Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders (Printable)

Buttermilk-marinated chicken tenders with a perfectly seasoned crispy coating, fried until golden brown. Family-friendly comfort food.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 1.1 lbs chicken tenders
02 - 1 cup buttermilk
03 - 1 tsp salt
04 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder

→ Coating

07 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 1 1/2 tsp paprika
09 - 1 tsp salt
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
11 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
12 - 1 tsp baking powder

→ Frying

13 - 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add chicken tenders, tossing to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (up to overnight for best flavor).
02 - In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and baking powder.
03 - Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350°F.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
05 - Carefully fry the chicken tenders in batches (do not overcrowd the pan) for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
06 - Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The buttermilk soak makes every bite ridiculously tender and juicy, even if you slightly overcook them.
  • That double seasoning in both the marinade and the flour means flavor in every crispy layer.
  • They fry up fast enough that you can actually serve them all hot at the same time.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven and still stay crunchy.
02 -
  • Do not skip the marinating time or you will end up with tough, bland chicken no matter how good your coating is.
  • If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through, so keep that thermometer handy.
  • Letting excess buttermilk drip off before dredging prevents soggy, gummy spots in the crust.
03 -
  • Use a wire rack over your paper towels so air circulates under the tenders and they stay crispy on all sides.
  • Season the tenders with a pinch of flaky salt right after frying while they are still glistening with oil.
  • If you do not have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice and let it sit for five minutes.
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