Name: Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
Prep time: PT-484363H53M25S
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-484363H53M25S
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken tenderloins; 1 cup buttermilk; 1½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp paprika; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ tsp baking powder; 1 heaping tsp salt; ¾ tsp black pepper; ¾ tsp garlic powder; ¾ tsp paprika; 3 tbsp buttermilk; 3-4 cups vegetable oil

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Hey there, my crispy-food-craving pal! Let’s whip up something that’s going to make your taste buds sing—Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders. These golden beauties are juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and packed with that tangy buttermilk magic that’ll have you licking your fingers. Imagine biting into one—crisp, savory, and oh-so-tender—it’s comfort food heaven, and it’s way easier than you’d think. Trust me, you’re going to love this—it’s a game-changer for any meal. Let’s heat up that oil!

Why You’ll Love Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew, spicing up a weeknight dinner, or just treating yourself, these tenders are the answer. Here’s why they’re a total slam dunk:

Versatile: Perfect for dinner, game day snacks, or even a picnic—they’re a hit any way you serve ‘em!
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple stuff like chicken and pantry staples—no fancy extras needed.
Quick and Easy: Marinate, coat, fry—simple steps that deliver big flavor fast.
Customizable: Spice it up, tweak the seasoning, or pair with your favorite dip—make it your own!
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids will devour the crispy goodness, and adults will crave that juicy bite. Everyone’s happy!

Ingredients in Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Here’s the lineup that makes these tenders a crispy, juicy dream—basic ingredients, bold taste:

Chicken Tenders

The star of the show—lean, tender strips that soak up all that flavor and fry up perfect.

Buttermilk

Tangy and rich, it tenderizes the chicken and adds that signature zing—don’t skip this!

Flour

The base for that crispy coating—light and crunchy when it hits the hot oil.

Cornstarch

A little trick for extra crunch—it’s the secret to that golden, shatter-crisp bite.

Eggs

Helps the coating stick and adds richness to the breading—key to that perfect crust.

Paprika

Smoky and warm, it brings a subtle kick and gorgeous color to the tenders.

Garlic Powder

A savory punch that makes every bite pop—simple but essential.

Salt and Pepper

The flavor boosters—brings everything together with just the right balance.

Vegetable Oil

For frying—gets hot and stays steady for that golden, crispy finish.

Instructions

Let’s fry up some magic—these tenders are a breeze to make!

Preheat Your Equipment

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C)—hot oil’s the key to crispy!

Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, mix buttermilk with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken tenders and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for max flavor!).

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Set up a dredging station: one bowl with beaten eggs, another with flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper mixed together—get ready to coat!

Assemble the Dish

Pull the tenders from the buttermilk, dip them in the egg, then dredge in the flour mix—press it on good so every inch is coated.

Cook to Perfection

Fry the tenders in batches, 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C). Don’t crowd the pan—give ‘em space to crisp up!

Finishing Touches

Drain on paper towels to keep that crunch—give ‘em a sprinkle of salt while hot for extra flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

Pile them high and dig in hot! That first bite—crisp outside, juicy inside—is pure fried chicken bliss.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)

How to Serve Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

These tenders are a meal on their own, but here’s how to make them shine:

Fresh Salads: Pair with a crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad—cool crunch meets hot tenders!
Crusty Bread: Serve with biscuits or cornbread—perfect for sopping up any dipping sauce.
Creamy Accompaniments: Dip in ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo—creamy and dreamy!
Vegetable Sides: Fries, sweet potato wedges, or roasted broccoli—more crispy goodness to love.
As a Standalone: Stack on a platter with a sprinkle of parsley or a lemon wedge—rustic and ready!

Additional Tips

Make these tenders your own with these slick moves:

Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge—flavor gets deeper, and you’re ready to fry anytime.
Spice It Up: Add cayenne, hot sauce to the buttermilk, or chili powder to the coating—bring the heat!
Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for a twist—still crispy and delish!
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days—reheat in the oven for crunch.
Double the Batch: Feeding a posse? Double up and fry in batches—freeze extras for later!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute buttermilk with something else?

A1: Yep! Mix milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar—let it sit 5 minutes, and you’re good.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?

A2: Sure! Marinate ahead, fry when ready—or fry and reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: In an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days—reheat in the oven to keep ‘em crispy.

Q4: Can I freeze these tenders?

A4: Totally! Freeze cooked tenders on a tray, then bag ‘em—reheat from frozen at 400°F for 15 minutes.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat them?

A5: Oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes—keeps the crunch—microwave works but softens ‘em up.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

A6: You bet! Double everything and fry in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan!

Q7: Can I bake instead of fry?

A7: Sure! Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway—spray with oil for crispness.

Q8: What if I don’t have cornstarch?

A8: Skip it or use more flour—still tasty, just a tad less crunchy.

Q9: Can I add more spices?

A9: Oh, yes! Onion powder, smoked paprika, or a Cajun blend—spice it up your way!

Q10: Are these kid-friendly?

A10: Absolutely! Mild and crispy—perfect for little hands—just adjust the spice if they’re picky!

Conclusion

There you go, my friend—Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders that’ll make you the hero of any table. These crispy, juicy bites are packed with flavor and that Southern charm that’s hard to resist, whether you’re dunking them in sauce or eating ‘em straight from the skillet. Perfect for sharing with your crew or keeping all to yourself (no shame here!), this recipe’s a winner every time. So grab that buttermilk, heat that oil, and let’s fry up some golden goodness. You’ve got this—and it’s going to taste like crispy, tender perfection!