Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

The *best* fried chicken tenders? Buttermilk marinated, extra crispy, and juicy! Like Southern comfort food, done right. Get the easy recipe now!

Right then, let's dive into the wonderful world of fried chicken tenders ! ever had that craving? you know, that primal urge for something crunchy, salty, and utterly satisfying? honestly, sometimes only crispiest chicken tenders will do.

I remember one time, i was feeling proper down, and this recipe just lifted my spirits right up! get ready to learn how to make fried chicken tenders that will have you hooked!

Southern Comfort: The Best Chicken Tenders are here.

These fried chicken tenders aren't just some throw-together meal. they're inspired by classic southern cooking. a celebration of flavour. originating from the american south, where fried chicken is practically a religion, this recipe brings that same magic to your kitchen.

It’s easier than you think. the recipe is a medium difficulty, takes about 2.5 - 4. 5 hours (including marinating), and makes 4-6 servings.

Why These Fried Chicken Tenders Rock

What's the big deal with juicy fried chicken tenders , you ask? well, besides being incredibly delicious, chicken is packed with protein, which is great for building muscle and keeping you full.

Perfect for a cheeky friday night in. or any time you need a bit of comfort food. these crispy chicken tenderloin recipes are special.

I mean, the buttermilk marinade works wonders!

Gather 'Round: Ingredients for Deep Fried Chicken Tenders Recipes

Alright, now let's talk about what you'll need to conjure up these beauties. we’re going for a buttermilk marinade and a seasoned flour dredge.

Remember those amazing flavours! you'll need chicken, buttermilk, hot sauce. the flour dredge is a blend of herbs and spices.

We are going to make homemade crispy chicken , which will be the bomb. this is a winner for chicken strip meal ideas .

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up some seriously tasty fried chicken tenders . It's all about the ingredients, innit? We'll keep it simple.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Right, first things first. For about 4-6 servings of these amazing chicken strip meal ideas you'll need:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tender strips. Look for chicken that's pink and firm. Quality is key ! Avoid the pale, squishy stuff. Honestly, the best chicken tenders start with good chicken.
• 2 cups (473ml) buttermilk. Go for the full-fat kind; it makes a difference!
• 1 tbsp (15ml) hot sauce (like Tabasco or Frank's). I like Frank's myself!
• 1 tsp (5ml) salt.
• 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) black pepper.
• 1 tsp (5ml) garlic powder.
• 1 tsp (5ml) onion powder. This is for the marinade, yeah?

For the dredging magic to make these some Crispiest Chicken Tenders :

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour.
• 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch. Makes it extra crispy !
• 2 tbsp (30ml) paprika.
• 1 tbsp (15ml) garlic powder.
• 1 tbsp (15ml) onion powder.
• 1 tbsp (15ml) dried thyme.
• 1 tbsp (15ml) dried oregano.
• 2 tsp (10ml) salt.
• 1 tsp (5ml) black pepper.
• 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) cayenne pepper. Optional, if you fancy a kick!

For the deep frying chicken tenders recipes :

• 4 cups (946ml) vegetable oil or canola oil. Make sure it's fresh!

Seasoning Notes

Okay, so, flavour. We're going for that perfect Southern blend, like something your Nan would make.

The garlic and onion powder are essential. They give a savory base. Honestly, they just work.

Thyme and oregano? Classic. These herbs will give fried chicken crispy a delicious herby edge.

For flavor enhancers and aromatics , you can add a pinch of celery salt or a dash of smoked paprika to the flour mixture.

Running short? Italian seasoning is a decent substitution. It works in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

Right, let's talk tools.

• Large bowl or zip-top bag. For marinating the chicken, obviously.
• Shallow dishes or pie plates. Dredging needs a station, you know?
• Deep-fry thermometer . Non-negotiable if you want perfectly cooked juicy fried chicken tenders . Temperature control is key .
• Large pot or deep fryer (for the deep fryer chicken tenders ). A large pot works fine.
• Wire rack. For draining the fried chicken tenderloins recipes .
• Tongs. For safety, yeah?

Don't have a deep fryer? no worries! a large, heavy-bottomed pot works just as well for stovetop chicken tenders . just be careful with the hot oil.

Safety first, always! now you're equipped with everything needed to make amazing diy fried chicken !.

Alright, let's turn those chicken breasts into crispy fried chicken tenders that'll rival kfc. honestly, this recipe is a winner.

Forget those bland, boring tenders, we're going full-on southern comfort food. get ready for some juicy fried chicken tenders , my friend.

Cooking Method: The Perfect Fried Chicken Tenders

We are diving deep into the art of frying crispiest chicken tenders . My nan always said a happy chef makes great food. So, smile and let's begin.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro

Essential mise en place, because nobody wants to scramble mid-fry. cut 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts into strips. mix the buttermilk marinade in a large bowl.

Get that chicken marinating for at least 2 hours, or overnight. trust me, it’s worth it. next, measure out your flour dredge ingredients.

Organization is key.

Time-saving tip: While the chicken marinates, prep your sides. Coleslaw, anyone? Safety first! Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case. Never leave hot oil unattended.

Step-by-Step Process: Fry 'Em Up Right

Here’s how to make fried chicken tenders , the easy way:

1. Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours.
2. Combine dredge ingredients in a shallow dish.
3. Heat 4 cups of oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Use a thermometer.
4. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture.
5. Carefully add chicken to the hot oil. Don't overcrowd.
6. Fry for 4- 6 minutes per batch. Turn halfway.
7. Cook until golden brown. Internal temp: 165° F ( 74° C) .
8. Drain on a wire rack. Serve hot and enjoy!

Visual cues for doneness: look for a deep golden-brown color. critical temperature points: 350° f ( 175° c) oil temp, 165° f ( 74° c) internal chicken temp.

These are not just chicken tenders easy recipes these are the best chicken tenders out there.

Pro Tips: Secrets to Crispy Perfection

Wanna take your fried chicken crispy game to the next level? I've got a few tricks.

• Expert Technique: Double dredge for extra crunch. Dredge, dip back into buttermilk, then dredge again.
• Common Mistake: Overcrowding the pan. Fry in batches. This drops the oil temperature and makes soggy fried chicken tenderloins recipes .
• Make-Ahead Option: Dredge the tenders ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Ready to fry when you are! You can even make a chicken strip meal ideas out of this.

Honestly, nailing diy fried chicken like this is so rewarding. this will surely impress any discerning palate with their homemade crispy chicken exterior and the juicy fried chicken tenders it encases.

Remember, cooking should be fun. grab your apron, crank up the tunes, and let's make some crispy chicken tenderloin recipes .

What you'll get are top tier deep fried chicken tenders recipes that beat anything done in a deep fryer chicken tenders setting.

This easy homemade chicken tenders are so good you'll never go to kfc again!

Alright, let's dive deeper into these crispy buttermilk fried chicken tenders . this isn't just any fried chicken recipe. it's about making it your own, and nailing that perfect crispy texture! now, let's talk about some recipe notes to ensure your fried chicken tenders are absolutely banging.

Recipe Notes for Absolutely Boss Fried Chicken Tenders

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Chicken

So, you've got these beautiful, golden fried chicken crispy tenders. what next? presentation is key! think about plating these beauties on a bed of fresh, vibrant slaw.

You could even use some rocket. maybe drizzle some honey mustard for a touch of sweetness? or, how about some classic chicken strip meal ideas ?

Complementary sides are a must. forget boring chips! coleslaw cuts through the richness. mac and cheese is always a winner.

A simple side salad works, too. as for drinks? ice-cold sweet tea, lemonade, or even a crisp beer. if you are feeling fancy.

The options are endless.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Magic Alive

Okay, so you've managed not to eat all the juicy fried chicken tenders at once. Amazing! Now, what? For refrigeration, pop them in an airtight container. They'll be grand for 3-4 days.

Freezing? totally doable. let them cool completely first. then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.

This prevents them sticking together. these frozen easy homemade chicken tenders will stay good for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating? the best method is oven baking. it keeps them crispy . set your oven to 350° f ( 175° c).

Reheat for about 10- 15 minutes, or until heated through. microwaving is okay, but they will lose their crispness.

Variations: Mix It Up, Buttercup!

Want to try some diy fried chicken ? Easy peasy!

• Dietary Adaptation: For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. It's a piece of cake!
• Seasonal ingredient swaps : In summer try adding some lime to give them a zing. Or maybe some chili flakes.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness (with a bit of naughtiness!)

Let's be real, fried chicken tenders aren't health food. But, they can be part of a balanced diet. Chicken is a great source of protein, essential for muscle building.

Approximate values per serving: Calories: 450-550. Protein: 35-45g. Fat: 25-35g. Carbohydrates: 30-40g. Sodium: 800-1000mg. (Estimate Only!)

Knowing your numbers helps with making informed choices. Everything in moderation, eh?

So there you have it! hopefully these recipe notes take you to the promised land of chicken tender recipes crispy .

Give these tips a whirl. don't be scared to experiment. have fun, and happy cooking! you've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why aren't my fried chicken tenders crispy? I'm aiming for "KFC but better"!

Crispiness comes down to a few things. First, ensure your oil temperature is consistently around 350°F (175°C). Too low and they'll be soggy, too high and they'll burn before cooking through. Secondly, don't overcrowd the pan – fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature. Finally, the cornstarch in the dredge is a key ingredient for extra crispness, and you can even try a double-dredge if you're feeling ambitious!

Can I make these fried chicken tenders ahead of time? And how do I store leftovers?

While fried chicken tenders are best served fresh, you can absolutely store leftovers. Let them cool completely on a wire rack (to prevent them steaming and getting soggy) and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven or an air fryer to re-crisp them – microwaving is a no-no unless you're after a soft, sad tender!

Is there a healthier way to make these fried chicken tenders? I feel a bit "Joey Tribbiani" after eating too many!

You bet! The air fryer is your best friend here. Lightly spray the dredged chicken tenders with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. This gives you a similar crispy texture with significantly less oil. Also, using chicken breasts instead of thighs will cut down on some of the fat.

Can I use different spices in the dredge for the fried chicken tenders? What if I want a kick?

Absolutely! The spice blend is where you can really get creative. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of paprika (smoked paprika is great!), garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs (like thyme, oregano, or rosemary), and of course, chili powder or cayenne pepper for some heat. If you're feeling brave, a pinch of ghost pepper powder will certainly wake you up!

My buttermilk expired. Can I still make the marinade for the fried chicken tenders?

Using expired buttermilk isn't recommended for safety reasons. However, you can easily make a buttermilk substitute. Simply add 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup (236ml) of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles slightly, and you've got a perfectly acceptable substitute for marinating those chicken tenders!

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