Description
Ultra-crispy, golden brown chicken tenders with a perfectly seasoned buttermilk marinade that ensures juicy, flavorful meat inside and a shatteringly crunchy coating outside. These are way better than takeout!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges and dipping sauces for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Add chicken tenders, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (best overnight).
- When ready to cook, in a shallow dish combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cayenne (if using), and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron works best) to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from buttermilk (letting excess drip off) and dredge in flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Shake off excess.
- Fry in batches (don’t overcrowd) for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain (this keeps them crispy).
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- For extra crispy tenders: Double-dip by returning flour-coated chicken to buttermilk, then flour again
- Oven method: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes on a wire rack set over a baking sheet
- Gluten-free option: Use 1:1 GF flour blend instead of all-purpose
- Make ahead: Marinated chicken can be kept in fridge up to 24 hours
- Leftovers reheat best in air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg