Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Buttermilk Marinade and Homemade Parmesan Garlic Sauce
When it comes to crave-worthy comfort food, garlic parmesan chicken tenders are in a league of their own. These golden beauties are marinated in buttermilk and bold seasonings, fried to crunchy perfection, and then smothered in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce that hits all the right notes.
This recipe from Rey of @kingcooksofficial is a heavy-hitter—flavorful, indulgent, and made with love. It’s perfect for Sunday dinner, game day, or anytime you’re in the mood to go all in on flavor. Forget takeout—this homemade version packs way more punch and way more soul.
Ingredients
For the Buttermilk Marinade:
- Chicken tenders
- Buttermilk
- 1 tsp thyme
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp celery salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Parmesan Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Frying:
- 1–2 cups all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Oil (for frying, enough to submerge chicken)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- In a large bowl, add chicken tenders and cover with buttermilk.
- Season with thyme, ginger, celery salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until the chicken is fully coated.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In a pan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy whipping cream, then season with onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add in grated Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off excess.
- Dredge each tender in all-purpose flour, coating evenly.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F.
- Fry chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5–7 minutes per batch.
- Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Step 4: Smother and Serve
- Place fried chicken tenders on a serving plate.
- Generously spoon the garlic parmesan sauce over each piece.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley (optional).
- Serve hot with fries, pasta, or a side salad.
Pro Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Let the buttermilk marinate do its thing—the longer you marinate, the juicier the tenders.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the sauce—it melts better and gives richer flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.
- These tenders pair perfectly with loaded fries, garlic toast, or roasted broccoli.
- Want extra crunch? Double-dip the tenders in buttermilk and flour for a thicker crust.
About the Creator
This flavor-heavy recipe is brought to you by Rey of @kingcooksofficial, a food creator known for bold, indulgent recipes that celebrate Black comfort food with finesse. From gooey pastas to crispy chicken, Rey brings the heat and the soul.
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Rey | @kingcooksofficial