Kikis Favorite Deep Fried Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipes

BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS

Steps:

• To marinate the 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 (in case of leakage) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
• To make the breading: In a large bowl, combine the 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. (It's a messy job: use one hand to remove the wet tenders from the bag and the other to toss in the breading.) Set breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
• To fry the 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.
• Note: I find that it's hard to tell how golden the chicken is when it's immersed in the oil. It may only look lightly golden, but it's actually a perfect fried chicken golden brown. If you're unsure, simply pull a tender out of the oil and rest it on the paper towels to see the true color.
• Note: Nutritional information was calculated assuming that approximately ¼ cup of the oil is absorbed into the chicken tenders when frying.
• Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cooked chicken tenders can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, put the frozen tenders on a wire rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and crisp, about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

CHICKEN TENDERS WITH BUTTERMILK RANCH DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Make the brine: Combine the water, salt, sugar, bay leaf, garlic, pepper and lemon in a large stock pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and let simmer until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
• When done, remove from the heat, add the ice cubes and stir until the liquid is chilled. Add the buttermilk and pickle juice. Stir well then pour enough brine over the chicken tenders in a large bowl to submerge them. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
• Make the seasoned flour: Combine the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well.
• Make the panko breading: Take half of the panko breadcrumbs and pulse in a food processor until fine. Combine with the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix well and set aside.
• Make the seasoning: Combine the ingredients in a small bowl, mix well and set aside.
• Prepare the chicken tenders: Remove the chicken tenders from the brine and pat dry. Set up a breading station with the seasoned flour, egg wash and panko breading. Working with 1 or 2 tenders at a time, lightly coat in the seasoned flour, dip in the egg wash, then place in the panko breading. Cover the tender in the breading then firmly press the tender flat with your palm to an even 1/4 inch thick. Flip and press again as needed to achieve even thickness and breading.
• Preheat 3 to 4 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 350 degrees F. Working in batches, fry the chicken tenders, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over and cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oil to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Season the tenders evenly all over with the seasoning and serve with the dipping sauce.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until well combined and creamy in texture. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 5 days.

FRIED BUTTERMILK CHICKEN STRIPS

Steps:

• Soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for 20 to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
• While chicken is soaking, combine flour, salt, garlic salt, mustard powder, paprika, and pepper in a large brown bag.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Drain chicken and shake lightly to remove excess buttermilk. Chicken should still be damp. Drop chicken into the bag of seasoned flour and shake until well coated.
• Drop chicken into hot oil, about 6 pieces at a time, depending on the size of your pot. Cook until golden brown, crispy, and no longer pink in the centers, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and pepper while still warm.