Introduction to Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
Welcome to the world of Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders! If you’re anything like me, you know that sometimes life gets busy, and you need a quick solution for dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. These tenders are not just a meal; they’re a crunchy, golden hug on a plate. Perfect for impressing your loved ones or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is a delightful way to bring comfort food to your table. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
Let’s be honest: who doesn’t love a dish that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious? These Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders are a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. The combination of tender chicken and a crunchy coating creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with any side dish you fancy!
Ingredients for Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these mouthwatering Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Tenders: The star of the show! You can also use chicken breast cut into strips if you prefer.
- Buttermilk: This tangy liquid is essential for marinating. If you don’t have any, mix milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth to the marinade. It’s a must for flavor lovers!
- Onion Powder: This brings a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- Smoked Paprika: A pinch of this gives a lovely smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
- Cayenne Pepper: Optional, but if you like a kick, this is your go-to spice!
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the flavors of the chicken.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your crispy coating. It helps create that golden crust.
- Cornflakes or Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunch, crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs work wonders!
- Baking Powder: This helps the coating puff up and become even crispier.
- Vegetable Oil: You’ll need enough for deep frying. Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
For exact quantities, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a crunchy, flavorful feast.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is where the magic begins! The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with flavor. Stir it well until everything is mixed.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours. If you can, let them marinate overnight. Trust me, the longer they soak, the better the flavor!
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the crispy coating. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, crushed cornflakes (or panko breadcrumbs), paprika, garlic powder, baking powder, salt, and pepper. This blend is what gives your tenders that irresistible crunch!
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the fridge. Let the excess marinade drip off, then dredge each tender in the flour mixture. Press firmly to ensure a good coating. This step is crucial for that crispy texture we all love!
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 175°C (350°F). You want enough oil to submerge the chicken. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of the coating into the oil. If it sizzles, you’re ready to fry!
Step 6: Fry the Chicken
Carefully add the chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this ensures even cooking and that perfect crunch!
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Once cooked, place the tenders on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil. This step keeps them crispy! Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard. Enjoy every crunchy bite of your Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders!
Tips for Success
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your heat preference; a little goes a long way!
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying; this helps the coating stick better.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring even cooking and crunchiness.
Equipment Needed
- Deep Pan: A heavy-bottomed pot works well if you don’t have a deep fryer.
- Mixing Bowls: Use any large bowls for marinating and mixing ingredients.
- Whisk: A fork can also do the job for mixing the marinade and coating.
- Wire Rack: If you don’t have one, paper towels will work for draining excess oil.
- Meat Thermometer: Optional, but it helps ensure your oil is at the right temperature.
Variations of Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
- Spicy Buffalo Tenders: Add a few tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a fiery kick!
- Herb-Infused Tenders: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the marinade for a fragrant twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating.
- Parmesan Crusted Tenders: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Asian-Inspired Tenders: Use soy sauce and ginger in the marinade, and coat with panko breadcrumbs for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
- Classic Sides: Pair with crispy fries or creamy coleslaw for a traditional touch.
- Fresh Salads: Serve alongside a light garden salad to balance the richness.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue for extra flavor.
- Presentation: Arrange tenders on a wooden board with fresh herbs for a rustic look.
- Drinks: Complement with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing meal.
FAQs about Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders?
Absolutely! You can cut chicken breast into strips to make your own tenders. Just ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least two hours. If you have time, letting it sit overnight will enhance the taste even more!
What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No problem! Just mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice and let it sit for about 10 minutes. It works like a charm!
Can I bake these Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders instead of frying?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated tenders on a baking sheet. Spray them lightly with cooking oil and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven to maintain their crispiness!
Final Thoughts
Making Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders is more than just cooking; it’s about creating joyful moments around the dinner table. The aroma of the chicken frying fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace. Each crunchy bite is a reminder of comfort and satisfaction, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these tenders are sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, dive into this recipe, and let the crispy goodness bring smiles and happy memories to your home. Enjoy every delicious moment!
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Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders: A Must-Try Recipe!
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders are a delicious and crunchy treat, perfect for any occasion. Marinated in a flavorful buttermilk mixture and coated with a crispy blend of flour and cornflakes, these tenders are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, rested 10 min)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (100 g) crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (enough to deep fry, about 2–3 cups depending on pan size)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor).
- In another bowl, mix flour, crushed cornflakes, paprika, garlic powder, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat well.
- Place on a tray and let rest for 10 minutes (helps coating stick).
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 175°C (350°F).
- Fry chicken tenders in batches for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Place on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
