Ingredients
– 1 pound chicken tenders
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more for extra heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Equipment Needed
– Shallow bowls (for buttermilk and flour)
– Whisk
– Frying pan or deep fryer
– Tongs
– Cooking thermometer
– Paper towels (for draining)
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, gather all your ingredients and equipment, as I find it makes the process smoother. Start by marinating the chicken tenders in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce. Allowing the chicken to soak for at least 30 minutes—ideally, a few hours—helps to tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor. You can even do this step the night before for even better results. The anticipation builds during this waiting period! (See the next page below to continue steps…)