Delicious Southern Meal: Crispy Chicken Tenders with Creamy Squash

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Homemade Honey Mustard Recipe
3. Making the Chicken Tenders
4. Preparing the Potatoes and Squash
5. Tips for Frying Chicken
6. The Importance of Buttermilk
7. Why Some Chicken Fingers Are Darker
8. Variations of Fried Chicken
9. Creamy Squash Recipe
10. Conclusion

🍽️ Article: Crispy Chicken Tenders with Creamy Squash: A Delicious Southern Meal

Are you craving a mouthwatering Southern meal that will leave you feeling satisfied? Look no further! In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making crispy chicken tenders paired with creamy squash. This classic combination is loved by both kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. So put on your apron and get ready to cook up a truly delicious meal!

Introduction

Southern cuisine is known for its rich and comforting flavors, and this dish is no exception. We'll start by preparing a homemade honey mustard sauce, followed by coating the chicken tenders in a flavorful mix of self-rising flour, spices, and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix. Then, we'll teach you the art of frying the chicken to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust. While the chicken cooks, we'll whip up a batch of creamy squash seasoned with butter, salt, and pepper. The combination of crispy chicken tenders and creamy squash is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Homemade Honey Mustard Recipe

No Southern meal is complete without a delicious dipping sauce, and honey mustard is the perfect complement to our crispy chicken tenders. To make the honey mustard, simply combine equal parts mayonnaise, sour cream, and mustard in a bowl. For an extra touch of sweetness, add a few tablespoons of honey. Mix well, and your homemade honey mustard is ready to be enjoyed.

Making the Chicken Tenders

To begin, gather the ingredients for the chicken tenders. The secret to an incredibly crunchy coating lies in using self-rising flour, which adds both texture and flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, pepper, salt, paprika, and Hidden Valley Ranch dry dressing mix. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor.

Next, it's time to coat the chicken tenders. Dip each tender into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, roll them in the flour mixture, making sure to coat them evenly. For an extra crispy texture, coat the tenders just once—double dipping is not necessary.

Preparing the Potatoes and Squash

While the chicken tenders sit with their coating, it's the perfect time to prepare the accompanying side dishes. Start by boiling the potatoes until they are soft. Once cooked, drain them and mash them with a fork or potato masher. Add butter, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix until smooth and creamy.

For the squash, begin by slicing it into thin rounds. Sauté the slices in a skillet with butter, salt, and pepper until they are tender and slightly browned. The simplicity of this recipe allows the natural flavors of the squash to shine through.

Tips for Frying Chicken

Frying chicken can seem intimidating, but with a few tips and tricks, you'll be able to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior and tender interior every time. Firstly, make sure the oil in your skillet is preheated to the correct temperature. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken tenders will absorb more oil and become greasy. Test the oil's temperature by dropping a small piece of the flour mixture into the skillet—it should sizzle and bubble immediately.

When frying the chicken tenders, rotate them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Cook them for approximately three minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For best results, let the tenders sit for an additional 10 minutes after frying to allow the coating to adhere better.

The Importance of Buttermilk

Buttermilk plays a crucial role in creating tender and flavorful chicken tenders. By soaking the chicken in buttermilk before coating it in the flour mixture, you ensure that each bite is moist and delicious. Additionally, buttermilk helps the coating adhere to the chicken, resulting in a crispier and more durable crust.

Why Some Chicken Fingers Are Darker

If you've ever wondered why some chicken fingers come out darker than others, the answer lies in the ingredients and cooking technique. Chicken tenders coated in buttermilk tend to brown more quickly due to the sugars in the buttermilk. By using an egg wash instead of buttermilk, you can achieve a lighter, golden color.

Variations of Fried Chicken

While this recipe focuses on crispy chicken tenders, Southern cuisine offers a wide variety of fried chicken dishes. From traditional fried chicken to mustard-fried chicken, the possibilities are endless. Experiment with different seasoning blends, cooking techniques, and dipping sauces to create your own unique twist on this beloved comfort food.

Creamy Squash Recipe

In addition to the delicious chicken tenders, creamed squash makes for the perfect accompaniment. This simple recipe calls for thinly sliced squash, butter, salt, and pepper. Sauté the squash until tender, and then add the butter, salt, and pepper to taste. The result is a creamy and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements the crispy chicken tenders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this crispy chicken tender and creamy squash recipe is a must-try for any Southern food enthusiast. The combination of tender chicken coated in a flavorful crunch and creamy, buttery squash is guaranteed to leave you craving more. So next time you're in the mood for a truly comforting meal, gather your ingredients and enjoy the flavors of the South in the comfort of your own home.

Highlights

• Crispy chicken tenders paired with creamy squash create a delicious Southern meal.
• Homemade honey mustard adds the perfect touch of tangy sweetness to the dish.
• The secret to crunchiness lies in using a mixture of self-rising flour and spices for the chicken coating.
• Buttermilk is essential for moist and tender chicken tenders with a crispy crust.
• Tips for frying chicken include preheating the oil, rotating the tenders, and letting them sit after frying.
• Creamy squash seasoned with butter, salt, and pepper complements the crispy chicken tenders perfectly.
• Variations of fried chicken offer endless possibilities for experimenting with different flavors and dipping sauces.

FAQs

Q: Can I use plain flour instead of self-rising flour for the chicken coating?
A: Using self-rising flour adds texture and flavor to the chicken, creating a crunchier coating. However, if you don't have self-rising flour on hand, you can use plain flour and add baking powder and salt to achieve a similar effect.

Q: Can I substitute the buttermilk with regular milk for the chicken tender marinade?
A: While buttermilk is preferred for its unique tangy flavor and tenderizing properties, you can substitute it with regular milk combined with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. This mixture will mimic the acidity of buttermilk.

Q: Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?
A: While frying the chicken tenders produces a crispy crust, you can also bake them in the oven for a healthier alternative. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are cooked through and golden.

Q: What are some additional side dishes that would complement this Southern meal?
A: In addition to creamy squash and mashed potatoes, other traditional Southern side dishes include collard greens, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and black-eyed peas. These dishes offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures to accompany the crispy chicken tenders.

Q: Can I make the homemade honey mustard ahead of time?
A: Yes, the homemade honey mustard can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even more delicious dipping sauce.