Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders (Printable Version)

Buttermilk-marinated chicken tenders coated in seasoned flour and fried golden crisp. A family-favorite main dish ready in under two hours.

# 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

# Directions:

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 Tips:

01 -
  • The buttermilk marinade keeps every bite juicy even after frying to a deep golden crisp.
  • Simple pantry spices create layers of flavor without needing a dozen ingredients.
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day plates, and everyone always asks for seconds.
02 -
  • If the oil is too hot the coating burns before the chicken cooks through, so keep a thermometer handy and adjust the heat as needed.
  • Double dipping creates an almost shell like crunch: after the first flour coat dip back into buttermilk then coat again before frying.
  • Marinating overnight transforms the texture completely, turning the meat impossibly tender and deeply flavored.
03 -
  • Use a wire rack over the paper towels to keep the bottom of the tenders from steaming and losing crunch.
  • Season the chicken again lightly with salt right after frying while it is still hot so the seasoning sticks and amplifies the flavor.
  • If frying in batches keep finished tenders warm in a low oven but do not cover them or they will soften.
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