Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Made Easy

As a busy mom, I love crispy, juicy chicken tenders. But store-bought ones just don’t compare. That’s why I’m excited to share my easy recipe for homemade buttermilk chicken tenders. They’re so delicious, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought.

My mom used to make amazing buttermilk-marinated chicken tenders. The meat was tender and flavorful, with a crispy coating that was pure bliss. Now, I’ve perfected the recipe to make it easy to make at home. Get ready to wow your family with these buttermilk chicken tenders, the perfect meal star.

Key Takeaways

• Buttermilk marinade is the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken tenders
• Breading technique is crucial for achieving a perfectly crispy coating
• Frying temperature and timing are key for golden brown, evenly cooked tenders
• Homemade chicken tenders are easy to make and freeze well for future meals
• Pair with delicious dipping sauces for a complete and satisfying dish

Understanding the Magic of Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

Buttermilk is the secret to making chicken tenders juicy and crispy. It turns regular chicken into a tasty treat. Let’s explore why buttermilk is key to making the best southern-style chicken tenders.

Why Buttermilk Makes the Difference

Buttermilk’s acidity is the main reason. It tenderizes the chicken by breaking down proteins. This makes the chicken tender and juicy.

Marinating the marinated chicken strips in buttermilk for at least four hours does the trick. It turns the juicy chicken tenders into a flavorful delight.

The Science Behind Tender Chicken

Brining the chicken in buttermilk, with added salt, garlic powder, and paprika, tenderizes it. It also helps the breading stick better. This creates a crispy coating that goes well with the tender chicken inside.

The buttermilk’s acidity breaks down muscle fibers. This makes the chicken tender and juicy.

Benefits of Buttermilk Marinade

The buttermilk marinade adds flavor to the chicken. Seasonings like cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano give it a rich taste. An egg in the marinade helps make the juicy chicken tenders extra crispy.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Tenders

Making the best buttermilk chicken tenders needs the right ingredients. At the center are the chicken tenderloins, which make the dish juicy and tender. The all-purpose flour and buttermilk work together to create a crispy coating.

Seasonings add a lot to the taste. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika give a mix of savory, zesty, and aromatic flavors. Adding cornstarch to the breading makes it even crisper.

The quality of these ingredients is key to a great buttermilk chicken recipe. Choose high-quality chicken tenderloins and fresh buttermilk for the best taste and texture.

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken Tenderloins	3 lbs
All-Purpose Flour	1 cup
Buttermilk	1 cup
Salt	1 tsp
Black Pepper	1/2 tsp
Garlic Powder	1 tsp
Paprika	1 tsp
Cornstarch (optional)	2 tbsp

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make delicious buttermilk chicken tenders. They will surely please your taste buds.

Secret Tips for the Crispiest Coating

To get the perfect crispy chicken tenders, you need some cooking tricks. The flour mix and double dredging are key. These secrets will make your chicken tenders even more delicious.

Flour Mixture Components

For the crispiest coating, mix all-purpose flour with cornstarch. Cornstarch makes it lighter and crisper. Flour adds structure. A 50/50 mix is perfect for golden-brown, crispy chicken tenders.

Double Dredging Technique

The double dredging method makes the coating extra thick and crispy. First, coat the chicken in flour, then buttermilk, and back to flour. This creates a crunchy, layered coating.

Temperature Control Tips

Keeping the oil at the right temperature is key for crispy crispy chicken tenders. Aim for 350°F to 375°F. Use a thermometer to keep the oil at the perfect level. This prevents the coating from burning or getting soggy.

With these secret tips, you’ll make crispy chicken tenders that will wow everyone. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Marination Process and Timing

Getting the perfect crispy buttermilk chicken tenders starts with the marinade. The secret to tender, flavorful tenders is the marinating time. I suggest marinating the chicken in buttermilk for at least 4 hours. For the best results, go up to 24 hours.

The marinade has buttermilk, salt, and seasonings. Some recipes add pickle juice or hot sauce for extra flavor. This step is key for tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with flavor.

1. In a large bowl, mix ¾ cups of buttermilk, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 ½ teaspoons of ground mustard seed, 1 ½ teaspoons of sriracha or hot sauce, and 1 teaspoon of paprika.
2. Add 1 ¼ pounds of chicken tenderloins to the marinade, making sure they’re fully covered.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken tender marinade for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor and texture, go up to 24 hours.

The buttermilk in the marinade tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading stick. This way, you get juicy buttermilk chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside.

Step-by-Step Breading Technique

Getting the perfect, crispy coating on your breading chicken tenders is all about a careful dredging technique. It’s about handling wet and dry ingredients right. This way, you get a crispy coating that sticks to the chicken perfectly.

Proper Dredging Method

Start by setting up a dredging station with three shallow dishes. Put your seasoned flour in the first dish. The second dish is for the buttermilk marinade. The third dish is for the seasoned breadcrumb or panko mixture.

Use one hand for the wet ingredients and the other for the dry. This prevents clumping. Press the chicken tenders into the flour, then into the buttermilk, and lastly into the breadcrumbs.

Creating the Perfect Crust

After coating the chicken tenders, put them on a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the breading stick to the chicken, making it crunchy.

Common Breading Mistakes

• Failing to properly shake off excess marinade before breading: This can lead to a soggy, unevenly cooked coating.
• Overcrowding the pan while frying: Overcrowding can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in a greasy, less-than-crispy finish.
• Not pressing the breading firmly onto the chicken: Lightly pressing the breading ensures maximum adherence and a satisfying crunch.

Mastering these breading techniques will help you make the crispiest, juiciest chicken tenders. Your family and friends will love them. Enjoy the process and relish the tasty outcome!

Frying Methods and Temperature Control

To get the perfect crisp on your buttermilk chicken tenders, you need the right frying technique and temperature control. Follow these tips to make sure your chicken tenders are always golden and delicious.

Start by using a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for frying. This keeps the oil temperature steady. Heat the oil to 350°F and try to keep it at this temperature while frying. If the temperature changes, your chicken might not cook evenly or could end up greasy.

1. Fry the chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. This helps the oil stay at the right temperature and ensures the tenders cook well.
2. Fry the tenders for 5-7 minutes, flipping them 2-3 times. This helps them get a crispy, golden-brown crust.
3. Use a digital thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F before you take it out of the oil.
4. After frying, drain the chicken tenders on a cooling rack or paper towels. This removes excess oil and keeps the texture crispy.

By using these frying methods and temperature tips, you’ll get perfect crispy buttermilk chicken tenders every time. Enjoy your homemade fried chicken with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

Frying Technique	Oil Temperature	Cooking Time	Internal Temperature
Fry in batches	350°F	5-7 minutes	165°F

Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces

No crispy chicken tender feast is complete without tasty dipping sauces. You can choose from classic condiments or make your own. Let’s look at some delicious options to go with your chicken tender dipping sauces.

Classic Sauce Pairings

Classic choices like homemade ranch, tangy honey mustard sauce, and zesty barbecue sauce are always a hit. The cool ranch goes well with the crispy coating. The sweet and savory honey mustard adds a flavor explosion in every bite.

Homemade Sauce Recipes

For a special dipping experience, try making homemade ranch or hot honey sauce. To make ranch, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic, herbs, and spices. For a spicy-sweet twist, combine honey, hot sauce, and melted butter.

Enjoy your crispy chicken tender dipping sauces with fries or coleslaw, or in a salad. These tenders and dips will satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Enjoying crispy buttermilk chicken tenders is best with the right storage and reheating. I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken tender and flavorful without drying out.

To reheat, I place the tenders on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the coating crispy, unlike the microwave which can make it tough. You can also reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 5-8 minutes for a quick crisp.

For extra tenders, I freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, I put them in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes until warm. These tips keep my chicken tenders delicious and crispy, even as leftovers.

FAQ

What makes buttermilk so important for chicken tenders?

Buttermilk makes chicken tenders juicy and tender. It breaks down proteins, making the meat softer. It also helps the breading stick better, making it crunchier.

What are the essential ingredients for perfect chicken tenders?

You need chicken tenderloins or cut chicken breasts, buttermilk, flour, baking powder, and seasonings. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika are key. Cornstarch can add extra crispiness.

How do I achieve the crispiest coating on my chicken tenders?

For a crispy coating, mix flour and cornstarch. Double dredge the chicken in flour, buttermilk, and flour again. Fry at 350°F for the best results.

How long should I marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk?

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 4 hours. Up to 24 hours is even better. Add pickle juice or hot sauce for extra flavor.

What is the proper way to bread and fry the chicken tenders?

Use one hand for wet ingredients and the other for dry. Press the chicken into the breading well. Fry in batches at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping 2-3 times.

How should I serve and store the leftover chicken tenders?

Serve with honey mustard, buttermilk ranch, or barbecue sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

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