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Southern Fried Chicken Tenders

Southern Fried Chicken Tenders
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Southern Fried Chicken Tenders deliver crispy, juicy chicken with a flavorful, seasoned breading. This easy-to-make comfort food uses simple pantry ingredients and classic Southern spices to create a tender, crunchy dish perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 lb fresh chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar)
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Dry Coating

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Binding

  • 2 large eggs

For Frying

  • Oil for frying (vegetable oil or peanut oil), enough to heat to 350°F

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Place chicken tenders in a bowl filled with buttermilk, adding a pinch of salt and pepper. Let soak for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add tang.
  2. Mix the Dry Coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoned flour mixture.
  3. Set Up Your Dredging Station: Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. You will dip each chicken tender in egg, then flour mixture, then egg again, and finally coat with flour once more.
  4. Coat the Chicken Tenders: Dip each marinated tender first in the beaten eggs, dredge in the seasoned flour, dip back in eggs, and coat again with flour. Press the coating firmly for a thicker crust.
  5. Heat the Oil and Fry: Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet. Fry the tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Drain and Serve: Remove tenders from oil and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately for best crispness and flavor.

Notes

  • Maintain consistent oil temperature at 350°F using a thermometer to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
  • Double dredging (egg and flour twice) gives an unbeatable crispy crust.
  • Do not skip buttermilk in the marinade, as its acidity tenderizes chicken and adds great flavor.
  • Allow the breaded tenders to rest for 10 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere and prevent falling off.
  • Drain tenders on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy without steaming.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern Fried Chicken Tenders, crispy chicken, comfort food, homemade chicken tenders, Southern cooking, family dinner, fried chicken

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