Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1½ cups all purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 heaping teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons buttermilk
- 3-4 cups vegetable oil
Instructions:
Marinate Chicken:
- In a large sealable bag, combine the chicken tenders with the remaining marinade ingredients.
- Seal the bag tightly and massage the chicken until it is evenly coated with buttermilk and seasoning. Place in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours
Bread Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Whisk until well blended, then add the buttermilk and stir with a fork until the mixture is evenly clumpy.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade a few at a time and toss into the breading mixture.
- Be sure to press the chicken firmly into the breading so clumps adhere to the meat.
- Set breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
Fry Chicken:
- Line another baking sheet with a few layers of paper towels and set next to the stove.
- Add oil to a large, high-sided pot until the level reaches about ¾-inch. Heat over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering (about 350°). (If a cube of bread sizzles when you drop it in, it's ready.)
- Using tongs, place several chicken tenders in the hot oil without crowding the pan.
- Cook until golden brown on the bottom side, a few minutes, then flip and cook until the second side is also golden, a few minutes more.
- Set the cooked tenders on the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain. Fry remaining tenders in batches adjusting the heat as necessary (if the tenders are browning too fast, lower the heat). Serve hot.