Description
Southern Fried Chicken Tenders feature a perfect balance of crispy, golden coating and juicy, tender chicken. This easy-to-follow recipe highlights classic Southern flavors with a flavorful, seasoned crust and a moist interior, making it an ideal comfort food for meals or snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tbsp vinegar as substitute)
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (enough for frying, about 2-3 cups)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Combine buttermilk, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Add chicken tenders, ensuring full coating. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- Mix the Coating: In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until spices are evenly distributed.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken tenders from marinade one at a time, letting excess drip off. Thoroughly dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying temperature.
- Fry the Tenders: Place coated tenders carefully into hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Drain and Serve: Transfer fried tenders to a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauces or sides.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for juicier tenders.
- Press flour coating firmly for a crunchy crust that lasts.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F with a thermometer for even, crispy frying.
- Use fresh oil to ensure clean flavor and crispiness.
- Let tenders rest a few minutes before serving to keep them crispy and juicy.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg