Recipe: Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Nashville hot chicken tenders are a fiery and flavorful twist on classic fried chicken, inspired by the famous spicy dish from Nashville. These tenders are coated in a crispy, seasoned batter and then drenched in a bold, spicy sauce that packs a serious punch. The combination of heat and crunch creates an irresistible contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or looking to add a kick to your chicken dishes, Nashville hot chicken tenders offer a deliciously bold experience that’s perfect for game days, gatherings, or any time you crave a flavorful, spicy treat. Pair with pickles and white bread to control the heat!

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

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Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: fried chicken, nashville hot chicken

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken tenderloins
• 1 quart canola oil for frying chicken

Chicken Seasoning

• 3 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp black pepper

Chicken Batter

• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cups flour
• 1 cup milk

Seasoned Chicken Flour

• 2 cups flour
• 3 tbsp poultry seasoning
• 1/2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tbsp black pepper

Nashville Hot Glaze

• 1 tbsp cayenne powder
• 1/4 cup brown sugar - add more or less to your preference
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups hot frying oil

Instructions

• Rinse and pat dry chicken tenderloins.
• In a small bowl mix together the chicken seasoning and sprinkle on all sides of chicken tenderloins. You will have some seasoning leftover.
• In a medium bowl, mix the chicken flour seasoning ingredients. Coat each chicken tenderloin.
• In another small bowl, mix chicken batter ingredients. Dip each chicken tenderloin into the batter.
• Re-coat the chicken in the flour mixture again. Shake off excess and set on a cookie sheet.
• In a deep fryer or large skillet, add enough cooking oil to fry chicken tenderloins. Make sure oil is at least 300℉.
• When oil is hot, add chicken tenderloins and fry for 6 minutes. Remove and place on a cooking rack.
• To give the chicken an extra crunch, turn up the heat to 350℉. Once the oil is ready, add chicken tenderloins back to the deep fryer and cook for 3 more minutes.
• Remove chicken and place on a cooking rack.
• In a small bowl, add all seasonings in a bowl and mix. To get really fine texture use a food processor. Add hot frying oil.

  DO NOT USE A PLASTIC BAG TO ADD OIL.
• Dip chicken or brush the chicken with the glaze.
• If you have extra seasoning left at the bottom of the bowl from the hot chicken glaze, whisk in more oil.