flour and set aside.)
- Pour buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken, mix well and let marinate.
- Marinate your chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
- Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, coating them thoroughly.
- Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them sit for about 5 minutes before frying.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a frying pan, deep fryer, or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the chicken tenders into the hot oil, frying until they are golden brown and have a crispy coating, about 4 minutes per side.
- Use tongs to remove the chicken tenders from the oil and place them in a single layer on a wire rack set over a cookie sheet to drain excess oil. Make sure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a bowl, mix together ¼ cup of the oil from frying (or use 3 tbsp unsalted butter), honey, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Brush the spicy glaze generously over the hot chicken tenders.
- In a bowl, mix together ¼ cup of the oil from frying (or use 3 tbsp unsalted butter), honey, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Serve:
- Serve the Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders immediately, garnished with pickles and bread if desired.
- Serve the Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders immediately, garnished with pickles and bread if desired.
Notes:
- Using a wire rack will help the chicken maintain its crispiness. (You can spray your wire rack with some cooking spray to prevent sticking.)
- If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning and glaze to suit your taste.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of pickle juice to the buttermilk marinade.
Tips for Storing Spicy Chicken Tenders
- Cool Down: Allow the Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Use Airtight Containers: Place the chicken tenders in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh.
- Refrigerate: Store the chicken tenders in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the chicken tenders. Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheat Properly: To reheat, place the chicken tenders in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
Now that you’ve mastered this recipe for Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Pair these hot tenders with a side of crispy french fries or cole slaw for a classic and delicious meal. The combination of spicy hot glaze and golden, crispy chicken is sure to be a hit and impress your family and friends. Enjoy your homemade Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders, and happy cooking!
The Ultimate Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Recipe
Discover the ultimate Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders recipe that combines spicy, crispy goodness with a delicious glaze.
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 8 chicken tenders or 2 breasts cut into chicken strips
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3-5 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 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 cup buttermilk
- Hot sauce (your favorite)
- 8-10 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 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 black pepper
Instructions
1. Add all of your seasonings to a shallow bowl and stir.
2. Add 3/4 of the seasoning mixture to the chicken. Rub in and coat the chicken well. (Add the remaining 1/4 of the seasonings to the flour and set aside.)
3. Pour buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken, mix well and let marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes (4 hours max).
4. Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
5. Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, coating them thoroughly.
6. Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them sit for about 5 minutes before frying.
7. Heat oil in a frying pan, deep fryer, or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
8. Carefully place the chicken tenders into the hot oil, frying until they are golden brown and have a crispy coating, about 4 minutes per side. (Reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
9. Use tongs to remove the chicken tenders from the oil and place them in a single layer on a wire rack set over a cookie sheet to drain excess oil.
10. Prepare the glaze: In a bowl, mix together ¼ cup of the oil from frying (or use 3 tbsp unsalted butter), honey, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
11. Brush the spicy glaze generously over the hot chicken tenders.