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Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Juicy buttermilk chicken tenders fried until crispy and brushed with signature Nashville hot seasoning oil.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 510
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade
  • 2 lbs chicken tenders
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
Breading
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Nashville Hot Sauce
  • 0.5 cup frying oil reserved from frying
  • 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder

Equipment

  • Deep skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wire rack
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  2. Marinate chicken tenders for at least 1 hour.
  3. Combine flour and seasonings in a separate bowl.
  4. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour mixture.
  5. Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken until golden and cooked through.
  6. Place fried chicken on a wire rack.
  7. Mix hot oil ingredients together in a bowl.
  8. Brush spicy oil mixture over hot chicken tenders.
  9. Serve immediately with pickles and bread.

Notes

Adjust cayenne pepper levels depending on desired heat. Air fryer instructions can be used for a lighter version.