Hey hey!
If you’re into spicy food with big flavor and serious crunch, then you’ve gotta try these Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders. They’re golden and crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and tossed in a fiery hot oil that hits all the right notes—spicy, smoky, and just a little sweet. Trust me, they’re addictive.
🔥 What You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
For the Nashville Hot Oil:
- 1/3 cup frying oil (reserved after frying)
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Pinch of salt
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
I made these for a game day get-together, and everyone lost their minds. They’ve got that perfect crispy coating, bold flavor, and a burn that makes you come back for another bite. You don’t need a deep fryer or a bunch of fancy stuff. Just a skillet, a little heat, and a big appetite.
- Ultra crispy and juicy every time
- Big flavor, with customizable heat
- No need to go to Nashville—you’ve got it at home
- Amazing with pickles and white bread (classic style!)
- Great for dinner or weekend snacking
🍽️ Servings + Time
- Serves: 4
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
📊 Macros (Per serving – approx.)
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 28g
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while adding flavor. A seasoned flour coating sticks perfectly and crisps up beautifully in hot oil. The cayenne-laced oil seeps into the crust without making it soggy, giving it that iconic Nashville-style heat and color.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Not letting the chicken rest after breading: A few minutes helps the coating stick better when frying.
- Oil too hot or too cool: Keep it around 350°F for a perfect fry.
- Skipping the spicy oil toss: That’s what makes it “Nashville hot.”
- Using too much cayenne without tasting: This oil is no joke—adjust to your heat tolerance.
🍴 What to Serve With
- Classic white bread and pickle slices (traditional!)
- Mac and cheese
- Creamy coleslaw
- Potato salad or fries
- Ranch or honey mustard for dipping
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
- Mixing bowls
- Wire rack or paper towel-lined plate
🔁 Substitutions + Variations
- Buttermilk: Use milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice if needed
- Cayenne: Adjust amount or add hot sauce to oil for extra depth
- Flour coating: Try half flour, half cornstarch for extra crispiness
- Make it mild: Cut the cayenne and chili powder in half for less heat
⏱ Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk up to 24 hours
- Mix the seasoned flour in advance
- Nashville hot oil can be made ahead and reheated
👨🍳 How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine 1 cup buttermilk and 1 tsp hot sauce. Add 1½ lbs chicken tenders and let sit for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge.
Step 2: Make the Breading
In a shallow dish, combine 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Take each tender out of the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, and press it into the flour mixture until fully coated. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before frying.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
Step 5: Make the Nashville Hot Oil
In a heat-safe bowl, mix 1 tbsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Carefully ladle in 1/3 cup hot frying oil, whisk to combine.
Step 6: Brush or Toss
Brush or gently toss fried tenders in the hot oil until coated and spicy. Serve immediately.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 7–10 minutes
- Reheat gently—don’t microwave or the crust will get soggy
- Toss with fresh hot oil after reheating if you want to revive that heat
❓ FAQ
Is this super spicy?
Yes—it has heat! But you can totally dial it down by using less cayenne.
Can I bake or air fry them?
You can, but the texture will be different. For full Nashville-style crunch, frying is best.
Do I need a deep fryer?
Nope! A heavy skillet or Dutch oven works just fine.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour and check that your hot sauce and seasonings are GF-friendly.
🔥 That’s a Wrap!
These Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders bring the heat, the crunch, and all the bold flavor of the classic dish—but you can make them right at home with just a skillet. They’re spicy, crispy, and totally crave-worthy.
Let me know if you made it fiery-hot or kept it on the mild side—and what you served with it! 💬🍗🌶️
Happy cooking!