Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish—Buttermilk Chicken Tenders! This recipe has been a staple in my family for years, and it always brings back such warm memories. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; the kitchen was filled with the most mouthwatering aroma, and everyone’s eyes lit up when they took their first bite. The crispy coating and tender, juicy meat are just irresistible! I love how easy they are to whip up, yet they feel so special and satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, these tenders never fail to impress. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making them on repeat!
Ingredients for Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Prepare Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe
Getting these buttermilk chicken tenders ready is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every moment of the process! Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to crispy, tender goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a bowl and combine the buttermilk with the chicken tenders. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged! Marinate them in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This is where the magic happens—trust me, it’s worth the wait.
- While your chicken is soaking up that delicious buttermilk, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in another bowl. This will be your flavorful coating!
- Once the marinating is done, heat up some vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan—about 1/4 inch should do the trick.
- Now, take each chicken tender out of the buttermilk and dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated; this is what gives you that irresistible crunch!
- Carefully place the chicken tenders in the hot oil, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll love that sizzle sound!
- Once cooked, transfer the tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot and watch everyone dig in!
Tips for Success with Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe
To really elevate your buttermilk chicken tenders, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First off, don’t rush the marinating process—if you can, let the chicken soak in buttermilk for longer than an hour; overnight is even better. This will ensure maximum tenderness and flavor! When frying, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; a drop of flour should sizzle when it hits the oil. This way, you’ll get that crispy crust without any greasiness. Also, feel free to spice things up by adding some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the buttermilk for an extra kick! And remember, don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches if needed to keep the temperature steady and achieve that perfect golden brown. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information for Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe
When it comes to enjoying Buttermilk Chicken Tenders, it’s always nice to know a bit about what you’re indulging in! Below are the typical nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
So, whether you’re serving them up for dinner or a snack, you can enjoy them guilt-free knowing what’s in your meal!
Why You’ll Love This Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Incredibly crispy texture that everyone raves about.
- Juicy and tender meat that’s packed with flavor.
- Versatile for any meal—great on their own, in sandwiches, or tossed in salads.
- Kid-friendly and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters!
FAQ About Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! You can cut chicken breasts into strips to make your own tenders. Just remember to adjust the cooking time, as larger pieces may take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I store leftover buttermilk chicken tenders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re still delicious, but I recommend reheating them in the oven to keep that crispy texture!
Can I make these tenders gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go. They’ll taste just as amazing!
What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken tenders?
Oh, the options are endless! My favorites are honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo. They really complement the flavors of the tenders!
Can I freeze buttermilk chicken tenders?
Yes, you can! After frying, let the tenders cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be reheated directly from frozen in the oven.
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe
Storing your leftover buttermilk chicken tenders is super simple! Just let them cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just lay the tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag once they’re solid. They’ll be good in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is key to keeping that crispy texture! For the best results, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. This way, you’ll enjoy that delicious crunch just like when they were fresh out of the frying pan!
Serving Suggestions for Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe
These buttermilk chicken tenders are so versatile and can be served in so many delicious ways! For a classic pairing, try serving them with crispy french fries and a side of coleslaw. They also shine when tossed in a fresh salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette. And let’s not forget about the dipping sauces—honey mustard, ranch, or a tangy BBQ sauce make perfect companions! Get creative and enjoy these tenders however you like!
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Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe That Will Amaze You
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy and tender buttermilk chicken tenders, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk and chicken tenders. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
- In another bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture.
- Fry chicken tenders until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add hot sauce to the buttermilk.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: buttermilk chicken tenders recipe