Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe for Homestyle Joy

Crispy, golden buttermilk fried chicken tenders spark joy at every dinner table.

Southern cooking reaches new heights with this mouthwatering buttermilk fried chicken tenders recipe that promises incredible flavor.

Each tender delivers a satisfying crunch that breaks through the perfectly seasoned coating.

The secret lies in marinating chicken in tangy buttermilk, which ensures maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.

Delicate spices blend seamlessly with the crisp exterior, creating a harmony of textures that dance on your palate.

Simple ingredients transform into an irresistible meal that everyone will devour in minutes.

Prepare to experience comfort food at its finest – these chicken tenders are about to become your new weekend favorite.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders Everyone Loves

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Ingredients For Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender strips of chicken perfect for creating a crispy, flavorful main dish.

• Buttermilk, Salt, Cayenne, Garlic Powder, Paprika: A blend of seasonings that tenderizes the chicken and infuses deep, zesty flavors.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: A well-seasoned coating that creates an extra crispy and golden exterior for the chicken.

• Vegetable Oil: The medium for achieving a perfectly crisp and golden-brown chicken tender.

• Ranch Sauce, Honey Mustard Sauce, Barbecue Sauce: Classic dipping options that complement the crispy chicken tenders.

Making Instructions For Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Marinate The Chicken

• Salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Seal the bag and give it a good massage to coat every inch of chicken.

Park it in the refrigerator for 4-24 hours to let the magic happen.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Breading

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Splash in a few tablespoons of buttermilk and mix with a fork until the mixture looks clumpy.

This secret trick guarantees mega-crispy coating.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 4: Coat The Chicken

Pull chicken from the marinade and roll each piece in the breading mixture. Press firmly to make sure the coating sticks like a champ.

Step 5: Heat The Oil

Pour oil into a deep pot, reaching about 3-4 inches deep. Warm it up to 350°F.

Drop a bread cube to test – it should sizzle instantly.

Step 6: Fry To Golden Perfection

Slide chicken tenders into the hot oil in batches.

Fry 3-4 minutes per side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and get super crispy.

Step 7: Drain And Rest

Transfer fried tenders to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Keep an eye on the oil temperature between batches.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Plate those beauties while they’re hot.

Grab your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce and dig in!

Tips For Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders Success

• Let chicken soak in buttermilk for at least 4 hours, but up to 24 hours for deeper, more tender results.
• Add buttermilk to flour mixture and mix until clumpy for an extra crunchy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Maintain steady 350°F heat and use a deep thermometer to ensure perfectly golden, non-greasy chicken tenders.
• Cook tenders in small groups to prevent overcrowding, which helps maintain consistent oil temperature and crispiness.
• Place fried tenders on paper towel-lined baking sheet to absorb extra oil and keep the coating wonderfully crisp.

Flavor Variations To Try With Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken Tenders: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same crunchy exterior.
• Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Tenders: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the breading mixture and incorporate extra cayenne pepper for a fiery kick that heat lovers will appreciate.
• Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the flour coating to create a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile with aromatic undertones.
• Buttermilk-Free Protein Option: Substitute buttermilk with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk for individuals with lactose sensitivities or dairy restrictions.

Pairing Suggestions For Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

• Pair Spicy Ranch Dip: Blend cool ranch with a kick of hot sauce for a zesty companion that complements the crispy chicken's heat.
• Chill Southern Sweet Tea: Brew a classic sweet tea with plenty of ice to balance the rich, crunchy fried tenders and cleanse the palate.
• Create Tangy Coleslaw Side: Toss fresh cabbage with a zippy apple cider vinegar dressing to provide a refreshing crunch that cuts through the chicken's heaviness.
• Select Crisp Pilsner Beer: Choose a light, hoppy beer that cuts through the fried coating and refreshes the taste buds with its clean, crisp finish.

Proper Storage Advice For Fried Chicken Tenders

• Transfer cooled chicken tenders to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet to maintain crispiness. Warm for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken tenders?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat by breaking down proteins, making the chicken more soft and juicy while adding a subtle tangy flavor that enhances overall taste.

• How can I ensure my chicken tenders are crispy?

Adding buttermilk to the flour mixture and pressing the breading firmly onto the chicken creates extra crispy texture. Also, maintaining consistent oil temperature at 350F is crucial for achieving golden, crunchy coating.

• Can I use different spices in the breading?

Absolutely! While the recipe uses garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, you can experiment with cayenne for heat, dried herbs like thyme or oregano, or even add some grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crispy buttermilk fried chicken tenders bring Southern comfort straight to your kitchen with golden, juicy perfection. Seasoned breading and tangy marinade create an irresistible crunch that will make dinner guests swoon with delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken tenderloins

Liquid and Marinade:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk, salt, cayenne, garlic powder, and paprika inside a large resealable bag for 4-24 hours, massaging thoroughly to ensure complete coating.
2. Create a robust breading mixture by whisking flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl.
3. Incorporate 3 tablespoons buttermilk into the dry ingredients, using a fork to generate a clumpy texture that enhances crispiness.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and meticulously coat each tender in the prepared breading, pressing firmly to secure an even layer.
5. Arrange breaded tenders on a foil-lined baking sheet, preparing for frying.
6. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep, high-sided pot, verifying temperature by dropping a bread cube that should immediately sizzle.
7. Carefully lower chicken tenders into hot oil, frying in small batches for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a deep golden-brown and crispy exterior.
8. Transfer fried tenders to a paper towel-lined sheet to absorb excess oil, maintaining oil temperature between batches.
9. Serve piping hot alongside preferred dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue for a delectable meal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to 24 hours for maximum taste development.
• Use cold buttermilk and keep ingredients chilled to ensure a crispier, more stable breading that adheres better to chicken.
• Create extra crispy texture by adding buttermilk directly into flour mixture, creating small clumpy bits that increase crunchiness when fried.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F to prevent soggy or burnt chicken tenders, using a thermometer for precise monitoring.

• Prep Time: 4 hours (or up to 24 hours)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 1680 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg