Crispy Buttermilk Baked Chicken Tenders

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (optional)
• 2 lbs chicken tenderloins
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• nonstick cooking spray

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2 In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce if using.
3. 3 Add chicken to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it's well coated, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. 4 In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
5. 5 Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then coat each piece in the flour mixture.
6. 6 Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7 Lightly spray the tenders with nonstick cooking spray.
8. 8 Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
9. 9 Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• parchment paper
• baking spray

Variations

• Add grated Parmesan to the flour mixture for extra flavor.
• Use panko breadcrumbs instead of flour for a different texture.

Substitutions

• If buttermilk is unavailable, use 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Pairings

• Coleslaw
• mashed potatoes
• corn on the cob

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra crispiness, you can broil the tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
• Marinating the chicken overnight in the buttermilk will yield even more tender results.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven to maintain crispiness.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a preheated 350°F oven.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with honey mustard sauce or classic ranch.
• Pairs perfectly with a side of seasoned fries or a fresh garden salad.

FAQ