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When frying chicken tenders, safety is paramount to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. Here are essential precautions to take:

Golden Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders

Discover the magic of homemade crispy golden chicken tenders, a timeless comfort food that brings joy to every meal. This versatile dish features juicy, tender chicken coated in a perfectly seasoned breading, ensuring an irresistible crunch. Learn the secrets behind marinating with buttermilk for flavor and tenderness, achieving a perfect crispy coating, and mastering frying techniques. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with everyone!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken breast, cut into evenly sized tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for a kick)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)

Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1 inch in depth)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and optional hot sauce. Add the chicken tenders, making sure each piece is fully submerged and coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight to develop maximum flavor and tenderness.

    Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish or plate, combine the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the dry spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

      Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, pour enough vegetable oil to reach about 1 inch in depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, sprinkle a small pinch of the flour mixture into it; it should sizzle immediately.

        Dredge the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a thorough coating. Shake off any excess flour, ensuring that the tenders are evenly coated without clumps.

          Fry the Tenders: Gently place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the tenders are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

            Drain Excess Oil: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer the tenders to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet or to a plate lined with paper towels. This will allow the excess oil to drain off and help keep the chicken tenders crispy.

              Serve: Serve the chicken tenders hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce for a delicious finish.

                Prep Time: 1 hour (plus marinating time) | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken tenders on a rustic wooden platter or a colorful serving plate. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color, and serve with an assortment of dipping sauces in small bowls to create an inviting spread.