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Southern Fried Chicken Tenders

Southern Fried Chicken Tenders
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Southern Fried Chicken Tenders are a classic comfort food featuring juicy, tender chicken coated in a perfectly seasoned, crunchy coating. This easy-to-make recipe delivers authentic Southern flavor with a crispy bite, ideal for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or snacks. The tenders stay crisp after frying and pair excellently with a variety of dipping sauces and sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 lb fresh chicken tenders, trimmed
  • 2 cups buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar as substitute)

Seasoned Flour Coating

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying, about 2-3 inches in a deep skillet or fryer)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the chicken tenders and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere properly and ensures a crispy finish.
  2. Marinate in Buttermilk: Submerge the tenders completely in buttermilk and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This tenderizes the chicken and adds subtle tangy flavor for juicy bites.
  3. Mix the Seasoned Flour: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This mixture creates the flavorful, crunchy coating for the tenders.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. For extra crunch, dip the tenders a second time in buttermilk and again in the flour mixture.
  5. Heat the Oil and Fry: Preheat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain the tenders on paper towels or a wire rack to remove excess oil and keep the coating crisp.
  6. Serve Hot: Serve the Southern Fried Chicken Tenders immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and side dishes for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone.

Notes

  • Use fresh oil for frying to maintain clean flavor and avoid bitterness.
  • Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F for a crispy coating without excess oil absorption.
  • Fry in small batches to prevent temperature drop and ensure even cooking.
  • Place tenders on a wire rack after frying to retain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Double-dipping in buttermilk and flour increases crunchiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern fried chicken tenders, crispy chicken, buttermilk chicken, comfort food, fried chicken strips

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