Ingredients
- For the Sauce:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- For the Chicken:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 1 ¾ pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Cover and refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large zip-top bag, combine the buttermilk and 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken tenderloins, seal the bag, and massage to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Coat the Tenders: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade (without shaking off the excess liquid) and press them into the flour mixture until fully coated. Transfer to a tray and repeat with the rest of the chicken.
- Fry to Crispy Perfection: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or skillet to 350°F, filling the pot halfway with oil. Working in batches, fry 3–4 tenders at a time for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked tenders to a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
Notes
- If you prefer extra crispy tenders, double-dip the chicken: coat it in the flour mixture, dip it back in the buttermilk, and then coat it again in the flour mixture before frying.
- Serve with extra dipping sauce for a more indulgent meal!
- For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper to the sauce or seasoning mix.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
