Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix together the buttermilk, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Repeat frying: Fry remaining tenders in batches following the same process, ensuring oil temperature remains steady.
- Serve: Once all tenders are fried and drained, serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as homemade Chick-fil-A sauce.
- 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
Find it online: https://topreci.com/crispy-buttermilk-chicken-tenders-recipe/
