Crispy Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders

Ingredients for chicken tenders

• Canola oil for frying
• 2 lbs chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

How to make chicken tenders

1. Mix together the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and ground black pepper in a large measuring cup.
2. Place the chicken tenders in a baking dish or large bowl.
3. Pour the buttermilk mixture over the chicken tenders. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or up to overnight.
4. Preheat 2 inches of canola oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches 350°F.
5. While the oil is preheating, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper. Place in a shallow bowl or baking dish.
6. Working in batches of 3-4 chicken tenders at a time, remove the chicken from the buttermilk, tapping off any excess buttermilk, and place in the flour mixture. Flip over and cover completely.
7. Carefully place in the hot oil. Cook for about 4 minutes, then flip over with tongs. Cook for 4-5 more minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Carefully remove from the oil and place on a baking sheet. Continue with remaining chicken. Serve immediately.

The technique that makes it

To achieve perfectly crispy gluten-free chicken tenders, the key lies in the use of an effective breading technique and proper frying temperature. The combination of gluten-free flour and cornstarch creates a light yet crispy exterior. The cornstarch helps absorb moisture and allows for better crisping during frying. Additionally, marinating the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce not only tenderizes the meat but also enhances flavor. This marinade creates an emulsion that helps the breading adhere better to the chicken, resulting in a more cohesive and crunchy crust.

Troubleshooting

• Problem: Chicken tenders are soggy.
  Fix: Ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying. If the oil is too cool, the breading will absorb oil, leading to sogginess.
• Problem: Breading falls off during frying.
  Fix: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after breading to let the coating adhere better. Also, ensure the chicken is well-coated in buttermilk before dredging in the flour mixture.
• Problem: Tenders are unevenly cooked.
  Fix: Cut the chicken tenderloins to a uniform size to ensure even cooking. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the frying pan, which can lower the oil temperature.
• Problem: Tenders lack flavor.
  Fix: Increase the seasoning in the breading mixture or marinate the chicken for a longer period in the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture to enhance the flavor profile.

Substitutions

• Gluten-free flour: Use almond flour for a nuttier flavor and a slightly different texture, while still maintaining gluten-free status.
• Buttermilk: Substitute with a mixture of milk and vinegar (1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar) to mimic the acidity and thickness of buttermilk.
• Canola oil: Use peanut oil for frying, which has a higher smoke point and can add a subtle flavor to the chicken.
• Hot sauce: Swap with a mild chili powder for a different spice profile without the heat, suitable for those sensitive to spicy flavors.

Pro tips

• For extra crispy chicken tenders, double-dip them in the buttermilk and then the flour mixture before frying. This creates a thicker crust. – Ensure your oil temperature remains consistent around 350°F (175°C) to achieve a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior. A thermometer is your best friend here. – Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Always check the thickest part of the tender.
• Store leftover cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.

These gluten-free chicken tenders are a perfect example of how delicious and satisfying gluten-free eating can be. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces or as part of a main meal. Share your crispy creations!

Frequently asked questions