My Secret to the Crispiest, Juiciest Fried Chicken Tenders (Better Than Any Restaurant!)

Okay, you guys, let’s talk about one of the most legendary comfort foods on the entire planet: perfectly golden, crispy fried chicken. I’m talking about that shatteringly crunchy, flavour-packed crust that gives way to the most unbelievably juicy and tender meat on the inside. It’s a meal that is pure, unadulterated happiness and joy.

But let’s be real for a minute, making truly amazing fried chicken at home can feel so intimidating, can’t it? It is so easy to end up with a soggy crust, or even worse, dry chicken, and it can feel like a culinary secret that only Southern grandmas and restaurant chefs are allowed to know. I used to be so scared to even attempt it in my own kitchen.

Well, after years of delicious testing, I have finally perfected the absolute best, most foolproof recipe, and I am so excited to share it with all of you today. This simple method for the Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders will give you a restaurant-quality, spectacular result every single time. Get ready to become a true fried chicken legend in your own home!

The Ultimate Southern Classic: Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders

This recipe for Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders is my personal homage to a true Southern classic. The magic begins with a tangy and tenderizing buttermilk marinade and ends with a perfectly seasoned flour dredge that creates that signature, rugged, and unbelievably crunchy crust. It’s the kind of special dish that creates happy, lasting family memories around the dinner table.

A Perfect Homemade Chicken Strips Recipe for Classic Comfort Food

You will find that this is my go-to homemade chicken strips recipe because it is a guaranteed, can’t-fail hit with absolutely everyone, especially the kids in my family. It is also the very definition of classic comfort food, a perfect, indulgent meal for a special Sunday dinner or a fun Friday night treat. I promise you, it is so much better than anything you could ever get from a drive-thru.

Your Guide: What Does Soaking Chicken in Buttermilk Do?

So many of you have asked me this, so here is your guide: what does soaking chicken in buttermilk do? This is the most important secret to amazing fried chicken, and it does two crucial things. The natural, gentle acidity in the buttermilk works to tenderize the chicken, breaking down the proteins to make it incredibly moist and juicy. It also has the perfect thickness to help the seasoned flour coating adhere beautifully to the chicken, which is the absolute key to creating that thick, craggy, and super crispy crust.

Why You’ll Love These Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

I just know that you are going to be completely obsessed with this recipe because the tenders are so unbelievably crispy and crunchy on the outside, while staying incredibly juicy and tender on the inside. You’ll also love that the savoury, classic flavour is perfectly seasoned and tastes just like, or even better than, what you would get at a famous Southern restaurant. It’s a truly foolproof method for making the best fried chicken of your entire life.

Nutritional Benefits

While classic fried chicken is a true comfort food treat, making it at home gives you complete control over the quality of all your ingredients. You can choose to use high-quality, pasture-raised chicken and a good, clean oil for frying, like peanut or canola oil. The chicken itself is also a fantastic source of high-quality protein, which makes this a truly satisfying and filling meal for your family.

Full Recipe

Okay, are you guys ready for the recipe that will officially make you a fried chicken superstar? I am so excited for you to try this method and to see just how easy it is to get perfect, restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Let’s get into the simple steps to make the best chicken tenders ever!

A classic, foolproof recipe for the best Southern-style Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders. A simple buttermilk marinade makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy, while a perfectly seasoned flour dredge creates a shatteringly crispy, golden-brown crust. This is the ultimate comfort food recipe that will rival any restaurant.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Marinating Time: 2 hours | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Yield: 4-6 servings | Category: Dinner, Main Course | Method: Frying | Cuisine: American, Southern | Diet: N/A

Essential Ingredients for Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

This classic Southern comfort food comes to life with a handful of simple, powerful ingredients.

• Chicken: 2 lbs (about 1 kg) of chicken tenderloins
• For the Buttermilk Marinade:
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
• For the Seasoned Flour Dredge:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• For Frying: About 4 cups of a neutral oil (like peanut, canola, or vegetable oil)

Ingredients Notes

Let’s chat for a sec about these simple ingredients, because a few key choices are what make these tenders so spectacular.

• The Chicken Tenderloins: I love using chicken tenderloins for this recipe because they are already the most tender part of the chicken, and they are the perfect size and shape for frying. The buttermilk marinade will make them even more unbelievably juicy. Patting them dry before they go into the marinade is a great first step.
• The Buttermilk: Buttermilk is the absolute, non-negotiable secret ingredient for the most tender fried chicken. If you don’t have any on hand, you can easily make a DIY version by adding two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar to two cups of regular milk and letting it sit for about 10 minutes to curdle.
• The Seasoned Flour: Our simple, Southern-style seasoned flour is what creates that incredibly flavour-packed and crispy crust. The cornstarch is my secret ingredient that I mix with the flour, as it helps to make the final crust extra light and crunchy. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper here; a well-seasoned dredge is key to a flavourful fried chicken.
• The Frying Oil: For the best, crispiest result, it’s important to use a neutral oil with a high smoke point. Peanut oil is the classic, traditional choice for Southern fried chicken because it can get very hot without burning and has a clean flavour. However, a more budget-friendly option like canola or vegetable oil also works beautifully.

How to Make The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

Okay, let’s get into the simple steps to make this incredible, restaurant-quality fried chicken.

• Step 1: Marinate the Chicken. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, the optional hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Add your chicken tenderloins to the bowl and make sure they are all completely submerged in the buttermilk. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours.
• Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour. When you are ready to cook, prepare your seasoned flour dredge. In a large, shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until they are well combined.
• Step 3: Dredge the Chicken. Take one chicken tenderloin at a time from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the tender in the seasoned flour and toss it until it is completely and very generously coated on all sides. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and repeat with the remaining tenders.
• Step 4: Heat the Frying Oil. Pour about 1-2 inches of your frying oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 175°C (350°F).
• Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection. Working in batches to not overcrowd the pot, carefully place a few of the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side. The chicken tenders are done when they are a deep golden brown and crispy, and have reached an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
• Step 6: Drain and Serve. Use tongs to carefully remove the cooked chicken tenders from the hot oil and place them on a clean wire rack to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Storage Options

These delicious fried chicken tenders are at their absolute crispiest and best when they are enjoyed fresh and hot from the fryer. If you do happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crispy coating will soften as it sits in the fridge.

The absolute best way to reheat the tenders and bring back that amazing crispy crust is in your air fryer. Just a few minutes in a hot air fryer will work wonders to re-crisp the coating and warm the chicken through.

Variations and Substitutions

I love this recipe because it’s a perfect classic that you can still have fun with. For a spicy version, you can add about a tablespoon of cayenne pepper to your seasoned flour mixture for a Nashville-style heat. If you want to get creative with your dipping sauces, these are fantastic with a honey mustard sauce, a classic barbecue sauce, or a creamy ranch dressing. You can also easily use this exact same method with boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been cut into strips.

Practical & Valuable Tips

My number one, most important tip for this recipe is to not skip the buttermilk marinating step; this is the true secret to incredibly juicy and tender fried chicken. When you are dredging your chicken, really press the seasoned flour into the meat to create a nice, thick coating, which will become that rugged, crispy crust. Finally, using a thermometer to maintain your oil temperature at a steady 175°C (350°F) is the key to getting a perfectly golden, crispy, non-greasy result every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My breading fell off the chicken in the fryer. What did I do wrong? This usually happens if the chicken is moved around too much in the hot oil right after it’s been added. When you first place the chicken in the oil, let it sit undisturbed for a minute or two to allow the crust to set and adhere to the chicken before you try to move or flip it.
2. Can I make these chicken tenders in my air fryer? While this recipe is designed for classic frying, you can adapt it for the air fryer. You would simply arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket, spray them generously with cooking oil spray, and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
3. My fried chicken turned out greasy. How do I prevent that? Greasy fried chicken is almost always because the oil temperature was not hot enough. If the oil is too cool, the breading will absorb the oil instead of instantly crisping up in it. Using a deep-fry or candy thermometer to ensure your oil stays at a consistent 175°C (350°F) is the best way to prevent this.
4. How do I know for sure when my chicken tenders are cooked through? The tenders are done when they are a deep golden brown and are floating in the oil. However, the only 100% reliable way to know your chicken is safely cooked is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. The chicken should register an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
5. What are the best side dishes to serve with these fried chicken tenders? For a true, classic Southern comfort food experience, these tenders are fantastic served with a side of creamy macaroni and cheese, some fluffy mashed potatoes and gravy, or a fresh, crisp coleslaw. They are also, of course, absolutely perfect with a side of French fries.

Conclusion

This recipe for The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders is your ultimate guide to mastering a true comfort food legend in your own kitchen. It’s a dish that proves that with a few simple secrets, like a good buttermilk marinade, you can create a result that is truly spectacular. It’s a fun, indulgent, and deeply satisfying meal that will bring a taste of the South to your dinner table. This is a Chicken Tenderloin Recipe that will make you a kitchen hero. If you love this classic comfort food, don’t forget to share it and save it to your favorite dinner recipes board on Pinterest!