Ingredients
To make delicious Nashville hot chicken tenders, you will need the following ingredients:
Marinating the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken tenders in buttermilk. Place the chicken in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over them. Make sure the chicken is completely covered with buttermilk. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Preparing the Spicy Coating
While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the spicy coating. In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Coating and Frying the Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken tenders from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps the chicken to cook more evenly. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Take each chicken tender out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drain off. Roll the chicken in the spicy coating mixture, making sure it is evenly coated on all sides. Place the coated chicken on a plate or wire rack while you coat the remaining tenders.
Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, which should read 165°F (74°C).
Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Adding the Hot Sauce
The defining characteristic of Nashville hot chicken is the fiery hot sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Heat the sauce over medium heat until it begins to bubble. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Coating the Chicken with Hot Sauce
To achieve the authentic Nashville hot chicken experience, you need to coat the fried chicken tenders with the hot sauce. You can either brush the sauce onto the chicken or dip the chicken into the sauce. Make sure to coat all sides of the chicken evenly, using as much or as little sauce as you prefer.
Serving and Enjoying Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Once the chicken tenders are coated with the hot sauce, they are ready to be enjoyed. Nashville hot chicken tenders are typically served on white bread with pickles, creating a perfect combination of flavors. However, you can also serve them alongside slaw, fries, or any other side dishes you like.
Prepare yourself for a burst of flavors with each bite. The crispy, spicy coating complemented by the tangy pickles creates a taste sensation that is truly unique to Nashville hot chicken.
So why not put your cooking skills to the test and try making Nashville hot chicken tenders at home? With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy the spicy deliciousness of this iconic dish without having to leave your kitchen. Find more relevant information on the subject by visiting this carefully selected external resource. Uncover details, extra information available.
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