Crispy Southern-Style Chicken Tenders

Thermomix recipe: Crispy Southern-Style Chicken Tenders. Ready in 70 minutes. Serves 4. Step-by-step Thermomix instructions on Chef Amai.

Ingredients

• 500 g chicken breast fillets, cut into 2 cm wide strips
• 250 ml buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp salt (for marinade)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (for marinade)
• 200 g plain flour
• 50 g cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp salt (for coating)
• 1 tsp black pepper (for coating)
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Oil for air frying or baking (e.g., 2 tbsp olive oil or spray oil)

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breast fillets into approximately 2 cm wide strips. Set aside.
2. Add buttermilk, egg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the Thermomix bowl. Mix 10 sec / Speed 4.
3. Place the chicken strips into a large bowl or zip-top bag, pour the buttermilk mixture over them, ensuring all strips are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
4. While the chicken marinates, prepare the coating. Ensure the Thermomix bowl is clean and dry. Add plain flour, cornstarch, baking powder, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp white pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (if using), 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme to the Thermomix bowl. Mix 15 sec / Speed 4 until well combined. Transfer the coating mix to a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag.
5. Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Working in batches, dredge each chicken strip thoroughly in the dry coating mix, pressing gently to ensure it's well coated. Shake off any excess. Place coated strips on a plate or wire rack.
6. IMPORTANT COOKING NOTE: Deep frying is not recommended in the Thermomix. For crispy results, cook the chicken strips using an air fryer or oven:
7. Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 190°C. Lightly spray the coated chicken strips with oil. Place a single layer of strips in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 74°C).
8. Oven Method: Preheat oven to 200°C (fan-forced 180°C). Line a baking tray with baking paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the coated chicken strips with oil and arrange them in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Serve the crispy chicken tenders immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.

View this recipe on Chef Amai — convert any recipe to Thermomix format at chefamai.com.