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Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

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These Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders deliver a perfect balance of fiery spice, crunch, and juicy tenderness. Quick and easy to make, they are a crowd-pleaser perfect for snacks, game days, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (680g) chicken tenders (fresh, not frozen)
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar as substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill pan about 2 inches deep)
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken tenders and stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk melted butter with cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Remove tenders from marinade one at a time, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. For extra crunch, dip each coated tender back into buttermilk briefly, then again into flour (double dredge). Place on plate ready for frying.
  6. Working in batches, carefully lower tenders into hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding.
  7. Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. While still hot, brush each tender generously with the fiery Nashville hot sauce.
  8. Let tenders rest 2 to 3 minutes for sauce to set slightly, then serve warm with pickles or favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F for best crispiness. Double-dredging creates extra-thick crust. Let tenders rest on wire rack to keep crust crisp. Brush sauce on while tenders are hot. For gluten-free, use almond flour. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and milk alternatives. Oven-bake option available at 425°F for 20-25 minutes on wire rack.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, crispy chicken tenders, spicy chicken, fried chicken, game day recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/crispy-nashville-hot-chicken-tenders-recipe-easy-fiery-spice-guide/