Print

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

crispy buttermilk fried chicken tenders - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy buttermilk fried chicken tenders are golden brown with a perfect crunch and juicy inside, making them an easy and satisfying comfort food for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds fresh chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
  • 2 cups buttermilk (or 2 cups milk mixed with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 4 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: Pour 2 cups cold buttermilk over chicken tenders in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  2. Prepare the flour coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  3. Beat the eggs in a third bowl until smooth.
  4. Set up the dredging station with three bowls: buttermilk-soaked chicken, beaten eggs, and seasoned flour.
  5. Remove chicken tenders from buttermilk one at a time, letting excess drip off, dip into eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing flour onto tenders to build a thick coating.
  6. Place coated tenders on a wire rack and let rest for 10-15 minutes to help coating adhere.
  7. Heat 4 cups vegetable or peanut oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Fry tenders in batches without crowding the pan, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove tenders with tongs and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to keep crispy.
  10. Serve warm. Optionally keep warm in a low oven (200°F/93°C) for short periods.

Notes

Use fresh, cold buttermilk for best flavor. Let tenders rest after coating to help flour adhere. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for perfect frying. Drain on wire rack to keep crispiness. For extra crunch, double dredge by dipping again in egg and flour before frying. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried chicken tenders, crispy chicken, buttermilk chicken, easy fried chicken, homemade chicken tenders, comfort food

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/crispy-buttermilk-fried-chicken-tenders-recipe-easy-homemade-perfect-crunch/