Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMerle's Whiskey KitchenSouthern Fried Chicken Recipe

Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

Time1h 30m
Serves4

Our southern fried chicken tenders, homemade 'Bama sauce' on a brioche bun, topped w/ house made slaw & pickles

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Chicken Tenders

Assembly

Method

Prepare Chicken Tenders

  1. 1

    Marinate Chicken

    In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken tenders and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

  2. 2

    Prepare Dredging Mixture

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

  3. 3

    Dredge Chicken

    Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and allow excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring a thorough coating. Set aside on a wire rack.

Fry Chicken Tenders

  1. 4

    Heat Oil

    In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

  2. 5

    Fry Chicken

    Carefully add the dredged chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

  3. 6

    Drain Chicken

    Remove the chicken tenders and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Prepare Bama Sauce

  1. 7

    Mix Sauce Ingredients

    In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, honey, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.

Prepare Slaw

  1. 8

    Combine Slaw Ingredients

    In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the vegetables are evenly coated.

Assemble Sandwiches

  1. 9

    Build Sandwich

    Slice the brioche buns in half. Spread a generous amount of Bama sauce on the bottom half, add the fried chicken tender, top with slaw and pickles, and then place the top half of the bun on.

More from Merle's Whiskey Kitchen