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Homemade Nashville Fried Chicken photo

Nashville Fried Chicken

This Nashville Fried Chicken is a spicy, crispy delight! Perfectly marinated and fried, it’s a flavor-packed Southern classic.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz boneless and skinless chicken tenders
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun spice
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 300 ml buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon frying oil
  • to taste Oil for deep frying vegetable or canola oil works well

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Mixing bowl
  • Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot
  • Cooking thermometer
  • Slotted spoon
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Marination and Preparation
  1. Begin by placing the chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
  2. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun spice, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. In another bowl, add the all-purpose flour, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Take each chicken tender out of the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Frying
  1. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to check the temperature; it should be around 350°F.
  2. Carefully add the chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a cooling rack.
  3. In a small bowl, mix a tablespoon of frying oil with an additional teaspoon of cayenne pepper and paprika. Drizzle over the hot chicken for extra spice.
  4. Serve hot with your favorite sides!

Notes

  • Don’t skip the marinating step for flavor and tenderness.
  • Ensure oil is at the correct temperature to avoid greasy chicken.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pot while frying for even cooking.
  • Let the chicken rest on a cooling rack to maintain crispiness.