Extra Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders You’ll Love
Last Updated on March 4, 2026 by Martim Recipes
There s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a crispy piece of chicken that you know was made right at home. When I decided to experiment with my classic fried chicken recipe, I stumbled upon a magical combination: buttermilk chicken tenders with an extra crispy coating. The tangy buttermilk not only tenderizes the chicken but also creates a succulent interior that manages to stay moist even when encased in that alluring crunch.
Picture this: the first gentle crunch of your fork breaking through the golden exterior, followed by a juicy explosion of flavor that dances on your taste buds. It s then I realized that fast food could never compare to this homemade goodness! Whether it s a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, these tenders are quick to whip up, ensuring no one has to wait long to indulge in the comfort of crispy chicken. Get ready to elevate your meal time with these irresistibly delicious buttermilk chicken tenders your taste buds will thank you!
Why love buttermilk chicken tenders with extra crispy coating?
Crispy, Crunchy Delight: The extra crispy coating offers a satisfying crunch that makes each bite unforgettable.
Juicy Tender Chicken: Marinating in buttermilk ensures the chicken stays wonderfully moist and bursting with flavor.
Quick Preparation: With only a few simple steps, you can make these tenders in under 30 minutes!
Family Favorite: They re sure to please both kids and adults alike, making them perfect for any gathering.
Versatile Meal Option: Serve them with a dipping sauce, over a salad, or alongside your favorite sides for a delicious meal.
Elevate your dinner game today and discover why homemade beats fast food any day!
Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Ingredients
For the Marinade
- Buttermilk This magical ingredient tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
- Garlic Powder Adds a delightful depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Salt Enhances the flavors and ensures the chicken is well seasoned before cooking.
- Black Pepper Provides a mild heat that complements the other flavors wonderfully.
For the Coating
- All-Purpose Flour The base of your crispy coating; ensures a crunchy texture.
- Cornstarch A secret ingredient for an even crispier finish that s hard to resist!
- Paprika Gives a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall taste.
- Onion Powder Adds an extra layer of flavor that takes the coating to the next level.
- Baking Powder Helps create that light and airy crunch you crave.
For Frying
- Vegetable Oil Choose a high smoke point oil for frying, ensuring an ideal golden finish.
With these ingredients ready, you ll soon be savoring your delightful buttermilk chicken tenders with extra crispy coating that will outshine any fast food option!
How to Make Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
Marinate: In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they re well-coated. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for the juiciest results.
Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, and baking powder. This combination ensures that extra crispy texture everyone loves.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 °F (175 °C). You want the oil hot enough to create a golden finish.
Coat the Chicken: Take the marinated chicken tenders, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres well for that perfect crunch.
Fry the Tenders: Carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they turn golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
Drain and Cool: Remove the tenders from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This helps maintain their crispiness!
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your buttermilk chicken tenders hot alongside your favorite dipping sauce or as a delicious addition to a meal.
Optional: Serve with ranch or honey mustard for the ultimate dipping experience!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
Perfect Marinade Time: Longer is better! Letting the chicken marinate for 2-4 hours (or overnight) enhances flavor and tenderness significantly.
Oil Temperature Matters: Always check your oil temperature with a thermometer; too low can lead to greasy tenders, while too hot may burn the coating.
Press the Coating: After dredging in the flour mixture, gently press the coating onto the chicken this helps it stick better and results in an extra crispy coating.
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in batches! Placing too many tenders in the skillet at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy pieces instead of delicious buttermilk chicken tenders.
Double Coating Option: For an even crunchier texture, repeat the dredging process by dipping the chicken again in buttermilk followed by the flour mixture before frying.
Make Ahead Options
These buttermilk chicken tenders with extra crispy coating are fantastic for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk (with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper) up to 24 hours in advance to ensure maximum tenderness. Additionally, prepare the dry coating mixture (flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, and baking powder) and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you re ready to serve, simply dredge the marinated tenders in the coating, heat the oil, and fry them until golden brown. This approach not only saves you time but also guarantees that your tenders will be just as delicious and crispy as if you made them fresh!
What to Serve with Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Creating the perfect meal is always about balance, especially when indulging in these delightful cookies.
- Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing! The creamy milk enhances the chocolate flavor while soothing the sweetness of the cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey cookies, creating an irresistible dessert concoction.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright berries and juicy melon add a refreshing touch, cutting through the richness of the cookies for a balanced dessert platter.
- Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of chocolate, making each bite even more enjoyable.
- Nutty Brownie Bites: These fudgy brownies offer a different texture while harmonizing beautifully with the chocolate chips. Indulge in both for a decadent treat!
- Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of light whipped cream adds a fluffy touch, making each chocolate chip cookie bite even more enjoyable.
- Homemade Hot Chocolate: Rich and velvety, a cup of hot chocolate provides a delightful warmth that pairs perfectly with freshly baked cookies.
- Caramel Dipping Sauce: Sweet and sticky, this is an indulgent treat for dipping your cookies and elevating the flavor profile.
Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Extra Crispy Coating Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with these adaptations to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch for a delectable crunch.
Using a gluten-free option doesn t sacrifice flavor; it ll still yield a crispy, satisfying bite everyone can enjoy.Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to your flour mixture for an extra hint of heat.
A little spice can elevate your chicken tenders, giving them a zesty twist that will awaken your taste buds!Herb Infusion: Toss in dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the flour mixture for an aromatic touch.
Herbs not only enhance flavor but also add a beautiful layer of complexity that keeps every bite exciting.Dairy-Free: Replace buttermilk with a plant-based milk such as almond or soy milk combined with a splash of vinegar.
This swap allows dairy-sensitive folks to dive into crispy tender bliss without missing a beat!Crispy Panko Coating: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of flour for an ultra-crunchy exterior.
Panko creates a delightful texture that makes every crunch feel like a special treat perfect for your next gathering!Seasoned Flour: Experiment by adding garlic powder or ranch seasoning to the flour for an extra punch of flavor.
These additions transform the ordinary into extraordinary, making your tenders stand out at any mealtime.Oven-Baked Option: Try baking the coated tenders at 425 °F (220 °C) for a healthier take while still achieving crispiness.
Baking not only reduces oil usage but also keeps things quick less mess, same delicious outcome!Fruity Glaze: Drizzle with a sweet and tangy glaze made from honey or balsamic vinegar for a gourmet touch.
This sweet twist perfectly complements the savory crunch, creating a dish that feels both comforting and elevated.
How to Store and Freeze Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
Fridge: Store cooked buttermilk chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining flavor.
Freezer: Freeze fully cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. This method preserves the crispy coating.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the chicken tenders at 375 °F (190 °C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring they re heated through and regain some of their original crispiness.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the tenders overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Extra Crispy Coating Recipe FAQs
What kind of buttermilk should I use for the marinade?
Absolutely! You can use store-bought buttermilk, which is often present in most grocery stores. If you re in a pinch, you can make a quick substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using.
How do I store leftovers?
To keep those delicious buttermilk chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you can snack on them later while still enjoying that succulent flavor just make sure to reheat them well!
Can I freeze buttermilk chicken tenders?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, allow your cooked chicken tenders to cool completely, then lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once they re frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will stay fresh for up to 2 months. It s a great way to save that crispy goodness for later!
What should I do if my chicken tenders aren t as crispy as I hoped?
No worries! If you find your tenders aren t as crispy as you d like, try this: After dredging, press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken to help it adhere better. Also, ensure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350 °F or 175 °C) if it s too low, that can lead to sogginess. Lastly, don t overcrowd the pan while frying; this can lower the temperature quickly and affect the result.
Are these chicken tenders safe for kids?
Very! These buttermilk chicken tenders are mildly seasoned and generally loved by kids. If you re concerned about spice levels, feel free to adjust the seasonings. Just be sure to cook them to an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) for safety. Perfect for little ones and adults alike!
What s the best way to reheat buttermilk chicken tenders?
For the best results, you should reheat your chicken tenders in the oven. Preheat to 375 °F (190 °C) and place the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, baking them for about 10 minutes. This method helps restore some of that crispy coating while heating them through evenly!