Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food with a golden, crunchy bite and juicy, tender chicken inside, this Southern Fried Chicken Tenders recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Enjoy crispy Southern Fried Chicken Tenders with a perfectly seasoned, crunchy coating that’s bursting with flavor and so satisfying to bite into. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or just because, these tenders are easy to make and irresistibly delicious every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Flavor: Southern Fried Chicken Tenders bring the authentic taste of Southern cooking right to your table.
• Easy to Prepare: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for cooks of any skill level.
• Crispy Crunch: The coating stays crisp and crunchy after frying, giving every bite that perfect texture.
• Versatile Meal: Great for dipping, pairing with sides, or even as a snack on the go.
• Kid-Friendly: Loved by all ages, these tenders make mealtime a hit with picky eaters too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, high-quality ingredients come together to make these Southern Fried Chicken Tenders stand out. Each component plays a key role in crafting the tender’s signature taste, texture, and color, making it easy to achieve that irresistible crunch and juicy center.

• Chicken Tenders: The star ingredient, fresh and trimmed for tenderness and quick cooking.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds subtle tanginess to the flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the crispy coating, providing structure and crunch.
• Seasoned Salt: Adds a perfect balance of savory flavor throughout the breading.
• Paprika: Brings a mild smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the crust.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory depth and aroma.
• Onion Powder: Offers subtle sweetness and rich flavor layering.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds just a touch of heat for those who like a little kick.
• Vegetable Oil: Essential for frying and achieving that golden-brown crunch.

Variations for Southern Fried Chicken Tenders

One of the best things about Southern Fried Chicken Tenders is how adaptable they are. Feel free to tweak the coating, spices, or cooking method to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, creating a dish that’s uniquely yours.

• Spicy Southern Style: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a fiery twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour or crushed cornflakes to keep the crunch while avoiding gluten.
• Oven-Baked Version: Bake instead of fry for a lighter alternate with great texture.
• Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the flour for a fragrant flavor boost.
• Panko Crust: Swap out regular flour for panko breadcrumbs to increase crispiness and texture.

How to Make Southern Fried Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming chicken tenders of any excess fat or connective tissue. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well and the frying goes perfectly crisp.

Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk

Submerge the chicken tenders in buttermilk and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This tenderizes the meat and adds flavor, making every bite juicy and flavorful.

Step 3: Mix the Seasoned Flour

Combine all-purpose flour with seasoned salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. This blend creates the distinct Southern Fried Chicken Tenders’ crispy coating.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Remove the tenders from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge them thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick. For extra crunch, double-dip by repeating the buttermilk soak and flour coat.

Step 5: Heat the Oil and Fry

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve your crispy Southern Fried Chicken Tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces and side dishes. The crunch and juiciness will have everyone asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Southern Fried Chicken Tenders

• Fresh Oil: Use fresh oil for frying to keep the flavor clean and avoid bitterness.
• Consistent Oil Temperature: Maintaining 350°F ensures the coating crisps up without absorbing excess oil.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches so the temperature stays steady and chicken cooks evenly.
• Rest After Frying: Place tenders on a wire rack to keep them crisp and prevent sogginess.
• Double Coating: For extra crunch, dip tenders twice in buttermilk and flour mixture.

How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Brighten up your Southern Fried Chicken Tenders with fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance both taste and presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair the tenders with classic Southern sides such as creamy coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, fried green beans, or crispy French fries to complete the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve tenders on a bed of fresh greens tossed in light vinaigrette for a salad twist, or arrange them alongside colorful dipping sauces like honey mustard, spicy ranch, or smoky barbecue sauce for an inviting spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover Southern Fried Chicken Tenders to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, perfect for quick meals later in the week.

Freezing

To freeze, layer tenders on a baking sheet and flash freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. Frozen tenders can last up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes to restore their crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips to substitute for tenders; just adjust the frying time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through but still juicy.

Is buttermilk necessary for the marinade?

Buttermilk helps tenderize and flavor the chicken, but if unavailable, milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar works as a good substitute.

Can I bake these Southern Fried Chicken Tenders instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking at 400°F (205°C) on a greased rack for about 20 minutes can yield a crisp alternative with less oil, though frying remains best for that classic texture.

How do I make the coating extra crispy?

Double-dipping the tenders in buttermilk and flour or using panko crumbs mixed into the flour can boost crispiness significantly.

What dipping sauces go well with Southern Fried Chicken Tenders?

Honey mustard, ranch, barbecue, spicy mayo, and classic ketchup are all fantastic options that complement the savory flavor of the tenders perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into crunchy, juicy Southern Fried Chicken Tenders made from scratch. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe brings a bit of Southern comfort to your kitchen anytime you want it. Give it a try, and watch these tenders become your go-to favorite for meals, snacks, or even game day gatherings.

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