Game Day Appetizer Chicken Tender Flight

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb chicken tenders (cut into strips)
• 2 cup buttermilk (divided for marinating and dredging)
• garlic powder (for marinade and flour mix)
• onion powder (for marinade and flour mix)
• paprika (for marinade and flour mix)
• 2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• vegetable oil (for frying)
• hot honey sauce ingredients (honey and hot sauce/chili flakes)
• bourbon BBQ sauce ingredients (BBQ sauce and bourbon)
• butter (for garlic parmesan sauce)
• garlic (fresh, for garlic parmesan sauce)
• parmesan cheese (grated, for coating)
• fresh parsley (chopped, for garlic parmesan and BBQ garnish)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• ranch dressing (for serving)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl or container, combine the chicken tenders, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

2. 2

   Cover and refrigerate the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for best flavor.

3. 3

   In a separate shallow dish, mix the flour with additional seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper).

4. 4

   Remove a piece of chicken from the marinade, shake off the excess buttermilk, and coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.

5. 5

   Dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour a second time for a double dredge.

6. 6

   Place the coated tenders on a wire rack and let them rest for 10 minutes to help the coating adhere.

7. 7

   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).

8. 8

   Fry the tenders in small batches (about 3 at a time) for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

9. 9

   Drain the fried tenders on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.

10. 10

    Prepare the sauces: For each sauce, combine the respective ingredients in separate pans over medium-low heat and gently simmer until slightly thickened.

11. 11

    For the Garlic Parmesan sauce, melt the butter with fresh garlic first, then stir in the parsley, salt, and pepper.

12. 12

    Divide the fried tenders into three batches.

13. 13

    Toss one batch in the garlic butter mixture, then coat with grated Parmesan cheese.

14. 14

    Toss the second batch in the Hot Honey sauce.

15. 15

    Toss the third batch in the Bourbon BBQ sauce and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

16. 16

    Serve the tender flight immediately with ranch dressing on the side.

Notes

The author suggests that ranch is the only way to go for serving. For the best results, ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F during frying.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• game day
• fried chicken
• chicken tenders
• hot honey
• garlic parmesan
• bbq
• party food