Why It’s Trending

Spicy fried chicken is a growing sensation across the US, with Nashville hot chicken leading the charge. Its bold flavors and versatile preparation methods, especially in air fryers, make it a favorite for home cooks. These tenders are family-friendly, easy to customize for heat levels, and perfect for quick weeknight meals or entertaining.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken Tenders

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken tenderloins (or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Cooking spray (for air fryer) or vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the Nashville Hot Sauce

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) melted butter or vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust for desired heat)
  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp pickle juice (optional, for tanginess)

For Serving

  • Sliced pickles
  • White bread or slider buns
  • Coleslaw or ranch dressing (optional)

Equipment

  • Air fryer (or oven, or deep fryer)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Basting brush

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
  2. Add chicken tenderloins, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness).

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

  1. In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly. Shake off excess flour and place on a plate Lillington wire #### Step 3: Cook the Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Method (Recommended)

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  3. Place coated tenders in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
  4. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Oven Method

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Place tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
  3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Deep Fry Method

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry tenders in batches for 4-5 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
  3. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Nashville Hot Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter (or heat oil).
  2. Whisk in cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and pickle juice (if using). Stir until smooth. Keep warm.

Step 5: Coat the Tenders

  1. Brush or toss the cooked tenders in the hot sauce until evenly coated. Adjust sauce amount to control spiciness.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Serve hot chicken tenders on white bread or slider buns with pickle slices.
  2. Pair with coleslaw, ranch dressing, or extra pickles for a classic Nashville experience.

Tips for Success

  • Adjust the Heat: Reduce cayenne pepper in the sauce for milder tenders, or add more for extra spice.
  • Crispy Coating: Cornstarch in the dredge ensures extra crunch, especially in the air fryer.
  • Make Ahead: Marinate chicken up to 8 hours in advance. The sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated gently.
  • Storage: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g

Keywords

Nashville Hot Tenders, Spicy Chicken Strips, Air Fryer Chicken

Enjoy your crispy, spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders with a side of pickles and a cold drink!