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Southern Fried Chicken Tenders

Southern Fried Chicken Tenders
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Southern Fried Chicken Tenders offer irresistibly crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken strips with a perfect crunchy coating and tender bite. Marinated in buttermilk and seasoned with authentic Southern spices, these tenders are easy to make with simple ingredients and are versatile for snacks, meals, or appetizers. They bring the soulful taste of Southern cooking to your table with every delicious bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 lb boneless chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (for marinade)

Coating

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil or peanut oil (enough for deep frying)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Submerge the chicken tenders in buttermilk mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper. Soak for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Prepare the Coating: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute seasonings.
  3. Dredge the Chicken: Remove each tender from the buttermilk, shaking off excess liquid. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to form a thick, even crust.
  4. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable or peanut oil into a deep skillet or fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is essential for juicy, evenly cooked tenders with a crispy crust.
  5. Fry the Tenders: Carefully place a few tenders into the hot oil at a time. Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning once to ensure golden brown color and even cooking. Remove and drain on paper towels or preferably on a wire rack to retain crispiness.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces or sides for a delicious meal or snack.

Notes

  • Maintain oil temperature around 350°F using a thermometer to avoid greasy or undercooked tenders.
  • For extra crunch, double dredge by dipping tenders back into buttermilk and flour mixture.
  • Rest fried tenders on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep all sides crispy.
  • Always use fresh oil to prevent off-flavors and maintain crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the frying pan to keep oil temperature consistent and ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern Fried Chicken Tenders, crispy chicken, buttermilk chicken, Southern cooking, fried chicken recipe, chicken tenders

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/southern-fried-chicken-tenders/