When it comes to fried chicken, there is nowhere to hide. You either get it right, or you serve a rubbery, greasy disappointment. At Nash & Smashed, our entire reputation rests on getting it right every single time. If you are searching for the best crispy chicken tenders near you, you know that great tenders are not just food—they are pure culinary comfort.
Our chicken tenders are the foundation of our menu. We don't use pre-formed patties or frozen strips. We start with freshly prepared whole chicken breast tenderloins, hand-trimmed and hand-breaded in-house. Every batch is cut from whole-muscle poultry, ensuring a naturally tender grain that pulls apart in steaming, juicy strands under a deeply ridged crust.
The Crunch You Can Hear
The secret to a standout tender isn't just the cut of meat; it's the dredge and how it is handled before hitting the oil. Our seasoned flour is blended to build texture, creating a jagged, craggy crust that fries up shatteringly crisp and holds onto thick dipping sauces without turning soggy in the box.
But a great crust means nothing if it slips off on the first bite. Letting each hand-breaded tender rest briefly so the seasoned flour hydrates against the marinade binds the coating tightly to the meat. That guarantees every bite delivers an ideal balance of crackling shell and juicy chicken, whether you pick up at one of our locations or sit down in the dining room. As the dredge hits bubbling clean oil, it puffs into golden crevices that trap savory pepper and spice aroma.
Frying to Order
The worst thing you can do to fried chicken is let it sit under a heat lamp. That's why we fry to order.
When your ticket prints, your chicken drops into the fryer. It comes out piping hot, draining for just a moment before being boxed up or slid into a toasted brioche bun. Whether you order it Classic (plain and crispy) or dipped in our fiery Nashville oil, it arrives at your table exactly as it should: fresh, hot, and relentlessly crunchy.
Sized for Any Appetite
We believe great fried chicken should fit every occasion:
- 3-Piece Chicken Tenders: The ideal quick bite or lunch recharge packed with wholesome protein.
- 5-Piece Chicken Tenders: Our most popular order, offering generous portions of golden perfection.
- 7-Piece Chicken Tenders: Plenty of crunch to satisfy big appetites or split with a friend.
- 12-Piece Bucket: The centerpiece of any gathering, office lunch, or family dinner.
Signature Dipping Sauces and Sides
A legendary tender demands world-class dipping partners:
- House Sauces: Elevate each crunchy bite with our sweet and spicy Hot Honey, rich Creamy Garlic Pepper, tangy Classic Yellow Mustard, smoky BBQ, or signature house Smashed Sauce.
- Lattice Waffle Fries: Crispy, golden waffle-cut fries that scoop up sauce with ease.
- Homestyle Mac & Cheese: Creamy, comforting pasta blanketed in melted cheese sauce.
- Crunchy Pickle Bombs & Corn Bread: Pair your tenders with crispy fried pickle spears or sweet, crumbly southern corn bread.
- Drinks to Match: Cool your palate with thick Hand-Spun milkshakes in Oreo Cookies & Cream or Triple Chocolate, or enjoy non-alcoholic sparkling Smashed Blend Virgin Mojitos in Mango, Peach, or Passion Fruit.
The Nash & Smashed Dining Experience
From the moment you step up to our counter, you are immersed in the lively energy of our kitchen. The sizzle of the fryers, the welcoming greetings from our crew, and the unmistakable aroma of freshly breaded chicken set the tone for lunch, dinner, game night platters, or late-night cravings with friends. Taste the golden standard for yourself today with freshly cooked tenders, sides, and house sauces.