Buttermilk Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Flavorful, and Irresistible!

There’s something truly special about homemade buttermilk chicken tenders. The combination of juicy chicken, marinated to perfection, and a golden crispy coating is simply irresistible! Whether you’re prepping a fun family dinner or whipping up something delicious for game night, these tenders are guaranteed to impress. And with a few simple ingredients, you’ll be dishing out restaurant-quality tenders right in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love These Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are everything you love about comfort food—crispy, flavorful, and juicy. Marinated in buttermilk, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and takes on a delightful tangy flavor. Paired with a perfectly seasoned breading that fries up beautifully golden and crispy, you’ll find these tenders anything but ordinary! Plus, they’re super versatile, and easy to customize with a little spice or a healthier baked version.

What Do These Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a piece of juicy, well-seasoned chicken, surrounded by a crunchy coating that crackles with every bite. The buttermilk marinade adds a subtle tang, while the blend of spices creates a depth of flavor that will have everyone reaching for more! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra burst of flavor—ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce will all be crowd-pleasers!

Ingredients for Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Breading:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

About the Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they’re fully coated in the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better to allow the flavors to fully develop and the chicken to become extra tender.

2. Prepare the Breading

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This flour mixture is key to creating that ultra-crispy crust you’ll love!

3. Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to reach 350°F (175°C) for the perfect frying temperature. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the heat—too hot, and the tenders will burn before cooking through; too cool, and they won’t crisp up properly.

4. Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. If you’re looking for extra crispy tenders, you can double-dip by dipping the chicken back into the buttermilk and then re-coating it with the flour mixture.

5. Fry the Chicken Tenders

Carefully place the coated tenders into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove and drain the tenders on paper towels.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish your crispy chicken tenders with freshly chopped parsley, and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce!

Tips for Making Perfect Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

Oven-Baked Option: If you want a healthier alternative, you can bake the tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through for even crispiness.

Extra Crispy: Double-dip the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture for a thicker, crispier crust. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves extra crunch!

Spice It Up: Add more cayenne pepper or even some chili powder if you like a bit of heat. You can also play with the seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences.

What to Serve with Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

Buttermilk chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are some tasty suggestions:

French Fries: Classic, crispy fries are a perfect match for these tenders.

Coleslaw: A refreshing, tangy slaw provides a crunchy contrast and adds some lightness to balance the rich chicken.

Mac and Cheese: For a comfort food feast, pair these tenders with creamy mac and cheese.

How to Store Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

If you have leftovers (though they might disappear fast!), store the cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? Yes, buttermilk adds extra tang and tenderness to the chicken. If you don’t have it, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I make these tenders gluten-free? Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the ingredients should already be gluten-free, but always double-check labels to be sure.

Can I bake these instead of frying them? Yes, for a healthier option, bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

Conclusion

These buttermilk chicken tenders are everything you want in a delicious homemade meal—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you fry or bake them, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfying crunch of these tenders!

If you love this recipe, check out our other crispy chicken favorites like oven-baked parmesan chicken or spicy fried chicken sandwiches.

Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We’d love to see your take on these crispy tenders.

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