Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders: A Delicious and Crispy Recipe
Introduction
Picture this: golden brown, crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. That’s what you get with buttermilk fried chicken tenders. This classic comfort food is loved by kids and adults alike, and it’s no wonder why. The combination of tangy buttermilk and flavorful spices creates a mouthwatering dish that will have you coming back for seconds.
Buttermilk fried chicken has a rich history that dates back to the American South. It has become a staple in Southern cuisine, often served with biscuits, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes. The buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken, resulting in a moist and succulent bite every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why you’ll fall in love with this buttermilk fried chicken tenders recipe:
1. Crispy and Flavorful Coating
The secret to the irresistible crunch of these chicken tenders lies in the seasoned coating. The combination of flour, cornstarch, and a blend of spices creates a crispy exterior that adds a satisfying texture to each bite.
2. Tender and Juicy Chicken
Thanks to the buttermilk marinade, the chicken tenders are incredibly tender and juicy. The acidity in the buttermilk helps to break down the proteins in the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chicken.
3. Quick and Easy to Make
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can have these mouthwatering chicken tenders ready to serve in no time.
4. Versatile and Kid-Friendly
These buttermilk fried chicken tenders are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a sandwich filling. They are also a hit with kids, making them a great option for family meals or parties.
Ingredients
To make these delectable buttermilk fried chicken tenders, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
– 1 pound chicken tenders
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
For the Coating:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional:
– Dipping sauces (such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious buttermilk fried chicken tenders:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and add the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken and make it more tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices. This will be the coating for the chicken tenders.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken tenders from the refrigerator. One by one, coat each tender in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure that the coating sticks to the chicken. Shake off any excess coating and place the coated chicken tenders on a plate or wire rack.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Serve immediately while still hot and crispy.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these expert tips to ensure that your buttermilk fried chicken tenders turn out perfectly every time:
1. Use a Thermometer
Investing in a good meat thermometer is essential for perfectly cooked chicken. It will help you avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken tenders.
2. Maintain the Oil Temperature
Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If the oil is too hot, the chicken tenders may burn on the outside before they are fully cooked on the inside. If the oil is too cool, the tenders will absorb more oil, resulting in greasy chicken.
3. Let the Coated Chicken Rest
After coating the chicken tenders, let them rest for a few minutes before frying. This will help the coating adhere better to the chicken, resulting in a crispier texture.
Variations and Substitutions
While this buttermilk fried chicken tender recipe is delicious as is, you can also get creative and try out some variations:
1. Spicy Kick
If you like your chicken tenders with a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade. This will give your chicken a spicy kick that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
2. Gluten-Free Option
If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The cornstarch in the coating will still provide a crispy texture.
3. Baked Version
If you prefer a healthier alternative to frying, you can bake the chicken tenders in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
These buttermilk fried chicken tenders are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of side dishes and dipping sauces. Here are some serving suggestions:
1. Classic Combo
Serve the chicken tenders with a side of coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and biscuits for a classic Southern meal that is sure to impress.
2. Fresh and Crispy
Pair the chicken tenders with a fresh green salad for a lighter option. The crispiness of the chicken will add a satisfying contrast to the salad.
3. Dipping Delights
Offer an assortment of dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or even spicy aioli. Let your guests choose their favorite flavor combination.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you may have about making buttermilk fried chicken tenders:
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be substituted for chicken tenders in this recipe. Simply cut the chicken breasts into strips of similar size to the tenders.
2. Can I make the chicken tenders in advance?
While these chicken tenders are best when served immediately after frying, you can prepare the coating and marinate the chicken in advance. Keep the coated chicken tenders in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
3. How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (although they tend to disappear quickly!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the oven to regain their crispness.
Final Thoughts
Buttermilk fried chicken tenders are a crowd-pleasing dish that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a delicious appetizer for your next gathering, these chicken tenders are sure to impress. So grab some buttermilk, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a plate full of crispy, flavorful goodness.
Try this recipe and let us know how it turns out for you. We’d love to hear about your experiences and any variations you try. Happy cooking!
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
Golden brown, crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, these buttermilk fried chicken tenders are a classic comfort food loved by both kids and adults. The combination of tangy buttermilk and flavorful spices creates a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Dipping sauces (such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing)
Directions
- Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and add buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the coating by combining all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.
- Coat each marinated chicken tender in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
- Fry the coated chicken tenders in hot vegetable oil for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain the cooked chicken tenders on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate, and serve hot with optional dipping sauces.