Description
These Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders are marinated in seasoned buttermilk, resulting in a tender and flavorful interior, then coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to crispy perfection. Perfect for a quick dinner or as a party appetizer.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Marinade:
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add the chicken tenderloins to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow the chicken to marinate.
- Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Bread and Fry the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breading.
- Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve:
- Transfer the fried chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent by adjusting the heat as needed during frying.
- These tenders can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg