Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders recipe videos

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders are a fiery, crispy variation of the classic Southern dish, where chicken tenders are breaded, fried, and then drenched or brushed with a spicy paste made from cayenne pepper, paprika, and other seasonings, often served with pickles and white bread. Originating in Nashville, Tennessee, this dish is a beloved staple of Southern comfort food with a reputation for intense heat.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in fat and protein due to the deep-fried chicken and spicy oil-based coating, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the breading. A typical serving of 3-4 tenders can range from 500 to 800 calories, providing significant protein but also substantial sodium and saturated fat.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	480 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbs	32 g
Fat	26 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	1450 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Calcium	60 mg
Potassium	380 mg
Vitamin B6	0.4 mg
Niacin (B3)	8 mg
Phosphorus	250 mg
Magnesium	35 mg
Zinc	1.5 mg

Per 4 tenders (170 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Nashville Hot Chicken has a legendary origin story involving a scorned lover's revenge recipe, and it's culturally significant as a symbol of Nashville's culinary identity, often enjoyed with cooling sides like coleslaw or pickles to balance the heat.