Fried Chicken Tenders
Are you ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food? These fried chicken tenders are perfectly golden, crispy, and packed with flavor. Ideal for family dinners, game day snacks, or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into the delicious world of homemade fried chicken tenders that are sure to impress!
Ingredients
– 1 pound chicken tenders
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– Oil for frying
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 10-15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (about 4 tenders) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. This information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a bowl, marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
2. In another bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Remove tenders from buttermilk, allowing excess to drain.
5. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s well coated.
6. Carefully place tenders in the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding.
7. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
8. Use a slotted spoon to remove tenders and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Let them cool slightly before serving.
10. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar or yogurt. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving and Pairings
These fried chicken tenders pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Serve alongside fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes until crispy. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
– Don’t skip the buttermilk marination for tenderness.
– Use a thermometer to check oil temperature (around 350°F).
– Ensure tenders are fully coated in flour for maximum crispiness.
– Let tenders rest on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Helpful Tips
– Use fresh chicken for the best flavor and texture.
– Experiment with spices in the flour mixture to suit your taste.
– Double-dip in buttermilk and flour for extra crunch.
– Keep the oil temperature consistent for even frying.
FAQs
Can I bake chicken tenders instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier option.
How can I make my chicken tenders spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a kick!
What’s the best oil for frying chicken?
Peanut oil is ideal due to its high smoke point, but vegetable or canola oil works well too.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, if using frozen tenders, ensure they are fully thawed before marinating and frying for even cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Conclusion
Fried chicken tenders are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a crispy, flavorful delight that everyone will love. Perfect for any occasion, these tenders will surely become a family favorite!
Fried Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove tenders from buttermilk, allowing excess to drain.
- Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Fry tenders in hot oil for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Remove tenders with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain.
- Let the tenders cool slightly before serving.
- Serve hot with dipping sauces.
