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A platter of golden brown crispy buttermilk fried chicken tenders served with honey mustard dipping sauce.

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup buttermil k
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt, divided
  • 1 tsp black pepper, divided
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1.5 cups all -purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup cornstarc h
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, 0.5 teaspoon pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Submerge chicken tenderloins in the buttermilk mixture, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. In a separate shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, and the remaining salt and pepper.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure coating adhesion.
  6. Fry chicken in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Transfer fried tenders to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain and preserve crispness.