Crispy Southern-Style Chicken Tenderloins
Experience the delightful crunch and savory flavors of Crispy Southern-Style Chicken Tenderloins – a perfect homage to the beloved Cracker Barrel classic. Marinated in a rich buttermilk and Creole seasoning blend, these tender, juicy chicken pieces are then coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried to perfection. Ideal for a cozy lunch or snack, serve alongside your favorite country vegetables and warm biscuits for a satisfying meal that brings the taste of Southern comfort to your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
buttermilk
1 1/2 cups (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
creole seasoning
3 teaspoons (divided)
boneless chicken tenders
1 1/2 lbs (none)
all-purpose flour
2 cups (none)
shortening or canola oil
3 cups (for frying)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Southern-Style Chicken Tenderloins?
They are tender pieces of chicken marinated in a buttermilk and Creole seasoning blend, coated in seasoned flour, and deep-fried to achieve a crunchy, savory exterior similar to Cracker Barrel's famous chicken.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is a copycat homage to the beloved Southern comfort food served at Cracker Barrel restaurants.
How do I make the chicken tenderloins crispy?
The combination of a buttermilk soak and a seasoned all-purpose flour coating, followed by deep-frying in shortening or canola oil, creates the signature crispy texture.
What ingredients are needed for the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk and a portion of the Creole seasoning.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
You should use 1 1/2 lbs of boneless chicken tenders for the best results.
Can I use canola oil for frying?
Yes, you can use either shortening or canola oil for deep-frying these tenderloins.
What seasoning is used in this recipe?
The primary seasonings are salt and 3 teaspoons of Creole seasoning, which is divided between the marinade and the flour mixture.
How much flour is required for the coating?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of all-purpose flour to properly coat the chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick snack?
Yes, these chicken tenderloins are ideal for a cozy lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even as high-quality snacks.
What should I serve with Southern-style chicken?
It is best served alongside country vegetables, warm biscuits, and your favorite dipping sauces.
Why is buttermilk used in fried chicken?
Buttermilk acts as a tenderizer for the chicken and provides a thick base that helps the flour coating stick better.
Can I use an air fryer instead of deep-frying?
While the recipe specifies deep-frying for maximum crunch, you can adapt it for an air fryer by spraying the breaded tenders with oil and cooking at 400°F until golden.
How much oil do I need for frying?
You will need approximately 3 cups of shortening or canola oil.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Creole seasoning provides a savory, slightly zesty flavor, but it is generally mild enough for most palates.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
Can I substitute the chicken tenderloins?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips if tenderloins are not available.
What is Creole seasoning?
Creole seasoning is a Southern spice blend that typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and various peppers.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 6 main ingredients: buttermilk, salt, Creole seasoning, chicken tenders, all-purpose flour, and oil.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
How do I store leftover chicken tenderloins?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
What is the best way to reheat these?
To maintain the crispiness, reheat the tenderloins in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until heated through.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the fried tenderloins in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.
How many servings does 1.5 lbs of chicken provide?
Typically, 1.5 lbs of chicken tenderloins will serve approximately 3 to 4 people.
Why use shortening instead of vegetable oil?
Shortening is a traditional Southern choice because it has a high smoke point and can produce a cleaner, crispier crust than some oils.
How do I know when the chicken is finished cooking?
The chicken is done when the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Does the flour need to be seasoned?
Yes, the flour is seasoned with a portion of the Creole seasoning to ensure flavor in every bite.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Absolutely, this recipe is easy to double or triple to serve a larger crowd.
Is this a traditional Southern recipe?
Yes, the use of buttermilk marinade and a seasoned flour coating is a hallmark of traditional Southern fried chicken.
Can I use this coating for other things?
The buttermilk and flour coating technique also works well for fried pork chops or fried okra.
Should I use a specific brand of Creole seasoning?
Any standard Creole seasoning brand will work, or you can mix your own using paprika, salt, garlic, and pepper.