Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor, these chicken tenders are everything you want in a fried chicken experience. What makes them so special? It’s all about the buttermilk marinade, which infuses the chicken with incredible tenderness and flavor. Then, they’re coated in a perfectly seasoned crispy breading that gives each bite a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, game day, or just as a snack, these tenders will be a hit every time. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are an absolute crowd-pleaser, and here’s why:

• Crispy Perfection: The breading turns golden brown and crispy, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite. It’s the kind of crunch you can hear and feel, and it’s absolutely addicting.
• Juicy & Tender: Thanks to the buttermilk marinade, the chicken stays incredibly tender and juicy inside. No dry, tough tenders here!
• Flavors That Pop: The seasoning blend for the breading brings out all the savory goodness, with a slight kick of heat, making them irresistible.
• Versatile: Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or pile them onto a sandwich or salad for a delicious meal.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, these tenders are always a hit. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and can even be frozen for later!

Ingredients

Let’s gather the ingredients that make these chicken tenders so irresistible:

• Chicken Tenders: The star of the show, these tender pieces of chicken breast are the perfect size for frying and are naturally juicy.
• Buttermilk: This is what makes the chicken so tender and flavorful. The acidity in buttermilk breaks down the chicken’s proteins, making it ultra-juicy.
• Flour: The base for the breading, giving the tenders that crisp, golden exterior.
• Cornstarch: Helps make the breading extra crispy and light.
• Eggs: Used to help the breading stick to the chicken.
• Seasonings: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This combination adds depth and a little heat to the coating.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying, you need enough oil to submerge the tenders and give them that perfect, crispy texture.
• Optional Dipping Sauces: Honey mustard, ranch, or buffalo sauce—whatever your heart desires to make these tenders even more delicious!

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get these crispy, juicy tenders in the frying pan:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders with the buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. The longer they marinate, the more tender and flavorful they’ll become.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk and dip each one into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading sticks. Repeat for all the tenders.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of breading—if it sizzles right away, it’s good to go!

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully lower the chicken tenders into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once the tenders are done, remove them from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition for each serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 400
• Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Calcium: 60mg
• Iron: 2mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinate Time: 2 hours or overnight
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (or overnight, if you marinate longer)

How to Serve Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

These tenders are perfect for so many occasions. Here are a few ideas for serving them:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy buffalo sauce for an added punch of flavor.
• On a Salad: For a lighter meal, top a bed of greens with these tenders for a crunchy, protein-packed salad.
• In a Sandwich: Make a tasty sandwich by adding the tenders to a soft bun with pickles, lettuce, and mayo.
• Alongside Fries or Mashed Potatoes: Pair these tenders with classic sides like crispy French fries or creamy mashed potatoes for a true comfort food experience.

Additional Tips

• Double-Coat for Extra Crispy Tenders: If you want an even crispier coating, dip the chicken tenders in the egg and flour mixture a second time before frying.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the tenders in batches to avoid crowding the pan, which can make the oil temperature drop and result in soggy chicken.
• Test the Oil Temperature: To ensure perfectly fried chicken, make sure the oil is at the right temperature. Too low, and the chicken will soak up too much oil; too high, and it might burn.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
A1: Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips, but keep in mind that they may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Q2: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A2: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for accuracy.

Q3: Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can bread the tenders and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying. You can also freeze them after breading and fry them later.

Q4: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A4: Yes! To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the breaded tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q5: Can I make the buttermilk marinade with regular milk?
A5: While buttermilk provides the best flavor and tenderness, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.

Q6: Can I use almond flour for a gluten-free version?
A6: Yes! Almond flour or gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for the all-purpose flour to make these tenders gluten-free.

Q7: Can I freeze fried chicken tenders?
A7: Yes, you can freeze them. Let the tenders cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake at 400°F until heated through and crispy.

Q8: What kind of oil is best for frying chicken tenders?
A8: Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil are all great choices for frying because they have a high smoke point and won’t overpower the flavor of the chicken.

Q9: Can I use this recipe to make chicken nuggets?
A9: Absolutely! Just cut the chicken into smaller pieces to make nuggets, and follow the same breading and frying steps.

Q10: How do I prevent the breading from falling off during frying?
A10: Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the egg mixture and flour mixture. Gently press down on the coating to ensure it sticks, and let the breading sit for a few minutes before frying.

Conclusion

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders are the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. With the help of a simple buttermilk marinade and a perfectly seasoned coating, these tenders will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re dipping them in sauce or enjoying them on their own, these tenders are a delicious, comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!

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