Nashville Chicken

Name: Nashville Chicken
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 12 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken breast tenders; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons hot sauce (plus 1 tablespoon for dredging); 2 tablespoons pickle juice (plus 1 tablespoon for dredging); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup buttermilk; Cooking spray (olive oil); 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 cup olive oil

By:

Lauren

Published:

September 24, 2025

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Nashville Chicken is a dish that packs a punch with its mouthwatering flavors and crispy texture. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, this recipe is here to guide you through achieving that iconic Nashville taste right in your own kitchen. Imagine tender chicken tenders marinated in a blend of spices, then coated and perfectly air-fried for that golden crunch. It’s a deliciously spicy journey you can whip up quickly, perfect for any meal. With all the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying this Southern classic in no time. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

Why This Recipe Works

This Nashville Chicken recipe shines because of the air frying technique. Air frying lets you achieve the crispiness of traditional frying but with less oil. So, you get all the flavor without feeling weighed down. Plus, marination plays a key role in making the chicken delicious. By letting the chicken soak in a mix of hot sauce and pickle juice, you infuse it with that authentic Nashville flavor. The balance of spices and seasoning is what truly sets this recipe apart, ensuring every bite is bursting with personality.

Why You’ll Love This Nashville Chicken

You’ll absolutely love this Nashville Chicken not just for its flavors, but because it’s so quick to cook. The air fryer speeds things up, giving you crispy results in a fraction of the time it takes to fry traditionally. The magic happens in the mix of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Each bite leaves you wanting more, making it a perfect dish for any gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner. This recipe is all about bringing good vibes and great tastes to your table!

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless chicken breast tenders
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 tablespoons hot sauce (plus 1 tablespoon for dredging)
2 tablespoons pickle juice (plus 1 tablespoon for dredging)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
Cooking spray (olive oil)
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup olive oil

Marinating the Chicken

Combining the Marinade

Start by mixing the chicken tenders in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 tablespoon of pickle juice. This flavorful marinade is crucial; it’s where the magic begins.

Marinating Process

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour. This step helps the flavors penetrate the meat, ensuring every bite is impactful.

Preparing the Chicken Coating

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare the coating. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of flour with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. This mixture will give your chicken that crispy outer layer.

Preparing the Wet Mixture

In another bowl, whisk together one large egg, 1/2 cup of buttermilk, and the remaining tablespoon each of hot sauce and pickle juice. This wet mixture adds flavor and helps the dry ingredients stick to the chicken.

Dredging the Chicken

Coating the Chicken

Now comes the fun part! Take each marinated chicken piece and dredge it in the flour mixture. Next, dip it into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Finally, return the chicken to the flour for a nice, thick coating. This triple process builds layers of flavor and texture that are essential to Nashville Chicken.

Air Drying

After coating, place the pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer. Let them air dry for about 10 minutes. This step allows the coating to adhere better during cooking.

Cooking the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Setting Up the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the chicken setting or 375°F. Don’t forget to spray the basket with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Air Frying the Chicken

Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Lightly coat them with olive oil spray again. Cook for 5-6 minutes, then carefully flip each piece, spray once more, and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes. You want them golden brown and cooked through. The air fryer works wonders here, delivering that crunchy texture without the fuss of frying.

Making the Nashville Hot Sauce

Combining the Sauce Ingredients

While the chicken cooks, let’s get that hot sauce ready. In a bowl, whisk together cayenne pepper, dark brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika with 1/2 cup of olive oil. This spicy blend makes Nashville Chicken unforgettable!

Saucing the Chicken

Once the chicken is out of the air fryer, it’s time to coat it in that homemade Nashville hot sauce. Immediately pour the sauce over the cooked chicken tenders and toss to coat them evenly. Each piece should be dripping with flavor!

Serving Suggestions

Nashville Chicken is perfect on its own, but for an authentic experience, serve it with classic Southern sides. Partner it with fluffy bread, crispy pickles, and creamy coleslaw for a well-rounded feast. These additions balance the spice and enhance the overall meal.

Tips for Success

It’s crucial to ensure the chicken is well-coated and the air fryer is preheated properly. This guarantees that crispiness we all crave.
If you’re sensitive to heat, adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your spice tolerance.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? You can swap the chicken tenders for chicken thighs for a juicier bite. Plus, you can always play around with the spice levels by adding more cayenne or reducing it based on your taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
How can I make it less spicy?
Lower the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce in both the marination and sauce.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely, just use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
What side dishes pair well with Nashville chicken?
Cornbread, mac and cheese, or a fresh salad make great companions.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for an even cook.

With this Nashville Chicken recipe, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with a taste of the South right at home! The crispy, spicy goodness will have everyone coming back for seconds. So get cooking and enjoy this flavorful journey!

Nashville Chicken

Why This Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This Nashville Chicken

Ingredients