Serves 2 to 4
This chicken requires an overnight brine and a few-hour soak in buttermilk—but it’s definitely worth the wait!
Ingredients (for the Chicken)
1 package Smart Chicken tenders
2 quarts buttermilk
Canola or peanut oil for frying
1 small bunch thyme, for serving
Maldon salt, for serving
Ingredients (for the Brine)
3 quarts water
1 quart beer
1 cup + 2 teaspoons kosher salt
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons honey
1 head garlic, halved
2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
Ingredients (for the Flour)
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 teaspoons cayenne
2 tablespoons paprika
Directions
In a large pot, combine the water, beer, salt, honey, garlic, and peppercorns and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, let cool, then refrigerate until chilled. Once cold, add the chicken tenders, cover, and return to refrigerator to brine overnight. Strain the chicken from the brine, removing any remaining peppercorns or herbs. Soak in buttermilk for 4 hours, or up to 12.
When ready to fry, heat oil to 325°F. Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and paprika and mix. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture. Return to buttermilk, then dredge again in flour mixture before frying in hot oil until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Garnish with thyme leaves and Maldon salt.
Recipe created by Benjamin Maides, Chef, Au Courant Regional Kitchen, Omaha, Nebraska