Name: Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1½ pounds chicken tenders; 2 cups buttermilk; 1 large egg; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Vegetable oil, for frying; ¼ cup frying oil; 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon salt; Dill pickle slices; White sandwich bread

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and crunchy coating
Bold Nashville-style spicy flavor
Juicy and tender chicken
Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or dipping
Great for game days and parties
Easy to customize the spice level
Restaurant-quality results at home
Crowd-pleasing comfort food

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken

1½ pounds chicken tenders
2 cups buttermilk
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Nashville Hot Sauce

¼ cup frying oil
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt

For Serving

Dill pickle slices
White sandwich bread

Directions

Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl.
Whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
Pour the mixture over the chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Remove the chicken from the marinade.
Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick coating.
Place the coated tenders on a wire rack and let them rest for 10 minutes.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the chicken in batches for 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer to a wire rack.
In a heat-safe bowl, whisk together the frying oil, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt.
Brush the spicy oil mixture generously over the fried chicken tenders.
Serve immediately with pickle slices and white bread.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Mild Nashville Chicken: Reduce the cayenne pepper significantly.
Extra Hot Version: Increase the cayenne and chili powder.
Nashville Chicken Sandwich: Serve the tenders on brioche buns with pickles.
Air Fryer Version: Air fry the breaded tenders until crispy, then brush with the hot sauce.
Honey Hot Chicken: Drizzle with honey before serving.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour.
Nashville Chicken Wraps: Slice the tenders and serve in tortillas with lettuce and ranch dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooked tenders in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy.

FAQs

What makes Nashville Hot Chicken different?

The signature spicy oil coating applied after frying creates its distinctive flavor and heat.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes. Simply increase or decrease the cayenne pepper to suit your preference.

Why marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) until crispy and fully cooked, then brush with the hot sauce.

What should I serve with Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders?

Pickles, coleslaw, fries, mac and cheese, and potato salad are classic choices.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely. Slice chicken breasts into strips before marinating.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work well.

Why let the breaded chicken rest before frying?

Resting helps the coating adhere better during frying.

Are Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders very spicy?

Traditionally they are quite spicy, but the heat level can easily be adjusted.

Can I make them ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Conclusion

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy fried chicken and bold, spicy flavor. With their crunchy coating, juicy interior, and signature hot seasoning, they bring the iconic taste of Nashville right to your kitchen. Whether served as a meal, appetizer, or sandwich filling, these tenders are guaranteed to become a favorite for anyone who loves a little heat with their comfort food.

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

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Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy chicken strips coated in a fiery Nashville-style spice blend. Served with pickles and white bread, they deliver the perfect combination of crunch, heat, and bold Southern flavor.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Deep Fry
Cuisine: Southern
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl.
Whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
Pour the mixture over the chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Remove the chicken from the marinade.
Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick coating.
Place the coated tenders on a wire rack and let them rest for 10 minutes.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the chicken in batches for 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the cooked tenders to a wire rack.
In a heat-safe bowl, whisk together the frying oil, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt.
Brush the spicy oil mixture generously over the fried chicken tenders.
Serve immediately with dill pickle slices and white sandwich bread.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
Allowing the breaded chicken to rest helps the coating stay intact during frying.
Chicken breasts can be sliced into strips and used instead of tenders.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Serve with coleslaw, fries, mac and cheese, or potato salad.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 490 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg