Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

Okay, let’s talk about Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders—because if you haven’t tried them yet, you’re in for a treat! These golden, crispy, tender bites of chicken are everything you want in a comfort food. Imagine the crispy, crunchy coating giving way to juicy, flavorful chicken that just melts in your mouth. Every bite is a little piece of heaven, and trust me, you’re going to be hooked. Whether you’re making them for a cozy dinner, a get-together with friends, or just because you’re craving something crispy and delicious, these chicken tenders will steal the show. And the best part? They’re so easy to make that you’ll feel like a pro in no time!

Why You’ll Love Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. Here’s why:

Versatile

These chicken tenders are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend BBQ, they’ll be the star of the show. You can pair them with just about anything—fries, a crisp salad, or even a dipping sauce (or three). You can’t go wrong!

Budget-Friendly

You don’t need to break the bank to make these! With simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, you’ll be able to make an amazing dish without spending a fortune. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but doesn’t come with a hefty price tag.

Quick and Easy

Fried chicken tenders can sound a little intimidating, but don’t worry, this recipe is totally beginner-friendly. With just a few steps, you’ll have golden, crispy chicken that’s worthy of any restaurant menu. Plus, it’s a lot less complicated than you might think.

Customizable

Want a little extra heat? Add some cayenne or smoked paprika to the batter. Prefer it milder? You can always adjust the seasoning to your liking. These tenders are versatile enough to suit any flavor craving.

Crowd-Pleasing

It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t love fried chicken tenders. Whether it’s kids, adults, or picky eaters, this dish hits the spot every time. It’s one of those recipes that’s guaranteed to make everyone happy!

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of these Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders—they’re made with simple ingredients, but the result is nothing short of spectacular:

Chicken Tenders

The star of the show! You’ll need tender, juicy chicken strips that soak up all the flavor from the marinade.

Buttermilk

The buttermilk marinade works like a charm to tenderize the chicken while adding a little tangy flavor. Plus, it makes the breading stick like a dream!

Flour

This is the base of the crispy coating. It creates that perfect crunch that everyone loves.

Spices

A little paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper go a long way in giving the chicken tenders that signature flavor. You can even add cayenne if you like a little extra kick.

Eggs

Eggs help the breading stick to the chicken, creating that gorgeous golden-brown coating.

Oil for Frying

You’ll need a neutral oil for frying—vegetable or canola oil works best to give the tenders that crispy finish.

(Note: The full list of ingredients with measurements is available in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on making these crispy, juicy chicken tenders!

1. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to allow the flavors to soak in. The longer, the better!

2. Prepare the Breading Station

In one shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. You’re setting up a classic breading station here, and trust me—it makes all the difference in getting that perfect crispy coating.

3. Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dip each piece into the flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. Then dip it into the egg wash and coat it in the flour mixture again. Double coating is the secret to that extra crispy crunch!

4. Heat the Oil

Heat the oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of breading in—if it sizzles, you’re good to go.

5. Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the tenders warm with your favorite dipping sauces (a little ranch, honey mustard, or even barbecue sauce—yum!). Enjoy every crispy, juicy bite!

How to Serve Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

These tenders are perfect on their own or paired with any number of sides. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more delicious:

Fresh Salads

A crisp, refreshing green salad balances the richness of the chicken. Try something light with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the fried crunch!

Dipping Sauces

Don’t forget the dipping sauces! Classic ranch, tangy honey mustard, or spicy buffalo sauce are all great options. If you want to get fancy, you can even make a homemade dipping sauce.

Fries or Potato Wedges

Of course, crispy fries are a match made in heaven with fried chicken tenders. If you’re feeling a bit extra, try sweet potato fries for a twist!

Roasted Vegetables

Pairing with roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or green beans makes for a well-rounded meal. Plus, those veggies add some color and nutrients to balance the richness of the tenders.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead

If you want to make your life easier, you can prep the chicken and breading the night before. Just store the marinated chicken and breaded tenders in the fridge, and fry them up when you’re ready to eat.

Spice It Up

Add some cayenne or chili flakes to the flour mixture if you love a little heat. The spicier, the better!

Dietary Adjustments

If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, you can swap the regular flour for a gluten-free alternative. There are plenty of options available that will work just as well!

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again.

Double the Batch

If you’re cooking for a crowd, this recipe is easy to double or even triple. Just make sure to fry in batches to keep them nice and crispy!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute chicken breasts for tenders?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine, but you’ll need to slice them into strips to get that tender shape.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! Prepare the chicken, bread it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for that crispy texture.

Q4: Can I freeze the tenders?
A4: Yes! After breading the chicken, freeze the tenders on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, fry them directly from frozen.

Q5: How do I reheat the tenders?
A5: To keep them crispy, reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

Conclusion

These Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders are about to become your new go-to recipe. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and absolutely irresistible. Once you taste how delicious they are, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner. So go ahead, make them for your next meal, and enjoy the crispy, golden goodness. You’re going to love every single bite!

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