The Southern Kitchen: Hot Chicken Tenders

I saw this recipe in my new Southern Keto cookbook. One big adjustment I made was omiting the brown sugar in the oil. I honestly didnt miss it. I will include it in the recipe as written but see the notes for my adjustments. I was not sure how this would be but it was pretty good I was very happy with the result. I've always been intimidated frying chicken but it was not too hard just a bit time consuming. To keep it Keto and low carb friendly this actually uses whey protein powder for the breading. 

The ingredients:

Good oil for frying

1 large egg

1/2 C heavy cream

1 C whey protein powder unflavored

1 tsp cayenne

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp salt and pepper

2 lbs chicken tenderloins

The recipe:

Attach a candy thermometer to a pot and pour in 3 in of oil and place on medium high heat. Heat oil to 350 degrees.

While the oil heats, whisk the egg and cream in a shallow dish.

Put the protein powder and seasonings in gallon sized resealable plastic bag. Seal and shake.

Dip both sides of the chicken in the egg mixture allowing excess to drip in bowl. Place in the zip lock. Do 3 pieces at a time. Seal the bag and gently shake to coat. Set aside and repeat until all are done.

In batches of 3, fry the chicken 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown.

Transfer to a wire rack and di the rest.

Spicy Oil ingredients:

1/2 C hot cooking oil from above

1 TBSP brown sugar alternative

1 TBSP cayenne

2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp salt

Spicy Oil Recipe:

Carefully remove 1/2 C cooking oil and pour into a heat safe container.

Add the sugar, spices, and salt and whisk until well combined.

Brush over the chicken tenders.

Notes:

For the Spicy oil I omitted the sugar and cut back on some of the spices (1 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp paprika). I didn't want the heat to be too much without the sugar. I could have added a bit more so if you dont like a lot of heat this would be perfect. 

I used a mason jar for my heat safe container for the oil. Notes on the recipe said you can save the frying oil for later use. Just keep in a cold dark place and if looks cloudy or smells weird discard.