Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Tenders with Spicy Garlic Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken tenders coated in a fiery Nashville-style spice blend, served with a rich garlic butter sauce that balances heat and flavor. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends chicken tenders, buttermilk, all-purpose flour into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 cup buttermilk with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 pound chicken tenders and marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: In a separate shallow dish, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder for the spicy coating.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove each chicken tender from buttermilk, dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, and gently shake off excess.
  5. Step 5: Fry the tenders in batches for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter with 2 cloves minced garlic and 2 tablespoons hot sauce, stirring until fragrant and smooth.
  7. Step 7: Toss the fried tenders in the spicy garlic butter sauce until well coated. Serve immediately for a bold Nashville hot chicken flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Tenders with Spicy Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Tenders with Spicy Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Tenders with Spicy Garlic Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Tenders with Spicy Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Tenders with Spicy Garlic Sauce?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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