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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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