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Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Recipe

Get ready for spicy, crispy, finger-licking chicken tenders that are packed with heat, crunch, and flavor. Perfect for dinner, game nights, or impressing your friends. Quick to make, full of bold Nashville flavor, and guaranteed to make your taste buds dance.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken tenders – 1½ lbs or boneless chicken strips
  • Buttermilk – 1 cup
  • Hot sauce – 2 tbsp optional in marinade, extra for heat
  • All-purpose flour – 1½ cups
  • Cornstarch – ¼ cup
  • Salt – 1 tsp
  • Black pepper – ½ tsp
  • Paprika – 1 tsp
  • Garlic powder – 1 tsp
  • Onion powder – 1 tsp optional
  • Cayenne pepper – 1–2 tsp adjust for heat
  • Vegetable oil – enough for frying
  • Butter – 3 tbsp
  • Honey – 1 tsp optional

Method
 

  1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for 30–60 minutes.
  2. Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1 tsp cayenne.
  3. Dredge chicken tenders in the flour mixture, patting to coat evenly.
  4. Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  5. Melt butter in a pan, add cayenne, paprika, salt, and honey; mix well.
  6. Brush or toss fried chicken tenders in the spicy butter glaze.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, spicy goodness.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne for desired spice level.
  • Can substitute maple syrup for honey for a different twist.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days.
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