These Buttermilk Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly juicy thanks to a marinade made with garlic, mustard, hot sauce, and paprika. The combination of the buttermilk marinade and crispy panko breadcrumbs ensures a crunchy exterior and tender interior. Serve these tenders with your favorite dipping sauces or add them to a salad or sandwich for a quick and satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Marinade:

  • ¾ cup buttermilk

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1½ tsp ground mustard seed

  • 1½ tsp sriracha (or other hot sauce)

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1¼ lbs chicken tenderloins

• For the Breading:

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp kosher salt

  • ½ tsp ground black pepper

• For Frying:

  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic, ground mustard, sriracha, and paprika.

   • Place chicken tenderloins in a large zip-top bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag, massage to coat the chicken, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).

2. Prepare the Breading:

   • In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, salt, and pepper.

   • Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess. Coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coat.

3. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

   • Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate and immediately sprinkle with salt.

Nutrients (approximate per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: 341

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Protein: 36g

• Fat: 7g

  • Saturated Fat: 2g

• Cholesterol: 96mg

• Sodium: 944mg

• Potassium: 665mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

• Vitamin A: 367 IU

• Vitamin C: 3mg

• Calcium: 96mg

• Iron: 3mg

The Buttermilk Marinade: Flavor and Tenderness

The buttermilk marinade is the key to achieving tender, juicy chicken tenders. Buttermilk is often used in marinades because of its acidity, which helps break down the proteins in the chicken, making it incredibly tender. The garlic, ground mustard, sriracha (or other hot sauce), and paprika add flavor and spice to the marinade, creating a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy. The mustard adds a mild tang, the sriracha brings a bit of heat, and the paprika gives the chicken a smoky, earthy flavor. Marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours (or overnight) allows all these flavors to infuse into the meat, making every bite burst with deliciousness.

The Breading: Crispy and Flavorful

The breading for these chicken tenders uses a combination of panko breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour. Panko breadcrumbs, known for their light and airy texture, create a crispy and crunchy coating that adds the perfect texture to the chicken. The addition of kosher salt and black pepper ensures that the breading has a flavorful kick. When the chicken is coated in this mixture, it sticks perfectly, creating a golden-brown, crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy interior. The coating also helps lock in the flavor from the marinade, making each tender flavorful from the inside out.

Frying: Golden and Crispy

Frying these chicken tenders in vegetable oil at 350°F (175°C) ensures that they cook quickly, resulting in a golden, crispy crust while keeping the inside moist and tender. Frying in batches ensures the tenders don’t overcrowd the pan, which would cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy chicken. Once fried, the chicken is transferred to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and is immediately seasoned with salt for that final touch of flavor. The result is perfectly crispy chicken tenders that are golden on the outside and juicy on the inside.

How to Make Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

Here’s how you can make these crispy and juicy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, minced garlic, ground mustard, sriracha (or your choice of hot sauce), and paprika. Place the chicken tenderloins in a large zip-top bag, pour in the marinade, seal the bag, and massage the chicken to coat it well. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.

2. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Coat the chicken tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coat.

4. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken tenders in batches for 4–6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Be sure to turn the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure they fry evenly.

5. Drain and Season: Once fried, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with salt.

6. Serve: Serve the Buttermilk Chicken Tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces, or add them to a salad or sandwich for a quick, satisfying meal.

Nutritional Benefits of Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

Each serving of Buttermilk Chicken Tenders (approx. 4 servings per recipe) contains approximately 341 calories, making it a relatively light and satisfying meal. With 36 grams of protein, this dish is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair. The tenders also contain 32 grams of carbohydrates, including 3 grams of sugar, primarily from the buttermilk marinade. The fat content is 7 grams, with 2 grams coming from saturated fat, mostly from the vegetable oil and the chicken itself.

These tenders also offer essential nutrients like potassium (665mg) and iron (3mg), supporting healthy muscle function and blood health. With only 153mg of sodium per serving, this dish is a relatively low-sodium option, especially when compared to other fried foods.

Serving Suggestions

Buttermilk Chicken Tenders are delicious on their own, but they can be paired with various sides for a more complete meal:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve the tenders with classic dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or sriracha mayo.

• On a Salad: Add the tenders to a fresh green salad with vegetables, greens, and your favorite dressing for a light yet filling meal.

• In a Sandwich: Place the tenders on a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a crispy, flavorful chicken sandwich.

• With Fries: Serve with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a traditional comfort food meal.

Conclusion

Buttermilk Chicken Tenders are a crispy, flavorful, and juicy dish that everyone will love. The combination of the buttermilk marinade and the panko breadcrumb coating results in a tender, flavorful chicken with a golden, crispy exterior. Whether you enjoy them with a dipping sauce, on a salad, or in a sandwich, these tenders are versatile and easy to make. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or any occasion when you want a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy these crispy chicken tenders that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!