KFC Nashville Hot Tenders Combos Price & Calories 2026
KFC nashville hot tenders are back for a limited time. The combination of crispy chicken and spicy Nashville hot sauce attracts fans who want bold flavor without ordering a full KFC bucket. Many people search for the price, calories, and combo details before ordering.
The kfc nashville hot tenders meal includes hand-breaded chicken tenders coated with Nashville Hot sauce. They are usually served with pickles and paired with classic KFC sides. The popular combo contains 4 tenders, a side item, a biscuit, and a drink. It is designed as a complete lunch or dinner option.
Explore the complete KFC Menu 2026
What Are KFC Nashville Hot Tenders?
KFC Nashville hot tenders are spicy chicken strips made from all-white meat chicken. Each piece is hand breaded and fried until crispy. The tenders are then coated with Nashville Hot sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor.
$10.39

Nashville Hot 3 pc. Tenders Combo
3 pc Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders + Side + Medium Drink + Biscuit
Cal: 1560-1900
$12.39

Nashville Hot 4 pc. Tenders Combo
4 pc Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders + Side + Medium Drink + Biscuit
Cal: 1210-1890
$13.69

Nashville Hot 5 pc. Tenders Combo
5 pc Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders + Side + Medium Drink + Biscuit
Cal: 1560-1900
$14.49

Nashville Hot 5 pc. Tenders Combo
5 pc Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders + 2 Side + Medium Drink + Biscuit + 2 Sauce
Cal: 1570-2300
KFC 4 Pc. Nashville Hot Tenders Combo
The KFC nashville hot tenders combo usually contains four chicken tenders with Nashville Hot sauce. The meal also includes fries or another side, a biscuit, and a medium drink.
|
Item |
Description |
|---|---|
|
4 Nashville Hot Tenders |
Hand-breaded spicy chicken |
|
Side item |
Fries, mashed potatoes, or other side |
|
Biscuit |
Classic KFC biscuit |
|
Drink |
Medium fountain beverage |
KFC Nashville Hot Tenders Price (2026)
Different combo sizes of kfc nashville hot tenders are available for customers who want larger portions. The menu often includes 4-piece, 5-piece, and Big Box options.
You can sometimes find KFC deals that include tenders, sandwiches, or bucket meals at discounted prices.
|
Menu Item |
Price |
|---|---|
|
3 Pc. Nashville Hot Tenders Combo |
$10.39 |
|
4 Pc. Nashville Hot Tenders Combo |
$12.39 |
|
5 Pc. Nashville Hot Tenders Combo |
$13.69 |
|
Nashville Hot 5 Pc. Tenders Big Box |
$14.49 |
Calories & Nutrition
Before ordering, check the KFC nutrition menu to compare calories, protein, and sodium levels.
The full kfc nashville hot tenders combo contains around 1560 to 1900 calories. The range depends on your side item and drink choice.
|
Nutrient |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Calories |
1560–1900 |
|
Sodium |
29,072 mg |
|
Total Carbohydrates |
568.8 g |
|
Dietary Fiber |
31.6 g |
|
Sugars |
31.6 g |
|
Protein |
29 g |
|
Cholesterol |
90 mg |
|
Calcium |
50 mg |
|
Iron |
2.7 mg |
|
Potassium |
78 mg |
What Do Nashville Hot Tenders Taste Like?
The flavor of kfc nashville hot tenders combines crispy chicken with spicy oil-based sauce. The outside coating stays crunchy while the inside remains juicy.
When you bite into kfc nashville hot tenders, the first taste is slightly sweet. After a moment, the cayenne pepper heat starts to build. The heat level is moderate, so most customers can enjoy it.
|
Flavor Element |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Heat |
Medium spicy |
|
Sweetness |
Slight sweetness from sauce |
|
Texture |
Crunchy coating |
|
Balance |
Pickles add acidity |
Why Pickles Are Served
Pickles are commonly served with kfc nashville hot tenders because they balance the spice. Their sour taste cuts through the rich fried chicken flavor.
This sweet, spicy, and crispy mix is the main reason the item became popular.
Ingredients
The chicken uses white meat tenderloins and a seasoned breading. After frying, Nashville tenders are coated with Nashville Hot sauce. The sauce usually contains cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic seasoning, and oil.
|
Ingredient |
Purpose |
|---|---|
|
Chicken tenderloins |
Main protein source |
|
Wheat flour breading |
Creates crispy crust |
|
Egg and milk ingredients |
Help coating stick |
|
Nashville hot sauce |
Adds spice and color |
|
Pickle slices |
Balance flavor |
Sauce Components
The Nashville hot sauce used for kfc nashville hot tenders may include:
These ingredients create the signature spicy coating.
Allergens
Customers with food allergies should check ingredients before ordering kfc nashville hot tenders. The breading and seasoning include several common allergens.
|
Allergen |
Source |
|---|---|
|
Wheat |
Breaded coating |
|
Egg |
Egg white powder |
|
Milk |
Modified milk ingredients |
|
Soy |
Frying oil and seasoning |
Are KFC Nashville Hot Tenders Limited Time?
Many customers ask if kfc nashville hot tenders are always available. YES, they appear as a limited-time menu item.
The availability depends on seasonal promotions. Some locations keep them longer if customer demand remains strong.
Customization
You can customize kfc nashville hot tenders by choosing different portion sizes and sides. KFC allows flexibility in most combo orders.
Customization makes nashville hot tenders suitable for both small meals and larger group orders.
Copycat KFC Nashville Hot Tenders Recipe
Many people want to recreate kfc nashville hot tenders at home when the item disappears from the menu. The good news is that you can make a very similar version using basic pantry ingredients and a simple frying method.
This kfc nashville hot tenders copycat recipe focuses on three things: crispy breading, juicy chicken, and the signature Nashville hot oil. When these elements combine, the result tastes close to the restaurant version.

Ingredients
For the Chicken
|
Ingredient |
Quantity |
|---|---|
|
Chicken breast (cut into tenders) |
2 lbs |
|
Salt |
2 tbsp |
|
Black pepper |
1 tbsp |
Brine Mixture
|
Ingredient |
Quantity |
|---|---|
|
Buttermilk |
1 cup |
|
Hot sauce |
2 tbsp |
Buttermilk Dip
|
Ingredient |
Quantity |
|---|---|
|
Eggs |
2 |
|
Buttermilk |
1 cup |
|
Hot sauce |
2 tbsp |
Seasoned Flour
|
Ingredient |
Quantity |
|---|---|
|
All-purpose flour |
2 cups |
|
4 tsp |
|
|
Chili powder |
½ tsp |
|
Garlic powder |
½ tsp |
|
Paprika |
½ tsp |
|
Celery salt |
½ tsp |
|
Dried oregano |
½ tsp |
|
Dried basil |
½ tsp |
|
Onion flakes |
½ tsp |
|
Ground allspice |
½ tsp |
Nashville Hot Sauce
|
Ingredient |
Quantity |
|---|---|
|
Cayenne pepper |
3 tbsp |
|
Brown sugar |
1 tbsp |
|
Paprika |
1 tsp |
|
Garlic salt |
½ tsp |
|
Hot frying oil |
½ cup |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry and season them with salt and black pepper. This step helps the seasoning stick and improves the flavor of the kfc nashville hot tenders copycat recipe.

2. Marinate the Chicken
Whisk buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. Add the chicken tenders and mix well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight marinating works best for juicy kfc nashville hot tenders.

3. Prepare the Coating
In one bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce.
In another bowl, mix all the seasoned flour ingredients.
The double coating helps the kfc nashville hot tenders develop a crunchy crust.

4. Bread the Chicken
Follow this coating process for each tender:
- Coat chicken in seasoned flour.
- Dip in the buttermilk mixture.
- Coat again in seasoned flour.
Place the coated tenders on a tray while you finish the rest.

5. Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 325°F (163°C). Fry the tenders in small batches.
Cook each batch for 3–5 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Transfer fried tenders to paper towels or a wire rack. This keeps the crust crispy, just like kfc nashville hot tenders.

6. Make the Nashville Hot Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
Slowly whisk in ½ cup of hot frying oil. This creates the spicy oil used for kfc nashville hot tenders.
7. Coat the Chicken
Place the fried tenders on a plate and brush or drizzle the Nashville hot sauce over them. The oil coating gives the kfc nashville hot tenders their signature spicy shine.

How to Serve Nashville Hot Tenders
Serve the homemade kfc nashville hot tenders with traditional sides. The classic combination balances the spice and richness.

|
Side |
Purpose |
|---|---|
|
Pickle chips |
Reduce the heat |
|
Buttery biscuit |
Adds softness |
|
Fries or coleslaw |
Completes the meal |
|
White bread |
Absorbs spicy oil |
Pickles are especially important because their acidity cuts through the rich flavor of kfc nashville hot tenders.
Tips for Perfect Nashville Hot Tenders
Following these tips will help you make kfc nashville hot tenders that taste very close to the restaurant version.
FAQs