Crispy, Spicy & Irresistible: Fried Chicken Schnitzel, Nashville Tenders, and Peri Peri Wedges Recipes

There’s something universally comforting about the crunch of perfectly fried food. Whether it’s the golden crust of a schnitzel, the fiery heat of hot chicken tenders, or the addictive spice of seasoned wedges, these crispy creations speak to the soul of every comfort food lover. 

1. Fried Chicken Schnitzel

This classic German dish takes boneless chicken, flattens it to tender thinness, coats it in breadcrumbs, and fries it to golden, crispy perfection. The result is juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside—a dish that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

• 1 tsp paprika

• Oil for shallow frying

• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally. Place between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until about 1/4 inch thick.

2. Season and Coat: Season both sides with salt and pepper. Prepare three bowls: one with flour and paprika, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.

3. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each piece first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.

4. Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry schnitzels 3–4 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

5. Serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top and enjoy with mustard, coleslaw, or a potato salad.

2. Nashville-Style Chicken Tenders

Originating from Nashville, Tennessee, these fiery chicken tenders are brined, fried, and then dipped in a spicy cayenne-infused oil. The heat is real, and the flavor is unforgettable.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken tenders

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 cup flour

• Salt and pepper

• Oil for deep frying

For Nashville Hot Oil:

• 1/4 cup frying oil (from the chicken)

• 2 tbsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Mix buttermilk with garlic and onion powder. Add chicken tenders and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).

2. Coat and Fry: Remove from marinade, dredge in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Heat oil and deep fry tenders until golden and crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Drain.

3. Make the Hot Oil: In a heat-proof bowl, combine cayenne, sugar, paprika, and garlic powder. Add hot frying oil and stir.

4. Toss and Serve: Brush or dip fried tenders in the spicy oil. Serve with white bread and pickles for the authentic Nashville experience.

3. Peri Peri Potato Wedges

Spicy, smoky, and crispy—Peri Peri wedges bring bold flavor to your plate with minimal effort. These oven- or air-fried potatoes are a must-try sidekick to any chicken dish.

Ingredients:

• 3 large potatoes, cut into wedges

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp peri peri seasoning

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt to taste

• Optional: fresh coriander or parsley to garnish

Instructions:

1. Prep the Potatoes: Soak wedges in cold water for 20 minutes (to remove excess starch). Pat dry thoroughly.

2. Season and Bake: Toss in oil, add peri peri spice, paprika, and salt. Spread on a baking tray or air fryer basket.

3. Cook: Bake at 220°C (430°F) for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway. For air frying, cook at 200°C (390°F) for 20 minutes.

4. Serve: Garnish with chopped herbs and serve hot with garlic mayo or ketchup.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

How to Experiment with the Dishes

1. Switch Up the Protein

• Schnitzel: Try pork loin, veal, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist.

• Nashville Tenders: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets or jackfruit strips for a plant-based version.

2. Play With the Crust

• Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs for extra umami in the schnitzel.

• Use cornflakes or crushed tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs for added crunch.

3. Explore Spice Levels

• Not into heat? Dial down the cayenne in Nashville chicken or replace peri peri with smoked paprika and garlic for milder wedges.

• Love spice? Add chili flakes to the schnitzel crust or use extra-hot peri peri seasoning on the wedges.

4. Make It Healthier

• Bake or air-fry the schnitzel and tenders instead of deep-frying.

• Swap white potatoes for sweet potatoes or carrot wedges for a nutrient boost.

5. Try Global Fusion

• Add Japanese tonkatsu sauce to the schnitzel instead of lemon.

• Toss the Nashville tenders in Korean gochujang glaze for a spicy-sweet combo.

• Give your wedges an Indian masala makeover with chaat masala and curry powder.

6. Turn Them Into Meals

• Serve schnitzel in a sandwich with pickled veggies and mustard mayo.

• Use Nashville tenders to make spicy wraps with lettuce, slaw, and ranch.

• Load peri peri wedges with cheese, jalapeños, and salsa for loaded fries.Why You’ll Love This Trio

• Crispy & Satisfying: All three dishes feature a crunchy exterior with a flavorful core.

• Global Flavors: Experience a culinary journey from Germany to the American South to Portugal-influenced spice blends.

• Customizable Heat: Adjust the level of spice in the Nashville hot oil or peri peri seasoning to suit your palate.

• Meal-Ready Combo: These recipes together make an impressive meal. Pair with slaw, salad, or even cheesy dip for a complete spread.

Whether you're hosting friends, planning a game night, or simply indulging in a weekend treat, this trio of crispy delights is sure to impress. Each dish brings its own signature flavor—crispy comfort from the schnitzel, fiery kick from the tenders, and smoky spice from the wedges. Try them individually or serve them all together for a mouthwatering feast!