Southern Fried Chicken Tenders

If you’re craving juicy, crispy, and flavorful bites of comfort food, this Southern Fried Chicken Tenders recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. Bursting with bold, classic Southern flavor, these tenders deliver that perfect crunchy crust on the outside while staying tender and moist on the inside. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a casual get-together, Southern Fried Chicken Tenders bring a little taste of Southern charm to your plate every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Crunch Texture: Delivers an irresistible crispy coating that stays crunchy with every bite.
• Juicy Inside: The tenders remain tender and moist thanks to a simple marinating and cooking process.
• Classic Southern Flavor: Rich seasoning blends give authentic Southern taste that’s bold and comforting.
• Quick and Easy to Make: Requires everyday ingredients and simple steps that anyone can follow.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, parties, or even meal prep for the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Southern Fried Chicken Tenders recipe relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create maximum flavor and crunch. Each component plays its part, from ensuring the perfect coating to infusing the chicken with those unmistakable Southern spices.

• Chicken tenders or breast strips: The star of the dish; use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best taste and texture.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tang that enhances overall flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base for the crispy crust, providing that golden-brown appearance.
• Seasoned salt and spices: A blend of salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper for classic Southern seasoning.
• Eggs: Creates a sticky layer to hold the coating firmly on the chicken.
• Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or peanut oil, for perfect frying results.

Variations for Southern Fried Chicken Tenders

One of the best parts about this Southern Fried Chicken Tenders recipe is how easily it can be adjusted to fit your taste buds, dietary needs, or what’s available in your kitchen. Feel free to get creative with these tasty tweaks!

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade and flour for a bold heat twist.
• Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or crushed rice cereal for a safe and delicious alternative.
• Baked Version: Coat the tenders and bake them in the oven for a lighter, less oily option without sacrificing crispiness.
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the seasoning mix for an aromatic lift.
• Dipping Sauces: Experiment with honey mustard, ranch, or spicy aioli as flavorful accompaniments.

How to Make Southern Fried Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by soaking your chicken tenders in buttermilk and a pinch of salt for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This step tenderizes the meat and sets the stage for an extra juicy bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour with your seasoning blend—paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a little cayenne if you want heat. This seasoned flour will create the crispy outer layer packed with classic Southern flavor.

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station

Whisk eggs in a separate bowl to help the flour coating stick perfectly. You’ll dip each chicken tender first in the eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to ensure every inch is coated.

Step 4: Heat the Oil and Fry

Pour your oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it to around 350°F (175°C). Fry the tenders in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once cooked, serve your Southern Fried Chicken Tenders immediately to enjoy the crispy crust at its best, paired with your favorite sides or dipping sauces.

Pro Tips for Making Southern Fried Chicken Tenders

• Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh meat yields the best texture and flavor compared to frozen.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep your oil consistently hot to avoid soggy or greasy tenders.
• Double Dredge: For extra crunch, dip the tenders in egg and flour twice before frying.
• Drain Properly: Let the tenders rest on paper towels immediately after frying to keep them crisp.
• Season Generously: Don’t shy away from spices in the flour mix to make every bite pop with flavor.

How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Garnish your tenders with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a mild herbaceous note. A wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten the flavor when squeezed over hot tenders.

Side Dishes

Classic Southern sides like coleslaw, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery corn on the cob perfectly complement the crispy chicken tenders. You can also try baked beans or a fresh garden salad for a lighter touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your tenders in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe, or stack them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces arranged elegantly around for entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Southern Fried Chicken Tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

To freeze, spread tenders on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. They keep well for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy quick crispy chicken anytime.

Reheating

Reheat tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness without drying them out, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! You can slice chicken breasts into strips that mimic tenders, and they will turn out just as delicious when cooked with this recipe.

Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk is key for tenderizing and adding flavor but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best to ensure crispy, non-greasy results.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Double dredging in egg and flour and ensuring the oil stays hot will give you the crispiest Southern Fried Chicken Tenders.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative—just spray the coated tenders with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring the warmth and flavor of Southern comfort food into your kitchen, these Southern Fried Chicken Tenders are an absolute must-try. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with rich seasoning, they offer the perfect blend of texture and taste that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations and serve them with your favorite sides—once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked for good!

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