Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders are a classic comfort food favorite that’s golden, crunchy, and full of flavor. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and coated in a seasoned panko crust, these tenders fry up perfectly crisp every time. They’re great for a quick dinner or a fun snack with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 lbs chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (measured then sifted)
• 1 cup panko crumbs
• 1¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1½ tsp garlic powder
• 1½ tsp parsley flakes
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix together the buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, and ¼ tsp ground black pepper.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken tenderloins to the buttermilk mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
3. Step 3: Combine the flour, panko crumbs, 1¼ tsp salt, ½ tsp ground black pepper, garlic powder, parsley flakes, paprika, and cornstarch in a deep dish.
4. Step 4: Remove each chicken tenderloin from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off, then dredge generously in the breading mixture.
5. Step 5: Place the coated tenders on a separate plate and repeat until all pieces are breaded.
6. Step 6: Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F using a thermometer for accuracy.
7. Step 7: Fry the chicken tenders in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
8. Step 8: Remove tenders and place on a wire rack to cool slightly; this keeps them crispy by preventing sogginess.
9. Step 9: Repeat frying with any remaining tenders.
10. Step 10: Serve hot with your favorite sauces and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Marinate the chicken overnight for extra tenderness and flavor.
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for perfectly crisp tenders.
• Try swapping the parsley flakes for fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
• Serve with homemade or store-bought dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy mayo.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and retain crispiness, place tenders on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. While they won’t be as crispy as fried, baking is a healthier alternative.

What is the purpose of marinating chicken in buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, keeping the tenders juicy and flavorful after cooking.

Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe

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These Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders are marinated in a seasoned buttermilk mixture, then coated in a flavorful breading of flour, panko, and spices before being deep-fried to golden perfection. Tender inside with a crunchy exterior, they make for a delicious snack or meal served with your favorite dipping sauces.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (including frying in batches)
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including marination time of 1 hour minimum)
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings (around 6–8 tenders per serving) 1x
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

Chicken

• 2 lbs chicken tenderloins

Breading Mixture

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (measured then sifted)
• 1 cup panko crumbs
• 1¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1½ tsp garlic powder
• 1½ tsp parsley flakes
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp cornstarch

For Frying

• oil for frying (enough for 3 inches deep in skillet)

Dipping Sauce

• Chick-fil-A sauce from scratch (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix together the buttermilk, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.
2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken tenderloins to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
3. Mix the breading: In a deep dish, combine all-purpose flour, panko crumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley flakes, ground paprika, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
4. Dredge the chicken: Remove each chicken tenderloin from the marinade one at a time, letting the excess drip off, then generously coat each piece in the breading mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place the coated tenders on a separate plate.
5. Heat the oil: Pour enough oil into a deep skillet to reach 3 inches in depth and heat to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer to maintain temperature.
6. Fry the chicken: Carefully place the chicken tenders into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 6-8 minutes total, turning halfway through to ensure even golden crispiness and thorough cooking.
7. Drain and cool: Remove the fried chicken tenders using tongs and place them on a wire rack so excess oil drains and the crust stays crispy. Avoid draining on paper towels to prevent sogginess.
8. Repeat frying: Fry remaining tenders in batches following the same process, ensuring oil temperature remains steady.
9. Serve: Once all tenders are fried and drained, serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as homemade Chick-fil-A sauce.
10. Enjoy: Dig in while the tenders are hot and crispy for the best taste experience.

Notes

• Marinating overnight will enhance tenderness and flavor.
• Using a thermometer to monitor oil temperature prevents greasy or undercooked chicken.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet during frying to maintain crispy texture.
• Drain fried tenders on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep crust crunchy.
• Homemade dipping sauces like Chick-fil-A sauce complement these tenders well.

Keywords: crispy chicken tenders, buttermilk chicken, fried chicken, panko crust chicken, chicken fingers, homemade chicken tenders