Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Buttermilk Ranch Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Buttermilk Chicken Tenders marinated in a savory buttermilk mixture, air-fried to perfection, and served with a creamy homemade Buttermilk Ranch dressing. This easy recipe yields tender, juicy chicken tenders with a perfectly crisp coating, ideal for a quick yet satisfying meal or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating, preferably overnight)
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating and cooking in batches)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Tenders and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced chives
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix together the buttermilk and chicken bouillon powder in a large mixing bowl. Add the chicken tenderloins to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) to ensure a crisp and evenly cooked coating.
- Make the Breading: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating to cover the chicken completely.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook the Chicken: Spray the coated chicken tenders generously with cooking spray to ensure a crispy finish. Air fry at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again after flipping. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prepare the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing: While the chicken cooks or rests, combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, dill, minced chives, dried parsley, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl or mason jar. Mix well, then refrigerate to allow flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed before serving.
- Serve: Serve the hot, crispy chicken tenders immediately with the chilled Buttermilk Ranch dressing either drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cooking in batches ensures even crisping.
- Keep cooked chicken warm in a low oven (about 200°F) while finishing remaining batches.
- May substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the ranch dressing for a tangier flavor and healthier option.
- Fresh herbs like dill and chives provide the best flavor, but dried herbs work well if fresh are unavailable.
- Cooking spray is key to achieving a crispy coating without frying in oil.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
Keywords: buttermilk chicken tenders, air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, homemade ranch dressing, easy chicken recipe, air fryer recipes
