Nashville Hot Chicken Strips

Nashville Hot Chicken Strips are crispy, juicy, and packed with a fiery kick! These tenders are coated in a crunchy crust, then tossed in a spicy, buttery glaze for the ultimate flavor explosion. Perfect for game days, parties, or when you’re craving bold Southern-style comfort food, these chicken strips are sure to become a favorite for spice lovers.

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and
   black pepper.
2. Add the chicken strips to the mixture, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and
   refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) for maximum flavor and
   tenderness.

Prepare the Coating:

1. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic
   powder, salt, and black pepper.

Coat the Chicken:

1. Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off.
2. Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks.Place coated strips on a plate or wire rack.

Fry the Chicken:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the chicken strips in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5- 7 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
3. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Hot Sauce Glaze:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and hot sauce. Adjust cayenne pepper to your desired spice level.

Toss the Chicken:

1. Brush or toss the fried chicken strips in the hot sauce glaze while they’re still warm.

Serve:
Serve the Nashville Hot Chicken Strips with pickle slices and white bread to balance the heat.

FAQs:

Can I bake or air-fry the chicken strips?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. To air-fry, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping once. Spray with cooking oil to ensure crispiness.

How can I make the chicken less spicy?
Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the glaze and coating. You can also skip brushing the chicken with the hot sauce glaze for a milder version.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry the chicken strips ahead of time and reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Add the hot glaze just before serving.