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Easy Buttermilk and Franks Red Hot Sauce Marinated Chicken Tenders

Course dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 12-16 chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk (more if needed to cover the tenders)
  • 1-2 tbsp Frank's Red Hot Sauce (I used 2 tablespoons)
  • pinch of salt and pepper for the marinade
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3-4 cups oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Combine the buttermilk and the Frank's Red Hot Sauce in a zip lock bag. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Allow the chicken to marinade at least 4 hours up to overnight.
  • Place the flour with the salt and pepper in a dish large enough to bread your tenders and whisk together.
  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade a few at a time and toss into the breading mixture. Be sure to press the chicken firmly into the breading so clumps adhere to the meat. (It's a messy job: use one hand to remove the wet tenders from the bag and the other to toss in the breading.) Set breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
  • When I'm frying more than a couple of pieces I like to put my oven on warm. I also take a sheet pan and line the bottom with paper towel then I place a wire rack on it so that any excess oil can drain onto the paper towels.
    Add oil to a large, high-sided pot until the level reaches about 3/4-inch. Heat over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering (about 350°). (If a cube of bread sizzles when you drop it in, it's ready.) Using tongs, place several chicken tenders in the hot oil without crowding the pan. Cook until golden brown on the bottom side, a few minutes, then flip and cook until the second side is also golden, a few minutes more. Set the cooked tenders on the wire rack to drain. Fry remaining tenders in batches adjusting the heat as necessary (if the tenders are browning too fast, lower the heat).
  • Serve hot with cream gravy, a ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing! These are great!
Keyword buttermilk marinated, chicken, chicken tenders, Franks Red Hot Sauce