Description

Craving crispy, golden chicken tenders that are perfectly juicy on the inside? Look no further! These Buttermilk Chicken Tenders are everything you want—crunchy, flavorful, and irresistibly tender thanks to a rich buttermilk marinade. The combination of seasoned flour and a hot oil bath creates that signature crunch, making these tenders perfect for game days, family dinners, or any time you’re in the mood for some serious comfort food. 😍🐔 Whether you dip them in ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce, you’ll find it impossible to stop at just one. Plus, with an oven-baked option for a healthier twist, there’s no excuse not to whip up a batch! 🥳🍗

Ingredients

• 🥩 For the Chicken Tenders:
• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 🥣 For the Breading:
• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60 g) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 🔥 For Frying:
• Vegetable oil (enough for frying, about 2 inches deep in the pan)
• 🌿 Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation Method

1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Submerge chicken tenders in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper; whisk until blended.
4. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F.
5. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture, pressing firmly.
6. For extra crispiness, double-dip by returning chicken to buttermilk and dredging in flour again.
7. Carefully place coated tenders in hot oil, frying each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked to 165°F.
8. Transfer cooked tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with dipping sauces.

Tips and Conclusion

✅ Oven-Baked Option: For a lighter version, bake the coated tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spritzing with cooking spray helps them crisp up!
✅ Crispier Coating: Double-dipping in buttermilk and flour ensures an extra crunchy texture.
✅ Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne or serve with a spicy dipping sauce for those who love heat. 🌶️🔥
✅ Meal Prep Friendly: Cooked tenders can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for later. Reheat in the oven for best results. ❄️🍽️

These Buttermilk Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crispy, juicy indulgence that everyone will love. Perfectly seasoned, with a satisfying crunch and tender interior, they’re ideal for family dinners, parties, or anytime you’re craving comfort food. Pair them with your favorite sides, and watch them disappear faster than you made them! Don’t forget to explore more mouthwatering recipes on our site—and share your tenders with us! 🥰🍗✨