Hey there, fellow apron ace! I’m so glad you stumbled upon this article. If you’re anything like me, you love a good plate of KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders. But let’s be real, it can be tough to find a recipe that hits the spot. I’ve been there – scouring the internet for hours, trying recipe after recipe, only to be disappointed.
But fear not, my friend! Years of experience and experimentation, I’ve finally nailed down the perfect recipe. If this is your first time cooking something like this, fear not – this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for beginners.
KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of making these delicious tenders, let’s take a moment to appreciate their history and what makes them so darn tasty. KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders are a spin-off of the classic Nashville Hot Chicken – a local specialty of Nashville, Tennessee.
What sets this dish apart is its unique blend of spices and the way it’s prepared – coated in a spicy paste and fried to perfection. Trust me when I say, once you try this spicy fried chicken, you’ll never go back to regular fried chicken again.
Ingredients for KFC Hot Chicken Tenders
Before we get started on our culinary adventure, let’s make sure we have everything we need. Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make the best KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders this side of the Mississippi:
- 3 lbs chicken breasts, cut into tenders: The star of the show! Make sure to get high-quality, fresh chicken for the best results. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning the chicken before coating. A little goes a long way!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: For coating the chicken before frying. All-purpose flour works just fine. No need to get fancy here.
- 2 tbsp chili powder or cayenne pepper: For that signature Nashville Hot heat. Adjust to taste – some like it hot, some like it mild.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: For balancing out the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- 2 tbsp garlic powder: For a savory kick that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- 1 tsp onion powder: For adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the spice blend.
- 2 tbsp dry mustard powder: For adding depth and complexity to the spice blend.
- 1 tbsp black pepper: For a subtle heat that complements the other spices.
- 1 tsp paprika: For a subtle smokiness that takes this dish to the next level.
- ¾ cup buttermilk: For soaking the chicken before coating. This helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor. Plus, it’s just fun to say. Buttermilk. See?
- 1 large egg: For helping the coating stick to the chicken.
- 2 tbsp Nashville hot sauce: For making the spicy paste. Use your favorite brand or make your own! Just don’t come crying to me if it’s too hot to handle.
- ¼ cup pickle juice: For adding tanginess to the spicy paste.
- Oil for frying: For frying the chicken. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil. Leave the extra-virgin olive oil for your salads.
Equipment for KFC Hot Chicken Tenders
Now that you have your ingredients sorted, let’s make sure we have the right tools for the job. Here’s a list of equipment you’ll need:
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot: For frying the chicken. Make sure it’s deep enough to fully submerge the tenders. Nobody likes half-fried chicken.
- Thermometer: For monitoring the oil temperature. You want to keep it around 350°F for the best results. Trust me, I’ve learned this one the hard way.
- Tongs: For handling the chicken while frying. Make sure to use metal tongs – plastic ones will melt! And melted plastic is not a flavor you want in your chicken.
- Large bowl: For soaking the chicken in buttermilk. Make sure it’s big enough to hold all of the chicken tenders.
- Paper towels or
- Cooling wire rack: For draining excess oil from the fried chicken. Place it over a baking sheet to catch any drips. Because nobody likes a greasy mess.
Instructions for KFC Hot Chicken Tenders
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the best KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders:
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Soak the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken tenders in a shallow dish and cover with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the spice blend: In a bowl, mix together chili powder or cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, black pepper, and paprika.
- Prepare for coating: In a shallow dish, mix together flour and half of the spice blend. In another shallow dish, beat together buttermilk and egg.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture soak and dip in egg mixture then coat in flour mixture. Make sure every nook and cranny is coated.
- Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F. Fry the chicken tenders in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can use a heavy-bottomed pot or a deep skillet instead. Fill it with about 1 inch of oil and bring it to 350°F over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot or skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Drain the chicken: Once the chicken is done frying, use tongs to transfer it to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to drain excess oil and cool slightly before serving.
- Make the spicy paste: In a small saucepan, melt some butter and whisk in Nashville hot sauce, remaining spice blend, onion powder, and pickle juice. This will give your chicken that extra spicy kick.
- Coat fried chicken in spicy paste: Once chicken is done frying use tongs to coat each piece in spicy paste.
And there you have it – delicious KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders made right in your own kitchen! I hope these instructions are clear and easy to follow (and gave you a chuckle or two).
What to Serve With KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Now that you’ve made these delicious KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders, it’s time to dig in! But wait – how should you serve them? Here are some suggestions:
With sauce
Why not try dipping your hot tenders in some spicy sauce? Check out my recipes for Secret Sonic Crave Sauce and Popeye’s Sweet Heat Sauce for some awesome options. Or try some classic BBQ or chilli sauce.
On a bed of coleslaw
The cool, creamy coleslaw pairs perfectly with the spicy chicken. Plus, it adds some veggies to your meal. Score!
In a sandwich
Toast up a bun and pile on the chicken tenders, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Take a big bite and let the flavors dance in your mouth.
With bread and potato salad
Another great way to serve KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders is on a slice of white bread with a side of potato salad. The bread soaks up all the delicious spicy oil and the potato salad adds a cool and creamy contrast to the heat.
With waffles
Yes, you read that right. Chicken and waffles is a classic combo for a reason. Drizzle on some syrup and prepare for a flavor explosion.
Variations and Alterations for KFC Nashville Hot Chicken
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations of KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders you can try:
Extra spicy
If your taste buds laugh in the face of danger, and you eat jalapenos like candy, go ahead and add more cayenne pepper to the spice blend. But don’t say I didn’t warn you! And yes, keep that milk on standby. Increase the amount of cayenne pepper pepper to the spice blend. Experiment with spices to adjust the heat level. Just make sure to have a glass of milk handy.
Gluten-free
For our gluten-free comrades, swap out the flour for almond flour or coconut flour. You’ll be doing a happy gluten-free chicken dance in no time.
Baked
Is your fryer on a vacation or you’re simply trying to cut back on fried foods? No problemo! Bake those chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. And voila – crispy, golden, and not a single drop of oil in sight!
Air-fried
For those of you who are part of the air fryer cult, you can totally air fry these babies. Cook them at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, giving them a little flip halfway through.
Pro Tips for KFC Nashville Hot Chicken
Want to take your KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders game to the next level? Here are some pro tips:
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken while frying. It should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
- Let the fried chicken rest on a cooling rack for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep it crispy.
- Experiment with different hot sauces to find your perfect level of heat. Some like it hot, some like it mild – there’s no wrong answer here!
- Try marinating the chicken in pickle juice before soaking in buttermilk. It adds an extra layer of flavor that’s surprisingly delicious.
- Want even more heat? Try drizzling some of the spicy oil from the frying pan over your chicken tenders before serving. Just be warned – it’s not for the faint of heart!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about making KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders at home:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Sure! Just slice them into strips before soaking in buttermilk.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken up until the frying step and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before frying.
Can I freeze leftover chicken tenders?
Yes! Just let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Can I cook these tenders on the grill?
You bet! Just brush them with oil and grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side. Grill marks add character, don’t you think?
Storing the Leftover Spicy Paste
Now, let’s talk about that spicy paste that’s left over. You put effort into it, so don’t let it go to waste! Instead, store it properly for future fiery feasts.
Transfer the spicy paste into a glass jar with a tight lid. It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to give it a good stir before using it again, as the spices may settle at the bottom. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even freeze it in an ice cube tray for longer storage. Pop out a cube whenever you’re in the mood for some Nashville hot chicken, or to add a kick to other dishes!
Get Your Cluck On: The Ultimate KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Recipe
Well, there you have it, Apron Aces – everything you need to know to make the best KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders right in your own kitchen. From the ingredients and equipment to the step-by-step instructions and pro tips, we’ve got you covered. So go ahead, get your cluck on and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. And remember, if things get a little too hot to handle, just grab a glass of milk and keep on clucking.
Best KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Copycat Recipe
Equipment
- 1 deep fryer (or heavy-bottomed pot)
- 1 thermometer
- 1 tongs
- 1 large bowl
- 1 paper towels (or cooling wire rack)
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into tenders)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp chili powder (or cayenne pepper)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp dry mustard powder
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp Nashville hot sauce
- ¼ cup pickle juice
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4-6 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Soak the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken tenders in a shallow dish and cover with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the spice blend: In a bowl, mix together chili powder or cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, black pepper, and paprika.
- Prepare for coating: In a shallow dish, mix together flour and half of the spice blend. In another shallow dish, beat together buttermilk and egg.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture soak and dip in egg mixture then coat in flour mixture. Make sure every nook and cranny is coated.
- Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350 °F. Fry the chicken tenders in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can use a heavy-bottomed pot or a deep skillet instead. Fill it with about 1 inch of oil and bring it to 350 °F over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot or skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Drain the chicken: Once the chicken is done frying, use tongs to transfer it to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to drain excess oil and cool slightly before serving.
- Make the spicy paste: In a small saucepan, melt some butter and whisk in Nashville hot sauce, remaining spice blend, onion powder, and pickle juice. This will give your chicken that extra spicy kick.
- Coat fried chicken in spicy paste: Once chicken is done frying use tongs to coat each piece in spicy paste.