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Tennessee Tenders

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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!

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Table of Contents

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

  1. Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
  2. 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

  1. Mix Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  2. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. Drain: Transfer the fried chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve

  1. 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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