Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

There’s something so satisfying about biting into a perfectly seasoned, crispy piece of chicken, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders. I’ll never forget the first time I tried this dish. It was at a small eatery in Nashville, where the aroma of spices and the sight of golden chicken lured me in. The moment I sank my teeth into those spicy tenders, I knew I needed to recreate that experience at home. Every bite was a beautiful balance of heat and flavor, and the texture was simply irresistible. Today, I want to share my take on Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders, so you can experience that same joy in your own kitchen. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring a taste of Nashville to your dinner table, and trust me, your family will thank you for it!

Essential Ingredients for Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

When crafting the perfect Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders, the quality and combination of ingredients matter. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that signature flavor and texture that makes this dish so special. You’ll find the flavorful spices, tender chicken, and a few pantry staples come together beautifully to create something truly memorable.

• Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for frying, it gives that crispy exterior and locks in the juiciness of the chicken.
• 12 chicken tenders or 2 large chicken breasts: The star of the dish, choose quality chicken to keep it tender and flavorful.
• 1 tbsp salt: A must for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.
• 1 tbsp garlic powder: Adds depth and richness to the chicken.
• 2 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic and adds more savory notes.
• 2 tsp black pepper: For that essential kick of heat.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This will create a nice coating for frying.
• 1 egg: Binds the flour and adds richness.
• 1/3 cup flour: Used for the dredging process.
• 4 oz water: Helps in mixing the egg and flour.
• 2 cups flour: Used for the seasoned coating.
• 3 tbsp poultry seasoning: A blend of spices that enhances the chicken flavor.
• 1 tbsp garlic powder: Adds another layer of flavor in the coating mix.
• 1 tbsp onion powder: For depth in the seasoning mix.
• 1 tsp ground black pepper: More heat in the coating.
• 1 tsp dry mustard: Adds a slight tang to the flour mixture.
• 1/2 tsp paprika: For color and flavor.
• 2 tbsp cayenne: This is where the heat comes from, adjust to your preference.
• 1 tbsp brown sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
• 1 tsp black pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: For an extra punch in flavor.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Adjusts the flavor profile.
• 1 cup vegetable oil saved hot from frying: For drenching the cooked tenders, intensifying the flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Cooking these Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders is a rewarding experience. With each step, you will see how the ingredients come together to create an irresistible dish. Let’s dive into the process!

1. Begin by placing the chicken tenders onto a plate and generously season them with the spices listed in your seasoning rub. Make sure every piece is well-coated to maximize flavor. Cover the chicken and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This not only infuses the chicken with spices but also helps keep them juicy.
2. While the chicken is marinating, setup your three plates for dredging. On the first plate, add 1/2 cup of flour. This will be your dry coating.
3. On the second plate, whisk together the egg, 1/3 cup flour, and water. This mixture will help the flour stick to the chicken.
4. For your third plate, combine 2 cups flour, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, mustard, and paprika. Mix everything thoroughly to create your seasoned coating.
5. Next, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a skillet until it reaches about 1 to 2 inches deep. You want enough oil for frying, so if you don’t have a deep fryer, make sure your skillet is deep enough.
6. Once the oil is hot, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Start dredging each piece first in the plain flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for the best crispy texture.
7. Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Fry for about 5 minutes on one side. If the oil doesn’t completely cover the chicken, remember to flip it halfway to ensure even cooking.
8. Once they’re a beautiful golden brown, drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil. If you’re working in batches, repeat the frying process until all chicken tenders are cooked.
9. Now, increase the heat of the oil to high. Allow it to heat for about 5 minutes more before returning the chicken to the hot oil. Fry the chicken again for approximately 2 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they are crispy all around.
10. To finish, mix all your spices together in a bowl, then carefully pour in 1 cup of hot oil from the frying pan. Remember to use caution as the oil is very hot! Stir well.
11. Finally, coat each fried chicken piece with the spicy oil mixture and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders!

Make It Your Own

Personalizing your Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders can elevate this dish even further. Here are some suggestions:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked tenders for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of creamy coleslaw or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
• Spice level: Adjust the amount of cayenne in the seasoning to suit your heat preference.
• Sandwich style: Use the tenders in a sandwich with pickles and a spicy mayo for a delicious twist.
• Garnish: Add sliced pickles and fresh herbs on top just before serving to elevate the presentation.

Serving Ideas for Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

When it comes to serving Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders, there are so many delicious options to consider:

• Casual Dinner: Serve the tenders alongside a simple green salad for a relaxed weeknight dinner.
• Game Day Snacks: These tenders make a perfect finger food for game day parties. Pair them with various dipping sauces.
• Picnic Delight: Pack them for a picnic with a side of coleslaw and fresh bread for a delightful outdoor meal.
• Comfort Food: Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy to create a comforting meal that everyone will love.
• Seasonal Pairing: In summer, pair with fresh corn on the cob or a light cucumber salad to balance the heat.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and enjoy them the next day for lunch.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, the appeal of Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders lies in their perfect combination of spice and crunch, making them a must-try for any chicken lover. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings a taste of Nashville to your home. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Craving something crispy and spicy? Look no further than Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders. These tenders are perfectly seasoned, easy to make, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you're serving them for dinner or at a party, they’re sure to be a hit!

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Prep Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 23 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Whisk
• Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Vegetable oil for frying
• 12 pieces Chicken tenders or 2 large chicken breasts cut into 6 pieces a breast
• 1 tbsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Garlic powder
• 2 tsp Onion powder
• 2 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 piece Egg
• 1/3 cup Flour
• 4 oz Water
• 2 cups Flour
• 3 tbsp Poultry seasoning
• 1 tbsp Garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Ground black pepper
• 1 tsp Dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp Paprika
• 2 tbsp Cayenne
• 1 tbsp Brown sugar
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 cup Vegetable oil saved hot from frying

Instructions

 

• Place chicken tenders onto a plate and season with spices listed in seasoning rub. Cover chicken and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Plate 1: Place 1/2 cup of flour into a shallow dish.
• Plate 2: Place egg, 1/3 cup flour and water into a separate shallow dish and whisk well.
• Plate 3: In a third shallow dish, place 2 cups of flour, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, mustard and paprika and mix well.
• Heat oil vegetable over medium high heat. I had about 1-2″ in a skillet. Remove chicken from the refrigerator and dredge in flour, egg, and finally seasoned flour, coating all sides.
• Fry in oil for 5 minutes. Flip halfway if the oil does not completely cover the chicken. Drain on paper towels. Repeat if working in batches with chicken.
• Turn oil to high heat and add more if necessary. Heat for 5 minutes.
• Return chicken to oil and fry again for 2 minutes, flipping halfway if the oil doesn’t coat the chicken completely. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Drain on paper towels.
• Mix all the spices together in a bowl and pour one cup of hot oil from frying the chicken into the bowl. I’d recommend using a plastic or metal measuring cup to remove oil from the pan. If you use glass, it could break. Use caution as the oil is very hot.
• Coat each chicken piece with sauce and serve.

Notes

• Tip 1: Be sure to let air fryer preheat fully before adding your chicken, otherwise you may wind up with less-than-crunchy tenders.
• Tip 2: Only cook as many tenders in your air fryer as can fit on a single layer. You may have to do multiple batches, but I almost think it’s better that way because they are always fresh from the fryer and as crispy as possible.

Keyword Fried Chicken Recipe, Nashville Hot Chicken, Southern Comfort Food, Spicy Chicken Tenders

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Meet Sophia Hayes

I founded YumRecettes to turn my messy, joyful kitchen experiments into something I could share. While I steer the ship, I am first and foremost a cook. I love tackling every type of recipe, from grandmother’s old classics to modern fusion dishes. For me, the magic isn’t in a specific type of food, but in the act of preparing it. I’m usually the one urging the team to try that “one last idea” that ends up making the dish perfect.