Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders KFC Recipe – Spicy, Crispy & Irresistible!

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders KFC Recipe

Craving the fiery, crispy goodness of KFC’s Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders? Skip the drive-thru and make this copycat KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders recipe at home! With the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and flavor, these tenders rival the original—plus, you can customize the spice level to your liking.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• The history of Nashville Hot Chicken
• Why this KFC hot chicken tenders recipe is a must-try
• Step-by-step instructions for crispy, juicy tenders
• Expert tips & serving ideas
• Storage & reheating tricks

Let’s dive in and make the best Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders KFC-style at home!

The History of Nashville Hot Chicken

Nashville Hot Chicken isn’t just a trend—it’s a legend. Originating in the 1930s at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack in Tennessee, this dish was born out of revenge (yes, really!). The story goes that a scorned lover doused fried chicken in fiery spices to punish her cheating partner… but he loved it so much, it became a sensation!

KFC later popularized its own version, making Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders a nationwide obsession. Now, you can recreate that spicy, crispy magic in your own kitchen!

What is KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Recipe?

This KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders recipe is a spicy, crispy, finger-licking-good copycat version of the famous fast-food favorite. It features:

• Juicy chicken tenders – Marinated in buttermilk and spices for maximum tenderness.
• Extra-crispy coating – Double-dredged in seasoned flour for that perfect crunch.
• Fiery Nashville hot glaze – A buttery, cayenne-infused sauce that packs a punch.
• Customizable heat level – Adjust the spice to your preference (mild to extra-hot!).

Unlike regular fried chicken, Nashville Hot Chicken is all about the slow-building heat from cayenne pepper, balanced by a touch of sweetness. This recipe stays true to the KFC-style version, delivering that addictive spicy-savory flavor you love, but with homemade freshness and quality ingredients.

Why It’s Better Than Takeout:

• No mystery ingredients – You control what goes in.
• Crispier & juicier – Fresh frying makes a huge difference.
• Adjustable spice – Make it as mild or fiery as you want.
• Perfect for meal prep – Great for sandwiches, salads, or snacks.

Whether you’re a spice lover or just craving crispy fried chicken, this recipe is a must-try! 🔥🍗

Why You’ll Love This KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Recipe

• Perfectly Spicy – Adjust the cayenne to your heat preference.
• Extra Crispy – Double-dredging ensures a crunchy coating.
• Easy to Make – No fancy techniques, just delicious results.
• Versatile – Serve as tenders, in sandwiches, or over salads.

Personal Experience

The first time I tried this recipe; I was amazed at how close it tasted to KFC’s version—but even better because I controlled the spice! The cayenne-butter glaze is the real star, giving each bite a fiery kick without overpowering the flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Deep fryer or heavy skillet (cast iron works best)
• Meat thermometer (to ensure perfect doneness)
• Wire rack & baking sheet (for draining excess oil)
• Mixing bowls (for marinating and dredging)

Preparation Time

• Marinating: 2 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor)
•  Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Taste & Texture

• Spicy – Cayenne pepper delivers a slow-building heat.
• Slightly Sweet – Brown sugar balances the spice.
• Smoky & Savory – Paprika and garlic powder add depth.
• Juicy Inside, Crispy Outside – Thanks to buttermilk brine and double coating.

Ingredients for KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk (tenderizes the chicken)
• ¼ cup pickle juice (adds tangy flavor)
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot works great)
• 1 tsp paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper

For the Crispy Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp salt, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne

For the Nashville Hot Glaze:

• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (balances heat)
• 1 tsp paprika, garlic powder, salt

How to Make KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a bowl, mix buttermilk, pickle juice, hot sauce, and spices.
• Add chicken, coat well, and refrigerate for 2+ hours (overnight for best results).

Step 2: Dredge for Extra Crispiness

• In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and spices.
• Remove chicken from marinade, shake off excess, and coat in flour mixture.
• Let sit for 10 minutes (helps coating stick better).

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

• Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet.
• Fry tenders in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden and 165°F internal temp.
• Drain on a wire rack (keeps them crispy).

Step 4: Toss in Nashville Hot Glaze

• Melt butter, then whisk in cayenne, brown sugar, and spices.
• Brush or toss fried tenders in the glaze.

Pro Tips for the Best Nashville Hot Chicken

• Double-Dip for Extra Crunch – After first dredge, dip back in buttermilk, then flour again.
• Rest Before Frying – Letting coated chicken sit ensures a crispier crust.
• Use a Thermometer – Prevents under/overcooking.
• Adjust Heat Level – Reduce cayenne for milder tenders.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Nashville Style – On white bread with pickles (traditional!).
• Salad Topper – Slice over greens with ranch dressing.
• Spicy Chicken Sandwich – Add coleslaw and brioche buns.
• With Fries & Dip – Ranch or blue cheese cools the heat.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
• Reheat: Air fryer (5 mins at 375°F) or oven (10 mins at 350°F) to keep crispy.
• Avoid Microwave – Makes coating soggy.

Variations to Try

• Honey Drizzle – Sweet & spicy twist.
• Cheesy Version – Add shredded cheddar to flour mix.
• Maple Glaze – Swap brown sugar for maple syrup.

Final Thoughts

This KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders recipe delivers restaurant-quality spice and crunch at home. Whether you’re a heat-seeker or prefer milder flavors, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

FAQ 

1. Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 mins, flipping halfway.

2. How do I reduce the spiciness?

Use half the cayenne or add more brown sugar.

3. Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Adjust frying time to 8-10 mins.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories320 
• Protein 25g
• Fat 16g

This easy, crispy, spicy recipe is a game-changer. Bookmark it, share it, and enjoy the heat! 🔥🍗

Happy cooking! 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳