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crispy buttermilk chicken tenders recipe - Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

crispy buttermilk chicken tenders recipe made easy at home. Golden, crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside — the ultimate homemade chicken tenders that b
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 1½ lbs chicken tenderloins or boneless skinless breasts cut into strips
  • 1½ cups buttermilk well shaken
  • 1 tsp hot sauce optional, for flavor
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper freshly ground
Breading
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 2 tsp paprika smoked or sweet
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper adjust for heat
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
Frying
  • 4 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil, for deep frying
Serving
  • as needed flaky sea salt for finishing
  • as needed dipping sauces ranch, honey mustard, ketchup

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine chicken tenderloins, buttermilk, hot sauce, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the breading. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 4 hours.
  2. In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper until evenly combined.
  3. Line a baking sheet with wire rack. Remove a tender from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the flour mixture on all sides. Shake off any loose flour and place on the rack. Repeat with all tenders. Let them sit for 5–10 minutes — this helps the coating adhere.
  4. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high until a deep-fry or instant-read thermometer registers 350°F (175°C). Carefully monitor the temperature.
  5. Working in batches of 3–4, gently lower tenders into the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  6. Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a platter with your choice of dipping sauces. Enjoy hot.