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–+ servings
Nashville Chicken Tenders

Nashville Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Spicy Comfort Food Delight

These Nashville Chicken Tenders are crispy, spicy, and easy to make, perfect for a satisfying snack or meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4 tenders
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 cup buttermilk or regular milk mixed with vinegar
  • 1/4 cup pickle juice can substitute with more buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce select based on heat preference
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders or chicken breast slices
For the Coating
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour sifted for lighter texture
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Frying and Glaze
  • 3-4 cups vegetable, peanut, or sunflower oil for frying
  • 1/2 cup leftover frying oil
  • 1/2 cup additional hot sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey to taste
  • 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • large dish
  • large pot or cast-iron skillet
  • Kitchen thermometer
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients and add the chicken tenders. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  2. In a large dish, combine all the coating ingredients until well blended.
  3. Heat the oil in a large pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Dredge chicken tenders in the flour mixture and fry in batches for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  5. Make the spicy glaze by mixing leftover oil, additional hot sauce, honey, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  6. Apply the spicy glaze over the fried chicken tenders and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 4tendersCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure you maintain oil temperature and do not overcrowd the frying pan for the best results.

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