This BEST-EVER Nashville Hot Chicken recipe delivers a spicy, crispy, and juicy fried chicken that’s packed with bold flavors. Coated in a perfectly seasoned batter and topped with a fiery, flavorful hot sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a kick. Whether served on a bun, with pickles, or alongside your favorite sides, this Nashville hot chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a mouthwatering, crave-worthy experience!
Get ready to spice up your dinner with these irresistible Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders! Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these tenders are coated in a fiery, flavorful hot sauce that delivers the perfect balance of heat and crunch. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or looking to try something new, this Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good kick in their meal!
Nashville hot chicken tenders are spicy and offer lots flavor. Plus, you never have to get dressed or leave the house to make a batch. Serve it with a classic Macaroni and Cheese or Collard Greens, and you have a TRUE Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Meal.
Looking for more air fryer chicken recipes? We got you covered! Try out our Air Fryer Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Tenders, The Best Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks, Air Fryer Chicken Fajita Burritos, and Air Fryer Mexican Chicken Casserole.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Perfect Balance of Heat and Crunch: These chicken tenders are crispy on the outside with a fiery, flavorful hot sauce that packs just the right amount of heat without being overwhelming.
- Quick and Easy: With a simple prep and cook time, you can enjoy these Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
- Juicy and Tender: The chicken stays juicy on the inside while getting that satisfying crunch on the outside, creating the ideal texture with every bite.
- Customizable Spice Level: You can easily adjust the level of heat by modifying the amount of hot sauce, allowing you to make it as mild or spicy as you like.
- Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers: These tenders store well in the fridge and can be easily reheated, making them a perfect option for meal prep or enjoying leftovers later in the week.
Made famous from the famous Hattie B’s, and Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken tenders: Tender chicken pieces, perfect for frying or baking.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tang to the chicken coating.
- All-purpose flour: For a crispy, golden coating on the chicken.
- Eggs: Used to coat the chicken for batter adhesion.
- Cayenne pepper: Adjust to control the level of spiciness.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the heat in the sauce.
- Paprika: Gives a smoky depth to the seasoning blend.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a savory punch.
- Chili powder: Adds warmth and subtle spice to the coating.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, enhances all the seasonings.
- Vegetable oil: Used for air frying the chicken until crispy.
How To Make Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Step One: Dry your chicken pieces with paper towels. Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all tenders are coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, overnight in the refrigerator.
Step Two: In a shallow bowl or dish, mix the all-purpose flour with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
Step Three: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and dredge once again in the flour. Ensure each piece is well-coated.
Step Four: Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step Five: Place chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary. Set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through
Step Six: While the chicken is cooking, mix 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper (or to taste for heat level), brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir in the vegetable oil to create a spicy paste.
Step Seven: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, brush them with the spicy oil mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: To ensure the tenders cook evenly and get that crispy texture, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference. Start with less if you prefer a milder flavor, and gradually add more for extra heat.
- Let the Chicken Rest: After marinating the chicken in buttermilk, letting it rest ensures the coating sticks better, giving you a crispier finish.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For an extra crunchy texture, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, dip in the eggs, and then dredge in the flour again.
- Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This helps the buttermilk soak in, making the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- Use a Thermometer: To make sure your chicken tenders are cooked through, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Toss in Hot Sauce Immediately: As soon as the tenders are done, toss them in the hot sauce mixture while they’re still hot for the best flavor absorption.
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure the chicken is completely cooled before storing to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat frozen or refrigerated tenders in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
What To Serve With Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Recipe
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders pair perfectly with a variety of sides to balance their bold heat. Serve them with classic sides like creamy coleslaw to cool down the spice, crispy French fries, or roasted potatoes for a hearty meal.
For something lighter, a refreshing cucumber salad or pickles add a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken. You can also serve them on a bun with a drizzle of ranch dressing for a spicy chicken sandwich. Whatever you choose, these sides will complement the fiery, flavorful tenders perfectly!
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Recipe Faqs
Can I make Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders without an air fryer? Yes, you can cook them in a deep fryer or bake them in the oven. For deep frying, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for about 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
How can I adjust the spice level in Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders? You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the coating to make the tenders as mild or as spicy as you like. Start with less cayenne for a milder version and increase it for more heat.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips to resemble tenders, and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.
Can I make the tenders ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the tenders ahead of time by cooking them and then storing them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat them in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispy texture.
Can I make the hot sauce mixture milder? To make the sauce milder, reduce the cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the mixture. You can also add a little honey to balance out the spice with sweetness.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Equipment Used
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Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, adjust according to heat preference
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all tenders are coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, overnight in the refrigerator.
- In a shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour with salt and pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs.
- Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and dredge once again in the flour. Ensure each piece is well-coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, mix 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper (or to taste for heat level), brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir in the vegetable oil to create a spicy paste.
- Once the chicken tenders are cooked, brush them with the spicy oil mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Serve your Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders hot from the air fryer. They’re traditionally accompanied by pickles and white bread, but you can enjoy them as is or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper
Notes
Nutrition
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