Craving crispy, flavorful buttermilk fried chicken tenders? You’re in for a treat! I’ll guide you through a simple and rewarding recipe that delivers juicy chicken with the perfect crunch. From marinating in rich buttermilk to frying techniques that guarantee crispiness, you'll master this dish in no time. Let's dive into the delicious details and make your next meal unforgettable!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Marinade: The buttermilk marinade infused with garlic, onion, and smoked paprika ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Crispy Texture: The combination of flour and Panko breadcrumbs creates a perfectly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken inside.
- Customizable Heat: With the option to add cayenne pepper, you can easily adjust the heat level to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These chicken tenders are great for casual family dinners, game day snacks, or even as a party appetizer.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Gathering the right ingredients is key for great buttermilk fried chicken tenders. Start with fresh chicken tenders. They should be tender and juicy. The buttermilk is crucial. It adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
The spices make a big difference. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky taste. Black pepper and salt enhance the overall flavor.
For the coating, all-purpose flour and Panko breadcrumbs work best. Panko adds that extra crunch we all love. If you want some heat, add cayenne pepper. It gives a nice kick without being too spicy.
Finally, you'll need vegetable oil for frying. It should be hot enough to get that crispy texture. Make sure you have everything ready before you begin cooking. This way, you’ll have a smooth cooking experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
To start, take your chicken tenders and place them in a large bowl. Add 1 cup of buttermilk along with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well, so each tender is fully coated.
Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour. If you have time, let it sit for up to 8 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs.
Preparing the Coating
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. If you want extra crunch, use Panko breadcrumbs. For a bit of heat, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mix. Stir until everything blends together.
When the chicken finishes marinating, take it out of the fridge. Shake off any excess buttermilk before dredging each tender in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated and tap off the extra breading.
Frying the Chicken
Now, it’s time to fry! Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, sprinkle a small amount of flour into it. If it sizzles, you’re good to go.
Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they turn golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, place the chicken tenders on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help drain any excess oil. Serve your crispy buttermilk fried chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy the crunch and flavor!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving a Crispy Texture
Marination is key to great fried chicken tenders. Soaking the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize it and adds flavor. The buttermilk also helps the coating stick. I recommend marinating for at least 1 hour, but 8 hours gives even better results.
The frying temperature matters too. Heat the oil to medium-high. If it's too low, the chicken will soak up oil and become soggy. To check if the oil is ready, sprinkle a bit of flour in it. If it sizzles, you are good to go!
Serving Suggestions
Presentation can make your chicken tenders shine. I love to arrange them in a basket lined with parchment paper. This adds a nice touch and keeps the tenders from getting soggy. Garnish with fresh parsley for color.
Dipping sauces can enhance the meal. Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha. Each sauce adds a new layer of flavor, so feel free to mix and match!
Kitchen Equipment Recommendations
Choosing the right skillet is crucial. A heavy-bottomed skillet helps maintain the oil temperature. Cast iron is a great option, but any good frying pan will do.
For preparation, you need a few essential utensils. A large bowl for marinating, a separate bowl for the flour mixture, and tongs for flipping the chicken work best. These tools make the process smooth and easy.
Pro Tips
- Marination is Key: For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but ideally up to 8 hours. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat fully.
- Frying Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
- Batch Frying: Fry the chicken tenders in small batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures even cooking and crispiness, preventing the temperature of the oil from dropping too much.
- Resting Time: After frying, let the chicken tenders rest on paper towels for a few minutes. This helps to remove excess oil and keeps them crispy before serving.
Variations
Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
To make spicy buttermilk fried chicken tenders, add extra spices. You can use cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce. Mix these into the buttermilk marinade. This gives your chicken tenders a nice kick. You can adjust the spice level to your taste. If you want it hotter, add more cayenne. If you prefer mild, use less. This option makes the chicken exciting and flavorful.
Gluten-Free Options
For gluten-free buttermilk fried chicken tenders, swap regular flour with gluten-free flour. Almond flour or rice flour work well. You can also use crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating. This keeps the crunch without gluten. Always check that your ingredients are labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy crispy chicken tenders that fit your diet.
Baked Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
If you want a healthier option, try baked buttermilk chicken tenders. After marinating, coat your tenders as usual. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken on a lined baking sheet. Spray them with a little oil to help them brown. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Flip halfway through to get even crispiness. This method gives you tender chicken with less oil. Enjoy a lighter, yet still tasty meal!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your crispy chicken tenders fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you have a lot, you can separate layers with paper towels. This helps absorb moisture and keeps them crisp.
Reheating Instructions
The best way to reheat chicken tenders is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes.
Freezing Chicken Tenders
If you want to freeze your chicken tenders, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour to firm them up. Then, transfer the tenders to a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How long should I marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk?
Marinate chicken tenders for at least 1 hour. This gives the meat time to absorb the flavors. For the best taste, I recommend marinating up to 8 hours. The longer you marinate, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be. Just keep it in the fridge during this time to ensure safety.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
You can use frozen chicken tenders, but fresh is best. If you use frozen, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Make sure they are fully thawed before marinating. This way, the buttermilk can soak in well. Frozen tenders may not get as crispy as fresh ones, but they will still taste good.
What dipping sauces pair well with buttermilk fried chicken tenders?
Many sauces work great with these tenders. Here are a few favorites:
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Spicy sriracha
- BBQ sauce
- Blue cheese dressing
Each sauce adds a unique twist to your meal. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite!
In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious buttermilk fried chicken tenders. We covered the key ingredients, the marination process, and how to fry them for that perfect crispy texture. You also learned about variations, storage tips, and the best equipment to use. Remember, a little marination and the right frying techniques make all the difference. Enjoy your tasty meal and impress your family with these simple yet flavorful chicken tenders!
