Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe: Family Favorite

Crispy buttermilk chicken tenders can turn an ordinary meal into a delightful culinary adventure.

Marinating meat in tangy dairy creates magical flavor transformations.

Juicy strips emerge from a bath of creamy goodness, promising incredible texture and taste.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this simple yet brilliant technique for ensuring tender, succulent results.

Coating chicken with seasoned breadcrumbs adds a satisfying crunch that makes everyone smile.

Our foolproof method guarantees golden-brown perfection without complicated steps or fancy equipment.

Chicken Tenders That Fry Golden and Stay Juicy

• Unlock Mouthwatering Flavor: Buttermilk marinade infuses chicken with incredible taste and juiciness, creating a delectable dining experience that will have everyone craving more.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Simple step-by-step process makes this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring perfectly crispy tenders every single time.
• Quick and Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for casual family dinners, game nights, or weekend gatherings, these chicken tenders satisfy both kids and adults with their irresistible crunch and zesty seasoning.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the spice levels and dipping sauces to suit different preferences, making it a versatile dish that can be tailored to anyone's taste buds.

Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken Tenders: Tender and juicy white meat strips.

• Buttermilk: Tangy liquid for tenderizing chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic flavor.
• Onion Powder: Provides savory depth.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Creates crispy coating.
• Paprika: Adds mild spice and color.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings subtle heat.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for deep frying.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and freshness.

• Ranch Sauce, Honey Mustard Sauce, BBQ Sauce: Delicious accompaniments for chicken tenders.

Buttermilk Chicken Tenders How to Fry Them Right

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently place chicken tenders into the marinade, making sure each piece gets completely coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to create a seasoned breading that’ll make your chicken tenders irresistible.

Step 3: Fire Up the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, filling it about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Pro tip: Use a cooking thermometer to nail the perfect temperature.

Step 4: Dredge the Tenders

Pull chicken tenders from the buttermilk bath, letting excess marinade drip off. Roll each tender generously in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a perfect crispy coating.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower tenders into the hot oil, cooking in small batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and cook completely through.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Transfer the crispy tenders onto paper towels to remove excess oil. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like tangy ranch, sweet honey mustard, or classic BBQ sauce.

Chicken Tender Tips That Keep Buttermilk Crunchy

• Marinate Deeply for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken soak in buttermilk mixture overnight to ensure tender, juicy meat that's packed with delicious seasonings.
• Control Oil Temperature Precisely: Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F heat, preventing greasy or undercooked chicken tenders.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Shake off excess buttermilk before dredging to create a light, crispy breading that adheres smoothly to the chicken.
• Batch Fry for Crispiness: Cook tenders in small groups to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, guaranteeing evenly golden-brown exteriors.
• Drain Smartly for Lighter Texture: Place fried tenders on a wire rack over paper towels to allow excess oil to drip away, keeping the breading wonderfully crisp.

Save Buttermilk Chicken Tenders for Later

• Place cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange tenders on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through to restore crispiness.

Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Flavor Matches

• Spice Up Your Plate: Perfect Pairings for Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
• Tangy Coleslaw Companion: Craft a zesty, creamy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and a hint of sugar to cut through the chicken's richness and provide a refreshing crunch.
• Craft Beer Celebration: Choose a crisp American pale ale or wheat beer that complements the tenders' spicy breading and cleanses the palate with its light, hoppy notes.
• Southern-Style Comfort: Serve alongside creamy mac and cheese or buttery corn on the cob for a classic comfort food experience that enhances the chicken's homestyle appeal.
• Cool Dipping Delight: Whip up a homemade ranch or spicy honey mustard sauce that balances the tenders' crispy exterior with a creamy, tangy kick.

Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Serving Ideas

• Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version. Use cornstarch as a binding agent for crispy texture.
• Baked Healthier Option: Skip frying and bake chicken tenders on a wire rack at 425°F for 15-20 minutes. Spray with olive oil for golden-brown crunch without excess oil.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade. Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or chipotle powder for a fiery southwestern-style chicken tender.
• Low-Carb Keto Alternative: Substitute flour with crushed pork rinds or crushed low-carb protein chips. Use coconut flour for light breading that keeps carbohydrates minimal while maintaining crispiness.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken tenders?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat by breaking down proteins, making the chicken incredibly soft and juicy. The tangy flavor also adds depth to the overall taste of the chicken.

• Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Make sure to use cornstarch that is certified gluten-free to ensure the recipe works perfectly.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The tenders should be golden brown on the outside and completely white and opaque on the inside with no pink areas.

• What's the best oil temperature for frying chicken tenders?

Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C). This ensures crispy exterior and prevents the chicken from becoming greasy. Use a cooking thermometer to monitor the oil temperature consistently during frying.

Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy buttermilk chicken tenders bring Southern comfort straight to your dinner table with golden, seasoned perfection. Each juicy tender delivers a delightful crunch that will make taste buds dance with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)

Marinade:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika

Seasoning:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken tenders in a zesty buttermilk bath infused with aromatic spices, creating a tenderizing marinade that will elevate the meat’s moisture and flavor profile. Submerge completely and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing the proteins to absorb the rich seasoning.
2. Craft a dynamic breading mixture by whisking together dry ingredients, incorporating flour, cornstarch, and an array of spices that will produce a robust, crispy exterior with multilayered taste dimensions.
3. Prepare a deep skillet with vegetable oil, heating to a precise temperature that ensures a golden, crunchy coating without excessive absorption of grease. Aim for a consistent 350°F that transforms the coating into a delectable crunch.
4. Extract chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to cascade off. Meticulously dredge each piece through the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to guarantee an even, comprehensive coating that locks in moisture.
5. Carefully introduce tenders into the sizzling oil, working in strategic batches to maintain optimal cooking temperature. Fry each side for approximately 3-4 minutes, monitoring the development of a rich, amber-brown crust that signals perfect doneness.
6. Transfer crispy tenders to an absorbent paper towel surface to eliminate residual oil. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and present alongside complementary dipping sauces that enhance the chicken’s multifaceted flavor profile.

Notes

• Letting chicken marinate overnight deeply infuses flavor and guarantees ultra-tender meat that practically melts in your mouth.
• Press flour mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crunchy coating that locks in moisture and prevents soggy results.
• Using a digital thermometer ensures oil stays consistently around 350°F, preventing greasy tenders and achieving perfectly golden-brown exterior.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, or use almond flour for lower-carb alternative without compromising crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg