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Classic Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe

A pile of golden brown, crispy homemade chicken tenders stacked on a white plate, with one piece broken open showing the white meat.
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Make juicy, homemade chicken tenders with a crispy coating using this straightforward recipe inspired by Midwestern comfort cooking.

Ingredients

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  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep in pot)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken strips in a bowl. Pour buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, to tenderize the meat.
  2. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the breading mixture.
  3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, but do not rinse.
  4. Dredge each piece of chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to adhere well. Place coated tenders on a wire rack.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
  6. Carefully place 4-5 tenders into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot.
  7. Fry for 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
  8. Remove the cooked tenders with a slotted spoon and place them on a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
  9. Repeat with remaining chicken, adjusting the oil temperature as needed between batches.

Notes

  • For extra crispy chicken tenders, double-dip the chicken: coat in flour, dip back into the buttermilk briefly, then coat again in the flour mixture.
  • If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Spray the coated tenders lightly with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden.
  • Serve these homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch dressing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/best-chicken-tenders-classic-buttermilk-recipe/