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Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Made Easy

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These crispy buttermilk chicken tenders are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make at home. With a tangy buttermilk marinade, seasoned breading, and perfect frying techniques, you’ll create tenders that are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Perfect for meals, snacks, or parties, they pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

  • Chicken Tenderloins: 3 lbs
  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
  • Buttermilk: 1 cup
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black Pepper: ½ tsp
  • Garlic Powder: 1 tsp
  • Paprika: 1 tsp
  • Cornstarch (optional): 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, minced garlic, ground mustard seed, hot sauce, and paprika. Add chicken tenderloins, ensuring they’re fully covered. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4-24 hours.
  2. Prepare the Dredging Station: Set up three shallow dishes—one with seasoned flour (flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika), the second with buttermilk, and the third with breadcrumbs or panko (optional).
  3. Coat the Chicken: Use one hand for wet and the other for dry ingredients. Dredge chicken in flour, then buttermilk, then back to flour. For extra crispiness, double dredge.
  4. Heat the Oil: In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 350°F.
  5. Fry the Chicken: Fry chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  6. Drain: Remove from oil and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve: Pair with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for at least 4 hours for the best flavor and tenderness.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain the frying temperature between 350°F-375°F.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness.

  • Author: Leslie Bennett
  • Prep Time: 4 hours (includes marinating)
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg