Let’s cook up some memories! Imagine a sunny afternoon. You’re gathered with friends and family. The star of your feast is the crispy, perfectly seasoned Bojangles chicken tenders. As I delve into this delightful dish, let’s brainstorm side items that capture summer’s feast spirit.
You really can’t go wrong pairing these tenders with classic sides like coleslaw. The tangy crunch of fresh cabbage complements the tender chicken perfectly. It’s a marriage made in heaven when you add some sweet tea on the side; it’s a Southern staple that never disappoints.
Don’t forget biscuits, either! Flaky and buttery, they balance the flavors even more. You may also want to toss together a refreshing cucumber salad or even some seasoned fries for your carb lovers out there.
Now, let’s get down to business and dive into the flavorful journey of Bojangles chicken tenders!
Ahh, Bojangles chicken tenders! If you’ve ever tasted them, you know they offer that irresistible combination of crunch and flavor. These tenders are not just a meal; they’re an experience. They have that familiar Southern charm and bring people together. For those days when you want something fast but packed with flavor, these chicken tenders hit the spot.
Whether you’re planning a summer cookout, a picnic in the park, or just a cozy family dinner, this dish provides the perfect harmony of flavor and fun. With a little help from a trusty recipe, I’ll share everything about this beloved dish—from its ingredients to what makes it so delicious. Once you make them yourself, you’ll understand the appeal of this Southern classic.
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What Are Bojangles Chicken Tenders?
For the uninitiated, Bojangles chicken tenders are crispy, delicious strips of chicken that are marinated to perfection. Originating from the popular fast-food chain Bojangles’, they have garnered a loyal fan base thanks to their distinctive flavor and crispy texture. The key lies in the well-balanced spices and the buttermilk marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.
What really sets these tenders apart? It’s their unique seasoning blend, a closely guarded secret that keeps fans returning for more. Each bite offers a perfect balance of tenderness that complements the crispy coating. You can think of them as a delightful gab between comfort food and pure joy.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
Alright, let’s break it down! When you take a bite of Bojangles chicken tenders, several flavors dance on your palate. The first hit is the crunchiness from the golden-brown coating. Then, the tender, juicy chicken beneath offers a juicy and satisfying bite.
The buttermilk adds creaminess, while garlic powder and onion powder provide depth. The cayenne pepper gives a subtle kick, ensuring your taste buds are never bored. Finally, the hint of smoked paprika rounds out the flavor, delivering a touch of warmth and earthiness. It’s a flavor explosion that leaves you coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This?
There’s no shortage of reasons to love Bojangles chicken tenders. They’re quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Beyond that, they celebrate the joy of good food.
You can customize them to suit your family’s tastes. They can be dipped in BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or classic ranch dressing—whatever tickles your taste buds. Need more persuasion? They make great leftovers! Just warm them up, and they’ll still taste fantastic.
Ingredients
Are you ready to cook? Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these tasty tenders:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly juicy and rich in flavor.
- 3 cups buttermilk, at room temperature: Essential for marinating.
- 1 tablespoon fine salt: For seasoning the chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper: For that subtle heat.
- 1 tablespoon of favorite hot sauce: A bit of zing.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder: To enhance flavor complexity.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder: Adds another layer of taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves: Earthy and aromatic.
- 1 cup self-rising flour: For that crispy coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: To bring warmth and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder: Adding a tangy depth.
- 2 large eggs: Assists with the battering process.
- 1/3 cup whole milk: Ensures a light batter.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Just a pinch to elevate flavors.
- Peanut oil, for frying: Perfect choice for achieving that crunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to whip up Bojangles chicken tenders from scratch.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Mix it well. The key here is to infuse those flavors right into the chicken!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor. This is when the magic happens!
Step 3: Prepare the Breading
In another bowl, combine the self-rising flour, smoked paprika, ground mustard powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dry mix will create that irresistible crust.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and whole milk. This will help the flour adhere to the chicken, giving it that glorious crunch.
Step 5: Preheat the Oil
In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the chicken, about 2-3 inches deep.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, take each piece out and allow excess buttermilk to drip off. First, coat it in the dry mixture, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally, back into the flour. Make sure every piece is well-coated.
Step 7: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken in hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the temperature will drop. Fry each piece for about 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and cooking through. Use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 8: Troubleshoot and Transfer
Once cooked, place the chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat until all chicken is cooked.
Step 9: Ready to Serve
It’s time to dig in! Serve these tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces and sides. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
To ensure your Bojangles chicken tenders turn out perfect, keep these tips in mind:
- Marinate Longer: For the best results, marinate overnight. This allows time for the flavors to seep into the chicken.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooked chicken.
- Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough. If it’s too cool, the tenders will absorb the oil and become greasy.
- Don’t Rush the Frying: Allow the chicken to fry thoroughly. Patience pays off in golden crunchiness.
- Use an Oil Thermometer: Keeping an eye on the oil temperature ensures even cooking.
Nutrition Information
Want to eat indulgently but still keep an eye on health? Here’s a rough breakdown per serving of chicken tenders:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg (depends on added salt)
How Can You Store Bojangles Chicken Tenders?
If you have leftovers (dreams can come true!), here’s how to store your chicken tenders correctly:
- Refrigeration: Place cooked tenders in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in an oven or air fryer until heated through rather than using a microwave.
Alternative Ingredients
Let’s say you’re missing some ingredients? Not a problem! Here are alternatives you can consider:
- Plain Yogurt Instead of Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, plain yogurt can provide a similar tang and creaminess.
- Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs: While thighs are juicier, chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
- All-Purpose Flour Instead of Self-Rising: If you only have all-purpose flour, you can add baking powder and salt to mimic self-rising flour properties.
Bojangles Chicken Tenders Recipe
Equipment
- skillet or Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 cups buttermilk at room temperature, divided
- 1 tablespoon fine salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon favorite hot sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of smoky warmth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder for a subtle tangy depth
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Peanut oil for frying
Instructions
- Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to whip up Bojangles chicken tenders from scratch.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Mix it well. The key here is to infuse those flavors right into the chicken!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Add the chicken thighs to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor. This is when the magic happens!
Step 3: Prepare the Breading
- In another bowl, combine the self-rising flour, smoked paprika, ground mustard powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dry mix will create that irresistible crust.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and whole milk. This will help the flour adhere to the chicken, giving it that glorious crunch.
Step 5: Preheat the Oil
- In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the chicken, about 2-3 inches deep.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken
- Once the chicken has marinated, take each piece out and allow excess buttermilk to drip off. First, coat it in the dry mixture, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally, back into the flour. Make sure every piece is well-coated.
Step 7: Fry the Chicken
- Carefully place the coated chicken in hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the temperature will drop. Fry each piece for about 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and cooking through. Use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 8: Troubleshoot and Transfer
- Once cooked, place the chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat until all chicken is cooked.
Step 9: Ready to Serve
- It’s time to dig in! Serve these tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces and sides. Enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate Longer: For the best results, marinate overnight. This allows time for the flavors to seep into the chicken.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooked chicken.
- Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough. If it’s too cool, the tenders will absorb the oil and become greasy.
- Don’t Rush the Frying: Allow the chicken to fry thoroughly. Patience pays off in golden crunchiness.
- Use an Oil Thermometer: Keeping an eye on the oil temperature ensures even cooking.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Bojangles chicken tenders gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour. This simple swap keeps the dish safe for those avoiding gluten while retaining that delicious crunch.
2. Are these tenders freezer-friendly?
Yes! Cooked and cooled tenders can be frozen. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out excess air to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months.
3. What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken tenders?
There’s a variety! Classic choices include ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. Get creative or use what’s in your fridge!
4. Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the coated tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway for even cooking.
5. How can I ensure my chicken tenders stay crispy?
To maintain their crispiness, avoid stacking the cooked tenders directly on top of one another. Instead, place them on a wire rack to allow air circulation. This helps maintain that delightful crunch.
Conclusion
Bojangles chicken tenders are more than just a meal. They represent gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories, and creating memories. With this step-by-step guide, you’re equipped to make tender, crunchy pieces yourself, befitting of any summer gathering.
Whether you serve them with crunchy coleslaw or classic biscuits, your friend group will surely sing your praises while devouring every last bite. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and experience the joy of cooking these unforgettable chicken tenders at home.
