Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

These Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders are a must-try! Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they are perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to game day gatherings. The marination in buttermilk gives these tenders a unique flavor that sets them apart from ordinary fried chicken. Plus, they are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Marinade Ingredients
• Coating Ingredients
• How to Make Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
• Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
• Step 2: Mix the Coating
• Step 3: Heat the Oil
• Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
• Step 5: Fry the Chicken Tenders
• Step 6: Drain Excess Oil
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
• With Dipping Sauces
• In a Sandwich
• On a Salad
• As an Appetizer
• How to Perfect Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
• Best Side Dishes for Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
• Reheating Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders spicier?
• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
• How long should I marinate Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders?
• What dipping sauces go well with Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders?
• Can I bake instead of fry my Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The double coating of flour and cornstarch ensures your chicken tenders come out perfectly crispy every time.
• Flavorful Marinade: Soaking in buttermilk with spices infuses the chicken with incredible taste and tenderness.
• Quick Cook Time: With only 10 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time!
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy these tenders as a main course or appetizer, paired with various dipping sauces.
• Homemade Goodness: Skip the takeout! Making these at home allows you to control the ingredients and flavors.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these buttermilk fried chicken tenders, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Heavy skillet or Dutch oven
• Cooking thermometer
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Baking sheet with wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy skillet or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for frying, ensuring perfectly cooked tenders without burning.
• Cooking thermometer: Helps maintain the right oil temperature for crispy tenders while preventing overcooking.

Ingredients

These buttermilk fried chicken tenders are crispy, juicy, and out of this world! They’re so good, they’d even make grandma proud.

Marinade Ingredients

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders

Coating Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Vegetable oil

How to Make Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they’re fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Mix the Coating

In another large bowl or shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, black pepper, and baking powder.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven until it’s about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady while frying.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture by pressing it onto the chicken to ensure an even coating. Let coated chicken rest on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes before frying.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken Tenders

Carefully place chicken tenders into hot oil in batches; do not overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit).

Step 6: Drain Excess Oil

Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove tenders from oil. Place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy ketchup. Enjoy your homemade buttermilk fried chicken tenders!

How to Serve Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

These buttermilk fried chicken tenders are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy them in various ways that enhance their flavor and make your meal memorable.

With Dipping Sauces

• Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy sauce that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herby, ranch provides a cool contrast to the hot tenders.
• Spicy Ketchup: For those who love a kick, this spicy twist on ketchup elevates the taste.

In a Sandwich

• Chicken Tender Sandwich: Place the fried tenders in a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a hearty lunch.
• Wrap it Up: Use a tortilla to wrap the tenders with fresh veggies and dressing for a portable meal.

On a Salad

• Crispy Chicken Salad: Slice the tenders over mixed greens, adding your choice of vegetables and dressing for a satisfying salad.
• Caesar Style: Toss the chicken with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing for a delightful twist.

As an Appetizer

• Party Platter: Serve the tenders as finger food at gatherings with various dipping sauces for guests to enjoy.
• Buffalo Style: Toss cooked tenders in buffalo sauce for a spicy appetizer option.

How to Perfect Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

To achieve perfectly crispy and juicy buttermilk fried chicken tenders, follow these essential tips for an outstanding result every time.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing chicken to soak in buttermilk overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to your flour mixture helps create an extra crispy coating.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping oil at 350°F ensures even cooking without sogginess or burning.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to prevent temperature drops that can affect crispiness.
• Rest Before Frying: Letting coated chicken rest allows the breading to adhere better during frying.
• Drain Properly: Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep tenders crispy after frying.

Best Side Dishes for Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

Pairing side dishes with your buttermilk fried chicken tenders can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement their flavors wonderfully.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy side that adds freshness and balances out the richness of fried chicken.
2. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy pasta is always a favorite alongside crispy chicken tenders.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch when grilled or boiled, making it an excellent side choice.
4. French Fries: Classic fries are perfect for dipping and are always a hit with fried foods.
5. Baked Beans: The smoky flavor of baked beans pairs well with the seasoning of chicken tenders.
6. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges provide extra crunch and heartiness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making buttermilk fried chicken tenders can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and tips to ensure your tenders turn out perfectly.

• Skipping the marinade time – Not allowing enough time for marinating can lead to bland chicken. Aim for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight.
• Overcrowding the pan – Placing too many tenders in the oil at once can lower the temperature, resulting in soggy coating. Fry in batches for crispy results.
• Not using a thermometer – Without checking the oil temperature, you risk undercooking or burning your chicken. Use a thermometer to maintain 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Neglecting to let them rest – Skipping the resting period after coating can cause the flour to fall off during frying. Letting them rest ensures a better crust.
• Ignoring internal temperature – Not checking the internal temperature can lead to undercooked chicken. Always aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked buttermilk fried chicken tenders in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

• Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

• Oven – Preheat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place tenders on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but this may result in less crispiness.
• Stovetop – Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add tenders and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders spicier?

You can add more cayenne pepper or use a spicier hot sauce in the marinade for extra heat.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute regular milk, using buttermilk gives the chicken tenderness and flavor. If needed, add lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk as a quick alternative.

How long should I marinate Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders?

Marinate for at least 2 hours; overnight is ideal for maximum flavor and tenderness.

What dipping sauces go well with Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders?

Popular choices include honey mustard, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or spicy ketchup.

Can I bake instead of fry my Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders?

Yes! For a healthier version, bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown and cooked through, usually about 20-25 minutes.

Final Thoughts

These buttermilk fried chicken tenders are not just delicious; they are also versatile enough to customize with your favorite spices or sauces. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or main dish, they are sure to impress everyone at your table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy crispy perfection!