Nashville Hot Chicken Fries with Coleslaw and Cheese Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Nashville Hot Chicken Fries are a flavorful twist on classic comfort food, combining crispy waffle fries, spicy chicken tenders, and creamy slaw. Topped with a rich cheese sauce and a fiery cayenne butter, this dish is perfect for sharing or a satisfying meal any time.

Ingredients

• Coleslaw:
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp dill pickle brine
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups chopped green cabbage (about 8 oz.; from about 1/4 small head)
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• Nachos:
  • 1 (22-oz.) bag frozen waffle fries
  • 12 oz frozen chicken tenders, from 1 (29-oz.) bag
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 tsp cayenne
  • 1 tbsp packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 7 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp dry mustard
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 oz cream cheese
  • 4 oz sharp orange cheddar, shredded on the large holes of a box grater
  • Dill pickle chips, for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the coleslaw by whisking together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and dill pickle brine in a medium bowl. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chopped cabbage and sliced scallions, then toss to combine. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours while you prepare the rest.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 425°F and place racks in the center and lower third positions. Spread the waffle fries in a single layer on one large baking sheet and arrange the chicken tenders on another. Bake both, turning and rotating the trays as needed, until the fries and chicken are very crispy, following package instructions. Let cool slightly.
3. Step 3: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine vegetable oil, cayenne, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and 6 tablespoons of butter. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the butter melts and the sauce comes together, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. The sauce may separate but whisk it back together before using.
4. Step 4: In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Sprinkle in the flour and dry mustard. Cook, whisking often, until smooth. Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens and steams. Add the cream cheese and whisk until melted. Remove from heat, then gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, whisking until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Step 5: Pile the fries in the center of a large baking sheet. Chop the chicken tenders and place in a medium bowl. Toss the chicken with about half of the spicy butter sauce until evenly coated. Drizzle some of the remaining spicy butter sauce over the fries, then pour about half of the cheese sauce on top. Scatter the coated chicken evenly over the cheese sauce, then drizzle with the remaining spicy butter and cheese sauces. Top generously with the prepared coleslaw and garnish with dill pickle chips.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the cayenne in the butter sauce or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Use homemade waffle fries for a fresher texture if preferred over frozen.
• The coleslaw can be made a day in advance to allow flavors to meld better.
• Swap out chicken tenders for boneless wings if desired.

Storage

Store leftover Nashville Hot Chicken Fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve crispiness. The coleslaw is best added fresh after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the spicy butter sauce less hot?

Yes, reduce the cayenne pepper amount or substitute with a milder chili powder to suit your heat preference.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen tenders?

Absolutely. Just cook the fresh chicken tenders thoroughly until crispy before tossing with the spicy butter sauce and assembling.