Tennessee Tenders are crispy, juicy chicken tenders marinated in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful, spiced flour mixture before being fried to golden perfection. These tenders are bursting with Southern flavors and are perfect for a family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
For the Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, making sure they are fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Prepare the Coating
- Mix Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Coat and Fry the Chicken
- Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Fry Chicken: Working in batches, carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain: Transfer the fried chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve
- Serve Warm: Serve the Tennessee tenders warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Marinating Time: For the juiciest tenders, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy; if it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can cause the oil temperature to drop.
Variations
- Spicy Tennessee Tenders: Add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the coating mixture for more heat.
- Oven-Baked Tenders: For a healthier version, bake the tenders in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Buttermilk Ranch Tenders: Add dried dill and parsley to the flour mixture for a ranch-flavored twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with classic dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.
- Side Dishes: Pair with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or corn on the cob for a complete Southern meal.
- Sandwich: Place the tenders on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a delicious chicken sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make These Tenders Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the tenders up to the point of frying and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Fry just before serving for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep them crispy.
Can I Freeze Tennessee Tenders?
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken tenders. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
What Other Cuts of Chicken Can I Use?
You can use chicken breast cut into strips or boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
How Do I Keep the Tenders Crispy?
For the crispiest tenders, ensure the oil is hot enough and fry in small batches. You can also place the fried tenders on a wire rack to keep them from getting soggy.
Tennessee Tenders are a crispy, flavorful dish that brings all the best Southern flavors to your table. Perfect for a family meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these tenders are sure to become a favorite. Gather your ingredients, fry, and enjoy these delicious, golden-brown tenders that everyone will love!
Happy Cooking!