Description
These crispy buttermilk chicken tenders are marinated in tangy buttermilk and coated with a flavorful, seasoned breading. Perfect for frying or baking, these tenders are juicy, golden, and ideal for weeknight dinners or snacks. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, and enjoy a delicious, homemade take on this comfort food classic!
Ingredients
Scale
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
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken tenders and ensure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure even coating.
- Fry the Tenders: Fry the tenders in batches, 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.
Notes
- Baking Option: For a healthier version, bake tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Double Dipping: For an extra-crispy coating, dip the tenders back in the buttermilk and then dredge them in the flour mixture again before frying.
- Spice it Up: Add more cayenne or chili powder for an extra kick!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Snack
- Method: Frying, Baking (optional)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 3-4 tenders)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg