Name: Southern Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken breasts; 1 cup buttermilk; Homemade seasoning blend (see below); 1 cup flour, for dusting; 3 cups vegetable oil, for frying; Creamy dipping sauce (see below); 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp granulated garlic powder; 2 tbsp slurry of cornstarch and water

The first time I ever had Southern-style chicken tenders, I was hooked. The combination of crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy, tender interior was a flavor explosion that I had never experienced before. The scent of fried chicken wafting through the air was almost intoxicating, and I found myself begging for bite after bite. It wasn’t until years later, when I stumbled upon a recipe for homemade chicken tenders, that I realized just how easy it was to make this dish at home.

If you’re like me and have a soft spot for crispy fried chicken, but aren’t sure where to start, I’ve got a treat for you. My latest discovery is a simple recipe for Southern-style chicken tenders that are sure to become a staple in your household. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you’ll be well on your way to creating a finger-licking favorite that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Be sure to check out my Related Recipe for a hearty Southern-style chicken nugget recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

🛒 Quick Shopping List

Chicken breasts
Mild buttermilk
Homemade seasoning blend (see below)
Flour, for dusting
Vegetable oil, for frying
Creamy dipping sauce (see below)
Worcestershire sauce
Granulated garlic powder
Slurry of cornstarch and water

Why This Recipe Works

WIth the use of buttermilk, this recipe creates a tender and juicy chicken tender with a deliciously tangy flavor.
Homemade seasoning blend allows for customization and a unique flavor profile that’s sure to please.
The slurry of cornstarch and water helps create a crispy exterior with a perfectly cooked interior.

Key Ingredients

When it comes to the key ingredients in this recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure to use high-quality, fresh ingredients. This will ensure that your final product tastes its absolute best. When shopping for the chicken breasts, look for ones that are at least 1-2 pounds each. This will give you enough room to create plenty of tenders. For the buttermilk, make sure to choose a brand that is high in fat content, like the Great Value brand. This will ensure that your tenders are tender and juicy. When buying the seasonings, choose a brand that is well-known for its quality and flavor.

When it comes to the slurry, be sure to use a high-quality cornstarch that is free of additives and fillers. This will ensure that your final product tastes its absolute best. When it comes to the dipping sauce, be sure to use a high-quality brand like Duke’s Mayonnaise. This will ensure that your final product tastes its absolute best. When making the seasoning blend, make sure to choose a brand that is well-known for its quality and flavor. This will ensure that your final product tastes its absolute best.

Southern chicken tenders: Tenders with dipping sauce.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Southern Chicken Tenders

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breasts

1 cup buttermilk

Homemade seasoning blend (see below)

1 cup flour, for dusting

3 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Creamy dipping sauce (see below)

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp granulated garlic powder

2 tbsp slurry of cornstarch and water

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and homemade seasoning blend. Add the chicken breasts and make sure they’re fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

When you’re ready to cook the chicken, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, salt, and granulated garlic powder. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add a few of the coated chicken breasts and fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

To make the dipping sauce, mix together mayonnaise, worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve the chicken tenders hot with the dipping sauce for a delicious and indulgent treat.

To make the slurry, mix together cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the dipping sauce and serve immediately.

Serve the chicken tenders hot with the dipping sauce for a delicious and indulgent treat.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftover chicken tenders, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the tenders by baking them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat the tenders in a skillet on the stovetop with a little bit of oil until crispy and golden brown.