Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

By Gavin Crisp Jump to Recipe

A buttermilk bath and a bespoke blend of spices make these Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders a family favorite as an appetizer or entrée.

There are few foods I get cravings for more than chicken tenders. Maybe it’s the child in me who used to invariably order them off the kids’ menu whenever my family went out for dinner. Whatever it is, I can’t help it when I get the urge to fry up a batch.

The first thing I reach for is this recipe. I developed it years ago when I realized that chicken tenders weren’t just a “kids” thing, and, despite being an adult, I craved them just as often as I did when I was younger.

If I’m feeling generous, I’ll make enough for the entire family. It doesn’t matter whether I do them up for dinner or as a snack while we sit around the TV; my kids practically fight over who can consume the most tenders in the shortest amount of time. (Yes, their digestive powers are a miracle of science.)

I can also have fun with the spices and seasonings included. No matter what I’m in the mood for, these chicken tenders are up for it. The seasoning of paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder adds a spicy and savory coating that goes with anything. Get ready for the loveliest, juiciest, tangiest, and crispiest chicken tenders you’ve ever had.

Are These Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders Healthy?

Ultimately, because we fry these chicken tenders, they’re not very healthy. However, don’t despair yet: I’ve opted for healthy versions of many of the ingredients usually called upon for chicken tenders, like whole-wheat flour, low-fat buttermilk, and avocado oil. If you use almond/coconut flour, this recipe will suit Paleo and gluten-free diets. It can also be dairy-free if you use almond or coconut milk with a squirt of lemon juice instead of buttermilk. Lastly, remember that chicken is a great source of lean protein.

Can I Use A Different Cut Of Chicken?

Sure. Thanks to the versatility of chicken, you can bread and fry pretty much any part you like. Chicken breast can be used, though I suggest cutting it into strips to make it easier to share and eat. You can also use thighs; just remove the skin and bone and, again, slice them up before marinating. Do the same thing to drumsticks if you prefer dark meat. Chicken wings can be used, though you may need to extend the cooking time to ensure they’re done.

Serving Suggestions

Let’s talk dipping sauce. Almost any sauce tastes good with these fried chicken tenders. Think classic nugget sauces: Texas BBQ Sauce , Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, and Sweet-And-Sour Sauce. Then add Buffalo Sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce, Garlic Mayo, or Chipotle Aioli. Maybe put out a selection and appeal to a wide swath of tastes.

Depending on how many tenders you make, you can serve these up as the entrée to a casual dinner or a hot lunch. They also make a great snack for the whole family when watching TV. If you want to get a bit more creative, serve soft tortillas with them so that everyone can make wraps; put them in a bun; serve them on a salad the same way you would grilled chicken; add mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce to them for a cheeky rendition of chicken Parmesan; or serve them up with Sourdough Waffles for a satisfying breakfast.