5 Scorchin’ Hot Tenders
Craving something that turns up the heat — but still delivers on flavor? The 5 Scorchin’ Hot Tenders are the fiery powerhouse of Smashburger’s chicken lineup. Hand-breaded, fried to golden crispness, and coated in a smoky cayenne-pepper glaze, they strike that perfect line between deliciously hot and deeply satisfying.
For spice lovers who can’t get enough of the Scorchin’ Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich or the bold Spicy Jalapeño Smash, this plate is a must-try. Five sizzling tenders mean more flavor, more crunch, and more heat to share (or not). When Smashburger said “Scorchin’,” they meant it.
Price: $9.99 | 980 Cal
Price Information💵
Item | In-Store Price (USD) | Combo Meal (USD) | Delivery Range* |
5 Scorchin’ Hot Tenders | $9.99 | $13.49 – $13.99 | $15.29 – $15.89 |
- *Delivery prices may vary by app or location.
- Combo meals include fries and a drink. They’re often featured in the limited-time “Hot & Crunch Combo”, pairing with the Spicy Jalapeño Smash or Sweet Potato Fries for a balanced kick.
Background
The 5 Scorchin’ Hot Tenders evolved from Smashburger’s growing love affair with spice. When the 3 Scorchin’ Hot Tenders and Scorchin’ Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich became instant fan favorites, the brand scaled up to satisfy bigger appetites and bolder cravings.
This expanded portion offers the same buttermilk-marinated, hand-breaded chicken and spicy glaze — just in a meal-sized quantity that turns snacking into an event. It’s become a go-to for groups, lunch sharers, and anyone who thinks three tenders are never enough.
Ingredients & Build
Each order of 5 Scorchin’ Hot Tenders is freshly made with Smashburger’s hallmark precision:
- All-white chicken breast strips – juicy, tender, and freshly prepared.
- Buttermilk marinade – adds tang and keeps chicken moist.
- Seasoned flour breading – crispy coating with light pepper notes.
- Signature Scorchin’ glaze – cayenne, chili, and paprika oils for deep, smoky spice.
- Optional dips – ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, or Smash Sauce.
The chicken is fried crisp, then brushed while hot with the Scorchin’ glaze so every bite bursts with layered heat.
Calories & Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 980 |
Protein | 60 g |
Total Fat | 51 g |
Saturated Fat | 11 g |
Carbohydrates | 58 g |
Sugars | 7 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Cholesterol | 155 mg |
Sodium | 1,980 mg |
This portion packs a punch both in heat and protein, perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Allergen & Dietary Information
Allergen | Present |
Milk | ✅ |
Wheat | ✅ |
Soy | ✅ |
Egg | ✅ |
Sesame | Possible |
Peanuts | ❌ |
Tree Nuts | ❌ |
Fish | ❌ |
Shellfish | ❌ |
Contains milk, soy, egg, and gluten. Gluten-free tenders are not available due to breading.
Taste & Texture Review
The 5 Scorchin’ Hot Tenders are a masterclass in controlled chaos — crispy breading meets molten spice. Each tender starts with a satisfying crunch before the pepper heat creeps in, building slowly into a full, flavorful burn.
The glaze is the real star: a smoky, slightly sweet sauce infused with cayenne and chili oils that cling to every bite. It’s bold without bitterness, allowing the chicken’s juiciness to shine through. For spice fans, it’s the kind of burn you chase.
Paired with a cool ranch dip or sweet BBQ, it becomes a perfect yin-yang of heat and comfort.
Chef’s Notes & Culinary Insight 👨🍳
Smashburger’s chefs crafted the Scorchin’ glaze with balance in mind. Too much spice would mask the chicken — too little and it wouldn’t live up to its name. Their solution: a three-pepper oil infusion combining cayenne, paprika, and chili flakes, tempered with sugar and vinegar for flavor depth.
Each tender is coated with glaze immediately after frying, ensuring even distribution without soaking the breading. The glaze clings while staying glossy, so the tenders keep their crispness from first bite to last.
Flavor Science & Heat Balance
The heat from the 5 Scorchin’ Hot Tenders isn’t random — it’s engineered. The glaze binds fat molecules (from oil and buttermilk) with capsaicin, letting the spice spread evenly across the palate. That’s why the flavor lingers instead of just burning.
Buttermilk acts as a buffer, softening the intensity while keeping tenderness intact. Combined with the high-temperature fry, this balance creates that addictive “crunch-then-kick” rhythm that makes these tenders so satisfying.
Popular Combos & Pairings
Pairing is essential with spicy food, and these tenders love good company:
- Smashfries – rosemary and olive oil enhance smoky spice.
- Sweet Potato Fries – their sweetness mellows the heat.
- Chocolate Shake – instant cooldown for the brave.
Recommended Combo (“Scorchin’ Feast”)
- 5 Scorchin’ Hot Tenders
- Smashfries
- Chocolate Shake
Customization Options:
- Extra glaze (+ $0.75) for heat seekers.
- Half-glazed option for milder flavor.
- Add bacon crumble (+ $1.25) for smoky contrast.
Customer Opinions & Ratings ⭐
The 5 Scorchin’ Hot Tenders have built a passionate following online:
- Google Reviews (Denver): 4.9 stars — “Best spicy chicken in town — crunchy, flavorful, and real heat.”
- Reddit: “The perfect middle ground between flavor and fire. Addictive!”
- TripAdvisor: “Ordered these twice in one week. They’re THAT good.”
- Quora: “They’re like Nashville hot chicken done fast-casual style. Legit.”
Customers often mention pairing them with the Deluxe Chicken Smash or cooling them off with a Hand-Spun Vanilla Shake for the perfect meal balance.
Nutritional Perspective
While indulgent, the 5 Scorchin’ Hot Tenders provide a strong protein payoff and a surprising sense of satisfaction per calorie. Splitting the order with a side salad drops total intake to around 700 calories per serving.
For those who want the same flavor in smaller portions, the 3 Scorchin’ Hot Tenders offer the same bold taste in a lighter format. If you want something grilled instead, the Deluxe Chicken Smash gives similar satisfaction without the fry.
Smashburger’s Craft & Technique
Each tender is fried in small batches, ensuring consistent oil temperature and perfect crispness. The glaze is applied with a brush — never poured — to control thickness and keep breading intact.
Smashburger’s commitment to handcrafted cooking shows here: no shortcuts, no pre-coated batches, and no mass reheating. The result is restaurant-quality spicy chicken with a crunch that rivals dedicated hot-chicken joints.
This attention to detail ties into other hits like the Double Deluxe Chicken Smash and Spicy Jalapeño Smash, all sharing the same Smash-made freshness and boldness.
Final Thoughts
The 5 Scorchin’ Hot Tenders are everything spice lovers dream of — bold, crunchy, juicy, and unapologetically hot. Each bite layers smoky flavor and satisfying heat that keeps you coming back for more.
They’re not just spicy for the sake of it; they’re built for balance and flavor. Whether you’re testing your limits or just love well-crafted heat, these tenders deliver on every front. Pair them with Smashfries or a Classic Shake, and you’ve got a meal that hits all the right notes — fire, flavor, and freshness.
