Why You’ll Love These Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
Lightly fried until golden and crispy, these buttermilk chicken tenders are tender inside, crunchy outside, and packed with flavor. If you're looking for an irresistible buttermilk chicken tenders recipe, they’re perfect for family dinners, game days, or easy weeknight meals. This buttermilk chicken tenders recipe ensures they'll be a hit with everyone at the table.
The Story Behind These Chicken Tenders
These tenders bring back memories of family get-togethers and comfort food cravings. By marinating in buttermilk, they stay extra juicy while frying up light and crispy—just like your favorite restaurant version but homemade. This is why you should try a buttermilk chicken tenders recipe at home for that same restaurant quality!
This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets, and pairs well with this Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce!
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make these buttermilk chicken tenders:
- Chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- Buttermilk (for tenderizing and flavor)
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper)
- Oil (for frying)
Top Tip: Marinate the chicken overnight for the most tender and flavorful tenders using this buttermilk chicken tenders recipe.
4 Easy Steps to Make Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
- Marinate: Soak chicken tenders in buttermilk and seasonings.
- Dredge: Coat in seasoned flour and egg mixture.
- Fry: Lightly fry until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Enjoy with your favorite dips and sides.
Hint: Fry in batches to avoid crowding the pan, which keeps the tenders crispy.
Variations for Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
Change it up with these tasty twists:
- Spicy Tenders: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mix.
- Oven-Baked: Bake instead of frying for a lighter option.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Substitutions
Need swaps? Try these:
- Chicken: Use chicken thighs instead of tenders.
- Buttermilk: Use milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.
- Flour: Swap for gluten-free flour.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Storage Tips
Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness. With this buttermilk chicken tenders recipe, leftovers remain delicious even after a couple of days.
FAQs
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with oil for extra crispiness.
Absolutely. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping once.
At least 1 hour, but overnight is best for flavor and tenderness.
Pairing Ideas
These are my favorite dishes to serve with these Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
Check out my Copycat Series
Looking for fun recipes for your friends and family? Try these:
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts Cut into strips, pounded
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 2 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- canola oil for frying
- dried parsley optional - for color at the end
Instructions
- In one bowl, mix eggs and buttermilk. Add chicken and let them cozy up.
- In another bowl, combine all the dry ingredients for that perfect crispy coating.
- In a sizzling fry pan with 1-1.5 inches of canola oil, dip those buttermilk-soaked chicken strips into the dry mix and into the hot oil they go.
- Fry for 3-5 minutes on each side, in batches to keep the tenders happy and crispy. No overcrowding allowed!
- Add dried parsley if you want a pop of color. That’s it! Dive into the crunch and savor the flavor. Enjoy these golden goodies!
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