There is nothing quite like the crispy, spicy kick of Nashville Chicken Tenders with Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe to brighten up your mealtime. Imagine juicy chicken tenders, marinated to perfection, double-dredged for an irresistible crunch, and coated with a bold, flavorful hot sauce that delivers just the right amount of heat and sweetness. This dish brings together the best of Southern-style cooking with a fiery twist that will have you reaching for seconds and maybe even thirds. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or impressing friends at a game day party, these tenders will steal the spotlight every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you; each item plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of heat, crispness, and flavor. From the tangy pickle juice to the smoky spices, these simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create those iconic Nashville flavors with a delectably crunchy texture.
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breast tenders: The star of the show, tender and perfect for soaking up flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce: Brings authentic Nashville heat and tanginess.
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the spice.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation for a crispy coating.
- 1 large egg: Helps the breading stick and adds moisture to the crust.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and gives the coating a rich tang.
- Cooking spray (olive oil): Keeps the tenders golden and crisp without excess oil.
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper: The fiery heart of the spice mix that packs serious punch.
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar: Adds a deep sweetness that balances the heat perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings smoky warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth and a slight bite.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives color and a gentle smoky flavor.
- 1/2 cup olive oil: Essential for cooking the spicy hot sauce that coats the tenders.
How to Make Nashville Chicken Tenders with Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken tenders in a bowl with half the hot sauce, salt, pepper, and a splash of pickle juice. This simple marinade infuses the chicken with flavor while tenderizing it for at least one hour in the refrigerator. This step is crucial because it sets the base for that bold, tangy, and spicy Nashville flavor everyone loves.
Step 2: Prepare the Coatings
While the chicken chills, mix the flour with the remaining salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, remaining hot sauce, and pickle juice. These two mixtures help build the crispy, juicy crust that clings deliciously to each tender.
Step 3: Double Dredge the Tenders
Take your marinated chicken and start by tossing it in the flour mixture until every piece is evenly coated. Next, dip the tenders into the wet egg and buttermilk mix, and then back into the flour. This double dredging is what gives the tenders their legendary crunch and a coating thick enough to hold the fiery sauce later on.
Step 4: Let the Coated Tenders Air Dry
Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and allow them to air dry for about 10 minutes. This drying step helps the breading stick during cooking and ensures the coating crisps up beautifully.
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees or use the chicken setting if available, then lightly spray the basket with olive oil. Arrange the tenders in a single layer, spraying them lightly with cooking spray on top to encourage that golden exterior. Cook for 5-6 minutes, flip, spray again, and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the tenders are crisp, golden, and cooked through.
Step 6: Make the Spicy Hot Sauce
While the chicken cooks, combine cayenne pepper, dark brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil in a small saucepan or bowl. Warm the mixture slightly if desired to meld the flavors. This sauce is the fiery coat that transforms simple chicken tenders into the iconic Nashville treat.
Step 7: Toss Tenders in Spicy Hot Sauce
Once the tenders are crisp and hot from the air fryer, toss them gently in the prepared spicy hot sauce until each piece is evenly coated. This final step creates that addictive bite everyone comes back for time and again.
How to Serve Nashville Chicken Tenders with Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like thinly sliced dill pickles or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley add freshness and a pop of color that contrasts perfectly with the spicy, reddish coating of the tenders. These simple garnishes elevate the dish from delicious to downright irresistible.
Side Dishes
Classic Southern sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or crisp celery sticks are perfect companions to Nashville Chicken Tenders with Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe. They provide a cool, crunchy balance that helps mellow the heat and brighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the tenders on mini slider buns with a cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing. You could also drizzle extra hot sauce on top for the heat lovers or layer them over a bed of crunchy lettuce for a lighter option. No matter how you present them, these tenders are guaranteed to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Nashville Chicken Tenders with Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them airtight helps retain their crispiness and flavor for reheating later.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, wrap the tenders tightly and freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen tenders can last up to 2 months and are perfect for quick, future meals.
Reheating
To keep the crispy coating intact when reheating, warm the tenders in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350 degrees for about 5-7 minutes. This method refreshes the crunch without drying out the chicken or dulling the spicy hot sauce flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier alternative and hold up well to the spicy coating. Just make sure to cut them into tender-sized pieces for even cooking.
How spicy is the Nashville Chicken Tenders with Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe?
The heat level is moderate to high, thanks to the cayenne and hot sauce, but it’s balanced by the sweetness from brown sugar and tang from pickle juice. You can always adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference.
Can I bake the tenders instead of air frying?
Yes, baking is a great alternative. Bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
What kind of hot sauce works best in this recipe?
A classic cayenne-based hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot is ideal because it provides that signature tangy heat essential for true Nashville flavor.
Can I make the spicy hot sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just warm it slightly before tossing with the tenders to revive the flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that combines bold heat, tangy brightness, and satisfying crunch, you absolutely must try the Nashville Chicken Tenders with Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s both comforting and exciting, effortlessly elevating simple chicken tenders into a crowd-pleasing, finger-licking experience. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these spicy, crispy delights in your recipe rotation.
Print
Nashville Chicken Tenders with Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 200 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 210 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Nashville Chicken recipe features crispy, spicy chicken tenders marinated in hot sauce and pickle juice, perfectly breaded and air fried to golden perfection. A classic Southern favorite, these chicken tenders pack a punch with cayenne, dark brown sugar, and paprika seasoning, delivering a flavorful and crunchy bite without deep frying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breast tenders
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper (divided)
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (divided)
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice (divided)
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cups buttermilk
- cooking spray (olive oil)
For the Spice Mix
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup olive oil (for air fryer spray and cooking)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken tenders with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon pickle juice. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare flour mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for seasoning the dredge.
- Prepare wet mixture: In another bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, remaining tablespoon of hot sauce, and remaining tablespoon of pickle juice until smooth.
- Dredge the chicken: First, coat each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess flour.
- Dip in wet mixture: Next, dip the floured chicken pieces into the egg and buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Double dredge: Return the chicken back to the flour mixture for a second coating to create a thick, crispy crust.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Dry the breading: Allow the breaded chicken to air dry for about 10 minutes, helping the coating adhere during cooking.
- Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to the chicken setting or 375°F (190°C) and spray the basket lightly with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Air fry chicken: Place chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket in batches if necessary. Lightly coat the tops with cooking spray.
- Cook first side: Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes or according to your air fryer’s chicken setting until the underside is golden and crispy.
- Flip and cook second side: Turn the tenders over, spray again with cooking spray, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken in hot sauce and pickle juice tenderizes the meat and infuses it with classic Nashville heat and tang.
- Double dredging ensures a thick and crispy coating that holds well during air frying.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crisping of the chicken.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model; adjust as necessary to achieve a crispy crust and internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Use cooking spray liberally to get a crispy exterior without deep frying.
- Leftover tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
