Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these sensational Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders! Brined to perfection in creamy buttermilk and coated in a meticulously seasoned breading, these tenders promise an explosion of flavor and an irresistible crunch. Whether you prefer them baked to golden crispness or air-fried for a lighter touch, each tender is then lavishly drizzled with an authentic hot and spicy butter sauce, delivering that iconic Nashville heat you crave. Get ready for a culinary journey that’s both fiery and profoundly satisfying, bringing the vibrant flavors of Music City right to your kitchen.
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Table of Contents
Why You Will Love These Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Prepare for a culinary revelation that will make these Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders your new favorite indulgence. This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s about an experience, crafted to deliver maximum satisfaction with every bite. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this dish:
- Flavor Explosion: Each tender is a symphony of tastes. The initial brine in buttermilk ensures juicy, tender chicken. Then, a rich, savory breading infused with smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder sets the stage. Finally, the iconic Nashville hot butter sauce, a fiery blend of cayenne, chili powder, and a hint of sweetness, delivers a powerful, addictive kick that balances heat with profound savory notes. It’s a complex flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.
- Irresistible Texture Contrast: The magic of Nashville Hot Chicken lies in its textural perfection. Our double-breading technique creates an incredibly crispy, golden exterior that shatters with each bite, revealing the unbelievably tender and moist chicken within. This delightful contrast is a hallmark of truly great fried chicken and something you can achieve effortlessly with our methods.
- Customizable Heat Level: Whether you’re a spice enthusiast who loves a challenge or someone who prefers a gentle warmth, this recipe caters to all preferences. You are in complete control of the heat! Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the hot butter sauce to create your perfect level of fire, making it a versatile dish suitable for everyone at your table.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Say goodbye to deep-frying guilt without sacrificing flavor or crispiness! This recipe offers both air fryer and oven baking instructions, allowing you to achieve perfectly crispy tenders with significantly less oil. This makes it a healthier, less messy alternative to traditional methods, perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend treat.
- A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or a casual gathering with friends, these Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders are guaranteed to be a hit. Their bold flavors and satisfying textures make them an instant favorite, earning you rave reviews and requests for more. They pair wonderfully with classic sides or inventive new pairings.
The Fascinating History: Why is it Called Nashville Hot Chicken?
Nashville Hot Chicken isn’t just a dish; it’s a culinary legend deeply rooted in the vibrant culture of Nashville, Tennessee. This distinctive style of fried chicken has captivated palates worldwide with its fiery spice and crispy perfection. But how did this iconic dish come to be, and why does it bear the name of its hometown?
The story of Nashville Hot Chicken is as spicy and intriguing as the dish itself, originating from a tale of love, revenge, and accidental culinary genius. Its genesis is famously attributed to the family of Andre Prince Jeffries, the current owner of Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, a legendary establishment that has served this beloved chicken since the 1930s. Ms. Jeffries has personally run the restaurant since 1980, inheriting a legacy that began with her great-uncle, Thornton Prince III.
Legend has it that one late night, after a night out, Thornton Prince III, known as a ladies’ man, found himself on the receiving end of a vengeful meal. His girlfriend, annoyed by his philandering, decided to teach him a lesson by cooking his fried chicken with an excessive amount of cayenne pepper. Far from being deterred, Thornton surprisingly loved the fiery kick! Instead of punishment, he discovered a new passion. He and his brothers soon began experimenting with their own spicy fried chicken recipe, eventually opening the BBQ Chicken Shack café. This humble eatery laid the foundation for what would become a Nashville institution and a global sensation.
Traditionally, Nashville Hot Chicken is prepared by first brining and marinating chicken pieces (usually breast, thigh, or wing) before they are floured, seasoned, and deep-fried to a golden crisp. The critical final step involves slathering the freshly fried chicken in a scorching paste or sauce, predominantly spiced with cayenne pepper. This paste often incorporates a portion of the hot oil or grease from the frying process, giving it an authentic, deep flavor and a distinctive sheen.
Our recipe for Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders offers a modernized, lighter take on this classic. Instead of traditional deep-frying, we opt for baking or air frying, which yields incredibly crispy results without the excess oil. This means we won’t have pan grease to incorporate into our hot sauce. Instead, we create our vibrant spicy glaze using melted butter as a rich base, combined with cayenne-based hot sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a touch of brown sweetener. This method captures the essence of Nashville Hot Chicken – its bold flavor and customizable heat – while offering a healthier and more convenient preparation for home cooks.
Choosing the Best Chicken for Your Tenders
The foundation of any great chicken dish starts with selecting the right cut. For these Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders, you have excellent options, each offering unique benefits to the final dish. My personal preference, and what this recipe primarily focuses on, is using actual chicken tenderloins.
Chicken Tenderloins: The Ultimate Tenderness
Chicken tenderloins are distinct muscle strips, smaller and thinner than a full chicken breast. They are typically found nestled alongside the inner breast, closest to the bone. Many cooks favor tenderloins because they are exceptionally tender and incredibly juicy. This superior tenderness is largely due to their nature as a muscle that the chicken uses less frequently compared to its larger breast muscle. This minimal use results in a softer, more delicate texture that readily absorbs marinades and seasonings, making them ideal for flavorful dishes like Nashville Hot Chicken.
Their uniform size and shape also contribute to even cooking, ensuring that each piece is perfectly done without drying out. When brined in buttermilk and double-breaded, tenderloins cook quickly and remain incredibly moist, providing that perfect contrast to the crispy exterior and spicy sauce.
Chicken Breasts: Versatility and Health Benefits
While tenderloins are fantastic, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts as an alternative. To create tenders from breasts, simply slice them lengthwise into strips of your desired thickness. Chicken breasts are often considered a healthier option due to their lean protein content and abundance of vitamins and minerals. They are a versatile cut that can be easily customized.
When using chicken breasts, a slightly longer brining time might be beneficial to ensure they achieve a similar level of tenderness to tenderloins. Slicing them into even strips is also crucial for consistent cooking. The robust flavor of the Nashville hot sauce pairs wonderfully with the lean meat of the breast, offering a satisfying and substantial meal.
Regardless of whether you choose tenderloins for their inherent softness or breast meat for its versatility and health benefits, ensure your chicken is fresh and high-quality. Proper preparation, including the essential buttermilk brine, will guarantee a delicious outcome every time.
Crafting the Perfect Heat: Your Nashville Hot Sauce
The essence of Nashville Hot Chicken lies undeniably in its fiery kick. Traditionally, this dish is celebrated for its intense spice, primarily derived from a generous amount of cayenne pepper. However, the beauty of making this iconic recipe at home is that you have complete mastery over the heat level, allowing you to tailor it precisely to your preference. Whether you desire a gentle warmth, a medium tingle, or a full-blown inferno, achieving your ideal spice is simpler than you think.
The Foundation: Choosing Your Hot Sauce
For an authentic Nashville hot chicken flavor, the base of your sauce should be a hot sauce that is primarily cayenne-based. These sauces offer a clean, robust heat that complements the chicken without overpowering it with excessive vinegar or other strong flavors. Excellent choices include:
- Louisiana Hot Sauce: This classic is a fantastic starting point, offering a balanced heat and tangy profile that forms a perfect canvas for our spicy butter sauce.
- Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce: Another widely available and beloved option, Frank’s delivers that characteristic cayenne punch many associate with Buffalo-style wings, making it a natural fit for Nashville hot chicken.
Customizing Your Heat Level:
The magic happens when you adjust the additional spices. Our recipe calls for a blend of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a touch of brown sweetener to create a complex, balanced hot sauce. Here’s how to fine-tune the heat:
- Mild Spice: Start with the suggested amount of cayenne-based hot sauce in the recipe (e.g., ¼ cup Louisiana Hot Sauce) and consider reducing the added cayenne pepper to just ½ teaspoon, or even omitting it if you’re very sensitive to heat. The hot sauce itself will provide a pleasant background warmth.
- Medium Spice: Follow the recipe as written, using ¼ cup of your chosen hot sauce and 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper. This will deliver a noticeable, satisfying warmth that tingles without overwhelming. This is often the sweet spot for many who enjoy spicy food.
- Hot and Fiery: For those who truly love the heat, you have a few options. Increase the cayenne pepper to 3-4 teaspoons, or even more, depending on your tolerance. You could also seek out a “Hotter than Hot” variety of Louisiana Hot Sauce if available in your region. A tiny pinch of ghost pepper powder or habanero powder (use with extreme caution!) can also elevate the heat significantly, but be sure to balance it with the other flavors.
Beyond the Heat: Flavor Balance
Remember, Nashville Hot Chicken isn’t just about heat; it’s also about a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The melted butter provides a luscious, mouth-coating richness, while the brown sweetener (or sugar) offers a crucial counterpoint to the spice, enhancing the overall complexity and making the heat more enjoyable. Smoked paprika and chili powder add depth and a subtle smoky nuance that is characteristic of the dish.
Always taste your sauce as you go and make incremental adjustments. Start with less cayenne and add more until you reach your desired heat. This iterative approach ensures a perfectly balanced and incredibly flavorful hot chicken experience tailored just for you.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Creating these incredibly flavorful and crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders at home is a rewarding process. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a dish that rivals your favorite take-out, all while enjoying the satisfaction of a homemade meal.
- Prepare the Seasoned Flour: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with a robust blend of seasonings: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed to create an even, flavorful coating for the chicken. This seasoned flour is crucial for both flavor and crispiness.
- Create the Buttermilk Egg Wash: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the rich buttermilk and a single egg until well combined. This wet mixture acts as a binder, helping the seasoned flour adhere to the chicken and creating a thicker, more textured breading. The buttermilk also works its magic in tenderizing the chicken, as we’ll discuss later.
- Master the Double Breading Technique: This is a key step for maximum crispiness. First, dredge each chicken tender completely in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the flour-coated tender into the buttermilk and egg mixture, allowing any extra liquid to drip off. Finally, return the tender to the seasoned flour for a second coating, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even layer of breading. Keep a moist towel handy, as your hands will likely get sticky during this process!
- Cook the Tenders to Crispy Perfection: Choose your preferred method for cooking. For a healthier, less-mess option, both air frying and oven baking deliver excellent results. Ensure your cooking appliance is preheated and lightly sprayed with cooking oil for optimal crispness and to prevent sticking. Cook until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Whisk Up the Signature Hot Sauce: While the chicken cooks, prepare the star of the show – the Nashville Hot Sauce. In a bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, your chosen cayenne-based hot sauce (like Louisiana Hot Sauce), extra cayenne pepper (adjusted to your preferred heat level), brown sweetener or sugar for balance, smoked paprika for depth, and chili powder for an additional layer of spice. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and emulsified.
- Taste and Adjust the Sauce: This is a critical step! Taste the sauce repeatedly and make any necessary adjustments. Does it need more heat? Add a pinch more cayenne. A bit more sweetness to balance? Add a tiny bit more brown sweetener. Remember, this sauce provides the core flavor of your hot chicken.
- Drizzle and Serve: Once the chicken tenders are cooked to perfection and removed from the oven or air fryer, generously drizzle them with your freshly made Nashville hot sauce mixture. Ensure each piece is well coated for that authentic, spicy experience. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy the incredible flavors of homemade Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders!
Double Breading for Ultimate Crunch
Achieving that signature crispy exterior on your Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders is paramount, and the secret lies in the double-breading technique. While dredging or applying breading to food can sometimes feel a bit messy, the results are well worth the effort, especially if you don’t mind getting your hands a little sticky. This method ensures a robust, flavorful crust that stands up beautifully to the rich, spicy hot sauce.
Here’s how it works: instead of a single pass through the flour, you will dredge the chicken tenders in seasoned flour first, then dip them into the buttermilk and egg mixture, and finally, return them for a second generous coating in the seasoned flour. This multi-layered approach creates a thicker, more substantial breading. The initial flour coating provides a dry surface for the buttermilk wash to adhere to, and the second flour coating then builds upon this foundation, creating all those glorious nooks and crannies that get extra crispy when cooked.
The benefits of double breading are undeniable:
- Superior Crispiness: More layers mean more surface area to crisp up, resulting in an exceptionally crunchy bite.
- Enhanced Flavor: Each layer of seasoned flour contributes to the overall flavor profile, ensuring a delicious taste from crust to core.
- Perfect Sauce Adherence: The thick, textured breading provides an ideal surface for the Nashville Hot Sauce to cling to, ensuring every tender is coated in that fiery, buttery goodness.
Who doesn’t love a thick, substantial breading on their chicken? This technique is simple to master and guarantees a texture that will make your Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders truly unforgettable.
Why Buttermilk is Essential for Tender Chicken
Buttermilk isn’t just a traditional ingredient in fried chicken recipes; it’s a secret weapon for achieving truly tender and flavorful results. Its slightly acidic nature plays a crucial role in the brining process, working wonders on the chicken without making it tough.
Here’s the science behind buttermilk’s magic:
- Tenderization: The mild acidity in buttermilk, primarily lactic acid, works to gently break down the tough protein fibers in the chicken meat. Unlike harsher acids like lemon juice or vinegar used in high concentrations, buttermilk’s acidity is subtle enough to tenderize the chicken without cooking it or altering its texture negatively. This results in chicken that is remarkably softer and more succulent after cooking.
- Flavor Infusion: Buttermilk also serves as an excellent vehicle for flavor. As the chicken brines, it absorbs the subtle tangy notes of the buttermilk, which adds a layer of complexity to the overall taste profile. When combined with the seasoned breading and spicy hot sauce, this foundational flavor creates a truly well-rounded dish.
- Moisture Retention: The proteins in chicken become slightly denatured by the acid, allowing them to absorb and hold onto more moisture. This means your chicken tenders will not only be tender but also incredibly juicy, resisting drying out during the cooking process.
- Improved Breading Adhesion: Beyond tenderizing and flavoring, buttermilk’s viscous texture helps the seasoned flour coating adhere more effectively to the chicken. This leads to a thicker, more uniform breading that crisps up beautifully, creating the perfect crunchy exterior for your Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders.
In essence, buttermilk is a non-negotiable ingredient for this recipe, transforming ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience.
How to Substitute Buttermilk in a Pinch
While buttermilk is a cornerstone ingredient for these Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders, delivering unparalleled tenderness and flavor, don’t despair if you find yourself without it. You can easily create a suitable substitute at home using common kitchen staples, or opt for an alternative if you prefer. However, it’s worth noting that omitting it entirely will result in less tender chicken and a breading that may not be as thick or adhere as well.
Making Your Own Buttermilk Substitute:
The most popular and effective way to substitute buttermilk is to combine regular milk with an acid, which mimics the tang and tenderizing properties of true buttermilk. Here’s how:
- Milk and Vinegar (or Lemon Juice): For every 1 cup of buttermilk needed, measure out 1 cup of regular milk (dairy or non-dairy, though whole milk works best for richness). Remove 1 tablespoon of milk and add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or fresh lemon juice to the remaining milk. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. During this time, the milk will curdle slightly and thicken, forming a “sour milk” that functions much like buttermilk in recipes.
This homemade version works beautifully for tenderizing chicken and helping the breading stick. For more detailed instructions, you can find guides like “How to Make a Buttermilk Substitute” on many baking and cooking sites.
Other Alternatives (with caveats):
- Plain Yogurt or Kefir: You can thin plain yogurt or kefir with a little milk or water until it reaches the consistency of buttermilk. These fermented dairy products have similar acidic properties and can tenderize the chicken effectively.
- Sour Cream (thinned): Similar to yogurt, thinned sour cream can also work in a pinch. However, ensure it’s thinned enough to coat the chicken without being too thick.
Remember, while these substitutes will get the job done, real buttermilk often provides the best results for both flavor and texture. If you have the time and access, opt for genuine buttermilk for the most authentic Nashville Hot Chicken experience.
What to Pair With Your Fiery Hot Chicken Tenders
The bold, spicy flavors of Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders demand complementary side dishes that can stand up to the heat, offering balance and enhancing the overall meal experience. Traditionally, this iconic dish is served simply with slices of white bread and crunchy pickles. As a Kansas City native, I’m no stranger to this classic pairing – it’s akin to how we enjoy our BBQ! The soft white bread helps to absorb some of the intense spice, while the tangy, crisp pickles offer a refreshing counterpoint, cutting through the richness and heat of the chicken. But don’t limit yourself there; a world of delicious sides awaits to perfectly accompany your hot chicken.
Here are some fantastic pairings to elevate your Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders:
- Classic Cooling Sides:
- Coleslaw: A creamy, cool coleslaw is a classic choice, offering a refreshing crunch and a sweet tang that perfectly contrasts the chicken’s spice.
- Potato Salad: Creamy, savory potato salad provides a comforting, starchy balance to the fiery tenders.
- Macaroni and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food, a rich and cheesy mac and cheese is a fantastic counter to the heat, offering a smooth, indulgent texture.
- Crispy & Starchy Staples:
- Air Fryer French Fries: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, fries are always a winner.
- Air Fryer Onion Rings: Sweet and savory, with a satisfying crunch.
- Roasted Ranch Potatoes: Flavorful and hearty, these potatoes add another layer of savory goodness.
- Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes: Smooth, creamy, and infused with savory ranch flavor, they offer a cooling contrast.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: A slightly sweeter, earthier alternative that beautifully complements the spice.
- Fresh & Tangy Options:
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: A refreshing, savory pasta salad with a creamy dressing.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn provides a delightful textural and flavor break.
- Cucumber Salad: A light, vinegary cucumber salad can be incredibly refreshing against the heat.
- Breads to Soak Up the Sauce:
- Cornbread: A slightly sweet cornbread is another traditional Southern pairing that complements the spice.
- Toasted Brioche Buns: For a more gourmet sandwich feel, serve the tenders on toasted brioche with extra pickles.
Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pairing. Whether you lean towards traditional comforts or explore new flavors, these sides will ensure a complete and unforgettable Nashville Hot Chicken experience.
Storage and Shelf Life for Your Leftover Tenders
If you find yourself with any delicious Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders leftover (a rare occurrence, we know!), proper storage is key to maintaining their quality and safety. To keep them fresh and ready for another meal, allow the tenders to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
Once cooled, transfer the leftover chicken tenders to an airtight container. They can be stored safely in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best results, consider separating the tenders from any leftover hot sauce before storing, and re-sauce them when reheating. This helps maintain the crispy texture of the chicken and prevents it from becoming overly saturated.
How to Reheat Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders for Best Results
To bring your leftover Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders back to their crispy, delicious glory, avoid the microwave at all costs! While convenient, microwaving will inevitably soften the breading and result in a chewy texture, diminishing the very quality that makes this dish so enjoyable.
For optimal crispiness and flavor, I highly recommend reheating your tenders using an oven or an air fryer:
- Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet, ideally on a wire rack set over the sheet to allow for even heat circulation and crisping. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed through and the breading has regained its crispness.
- Air Fryer Reheating: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Reheat for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is hot and crispy. The air fryer is excellent for bringing back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crunch!
Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Once reheated, you can drizzle them with any extra hot sauce or make a fresh batch for maximum impact.
Freezer Tips for Make-Ahead Meals
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders are also excellent for meal prepping and freezing! If you want to prepare a batch ahead of time or store leftovers for longer, follow these simple freezer tips:
- Prepare and Cool: Cook the chicken tenders as per the instructions (air fryer or oven baked). Allow them to cool completely to room temperature.
- Flash Freeze (Optional but Recommended): For best results and to prevent sticking, place the cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for 1-2 hours until solid.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Once flash-frozen or completely cooled, transfer the solid tenders to a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- How Long They Last: Frozen chicken tenders can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- Defrosting and Reheating: When ready to enjoy, transfer the frozen tenders to the refrigerator and allow them to defrost overnight. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions for the oven or air fryer provided above. Reheating from frozen is also possible, but it will take longer, and you might need to adjust cooking times to ensure they are heated through and crispy.
With these tips, you can enjoy delicious Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders whenever the craving strikes!
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you’ve loved making these Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders and are looking for more ways to enjoy versatile chicken, you’re in luck! Chicken is a staple in kitchens worldwide, offering endless possibilities for delicious and satisfying meals. Explore some of our other fantastic chicken recipes:
- Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken
- Southern Chicken Spaghetti
- Southern Smothered Chicken
- Crispy Ranch Chicken Wings
- How to Grill Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Jerk Chicken Thighs
- Ninja Foodi Grill Chicken Breasts
- Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast
From quick weeknight dinners to impressive weekend feasts, these recipes showcase the incredible versatility of chicken, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to try!
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Brandi Crawford
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- cooking oil spray (I use olive oil)
Nashville Hot Sauce Mixture
- ¼ cup Hot Sauce (cayenne-based, e.g., Louisiana Hot Sauce)
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter (Measured solid)
- 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (See notes for heat levels)
- 2 tablespoons brown sweetener or sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Combine the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste in a bowl large enough to dredge the chicken tenders.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg in a bowl large enough to dredge the chicken.
- Dredge the chicken tenders in the flour mixture, then the buttermilk and egg mixture, and again in the flour mixture. Keep a moist towel nearby. Your hands will get sticky, but the double breading is worth it for the crispiness!
Air Fryer Instructions
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Add the breaded tenders to the basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd. Spritz the tenders with cooking oil spray for extra crispness.
- Air fry for 8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C).
- Open the air fryer and carefully flip the tenders. Be gentle to avoid losing any of the breading. Continue to air fry for an additional 4-8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C), or until the chicken is golden brown and extra crisp.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce: Combine the melted butter, Louisiana Hot Sauce, cayenne pepper, brown sweetener or sugar, smoked paprika, and chili powder in a bowl. Whisk until well combined.
- Taste the sauce repeatedly and make adjustments as needed to achieve your desired level of spice and sweetness. This sauce is the heart of the Nashville Hot Chicken flavor.
- Remove the tenders from the air fryer. Generously drizzle the tenders in the hot sauce mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Oven Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C). Place an oven-safe wire baking rack on a baking sheet or a sheet pan. Lightly spray the rack (or parchment-lined sheet pan) with non-stick cooking spray. (The baking rack is recommended for crispiest results, but you can use just a sheet pan with parchment paper if you wish).
- Place the breaded tenders on the prepared rack or sheet pan, ensuring they are not touching. Spritz the tenders generously with cooking oil spray to aid in browning and crisping.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Carefully flip each chicken tender, being gentle to preserve the breading. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C).
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce: Combine the melted butter, Louisiana Hot Sauce, cayenne pepper, brown sweetener or sugar, smoked paprika, and chili powder in a bowl. Whisk until well combined.
- Taste the sauce repeatedly and make adjustments as needed to achieve your desired level of spice and sweetness. This sauce is crucial for the Nashville Hot Chicken flavor.
- Remove the tenders from the oven. Generously drizzle the tenders in the hot sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Serve hot with your preferred sides and savor the deliciousness!
Recipe Notes and Customization
- Mild Heat: For a gentle warmth, I recommend using The Original Brand Louisiana Hot Sauce as the base and reduce or omit the additional cayenne pepper from the hot sauce mixture.
- Medium Heat: For a satisfying kick that’s not overwhelming, follow the recipe as written, using a cayenne-based hot sauce along with 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper.
- Extra Hot: If you crave serious heat, consider using Louisiana’s Hotter than Hot Sauce (if available) and increase the cayenne pepper in the sauce mixture to 3-4 teaspoons, or even more to your preference. Always taste and adjust!
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by combining 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly before using.
Storage: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: For best crispness, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the breading.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 361kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 14g
Nutrition Data Disclaimer
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using a reputable nutrition calculator. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you use, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful for your dietary needs.