Go Back
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil) What can I use instead of chicken tenders? You can use chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips. They work well too. What if I need a non-dairy option for buttermilk? You can mix almond milk or soy milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. What are some flour substitutes for gluten-free options? You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour. Both give a nice crust. You can find the full recipe in the previous sections. These ingredients and options let you customize your crispy fried chicken tenders to fit your taste and needs. - Marinating the chicken: Start by mixing buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. Place the chicken tenders in the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least an hour. For the best taste, let them marinate overnight. - Preparing the dredging mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend creates a tasty coating that gives the tenders their crispy texture. - Heating the oil: In a heavy pot or deep fryer, pour in about 2-3 inches of oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 350°F (175°C). - Frying the chicken tenders: Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Let the excess buttermilk drip off. Coat each tender in the flour mixture, pressing it onto the chicken. Fry the tenders in batches for 6-8 minutes. You want them golden brown and cooked through. Flip them sometimes for even cooking. - Draining and serving: Once done, use a slotted spoon to move the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps soak up the extra oil, keeping your tenders crispy. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard or BBQ sauce. Enjoy this simple and delicious meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. To get the best crunch, use cornstarch. Cornstarch helps create a light, crispy coating. It absorbs moisture, leading to a golden crust. Mixing it with flour enhances the texture. Another key factor is oil temperature. Keep your oil at 350°F (175°C). Too low, and the chicken will soak up oil. Too high, and it will burn. Use a thermometer to check the heat. Batch frying works wonders. Fry the chicken in small groups. This keeps the oil hot. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of fry. Flipping the tenders is vital. Turn them halfway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly. Aim for about 6-8 minutes total cooking time. Keep an eye on them so they don't burn. For the full recipe, check out the other sections of this article. {{image_4}} You can boost the flavor of your chicken tenders with spices. Try adding paprika, cayenne, or even some Italian herbs to the dredging mix. Each spice can change the taste and make it more exciting. For a twist, marinate the chicken in different flavors. A spicy marinade adds heat, while BBQ sauce gives sweetness. An herb-infused mix can add freshness. Dipping sauces make chicken tenders even better. You can try honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce. Each sauce brings a unique taste to the dish. For sides, consider crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh salad. These pair well and create a complete meal. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders and discover new ways to enjoy this classic dish! For best results, store your leftover chicken tenders in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Use them within three days for the best taste. When ready to eat, reheat them in an oven. Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them regain their crispy texture. You can also use an air fryer for reheating. Cook them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. You can freeze crispy chicken tenders for a quick meal later. Let them cool down completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. This prevents them from sticking together. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. This will help keep them crispy. Enjoy your tasty chicken tenders later! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make chicken tenders extra crispy, use a mix of flour and cornstarch. Cornstarch helps create a light, crunchy texture. Make sure to coat the chicken well. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken firmly. Fry them in hot oil at 350°F (175°C) for the best results. Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway. They may not be as crispy, but they are still tasty. Some great dipping sauces for chicken tenders include: - Honey mustard - BBQ sauce - Ranch dressing - Buffalo sauce - Sweet and sour sauce Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! You can store leftover chicken tenders in the fridge for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure they are cool before sealing. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. The best oils for frying chicken are canola or vegetable oil. These oils have high smoke points, which means they can heat to high temperatures without burning. This helps the chicken cook properly and stay crispy. For the full recipe and step-by-step instructions, check out the Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders recipe! In this post, we covered how to make crispy fried chicken tenders. We discussed the ingredients you need, how to prepare and cook the chicken, and tips for achieving the best texture. You can even explore different flavor variations and learn how to store leftovers. Creating delicious chicken tenders at home is simple and fun. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can impress your family or guests. Enjoy experimenting and make this dish your own!

Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders

Get ready to savor the crunch with these crispy fried chicken tenders! Marinated in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful blend of spices, these tenders are guaranteed to be a hit at your next meal. Perfect for dipping in honey mustard or BBQ sauce, they are simple to make and deliciously satisfying. Click through now to discover the full recipe and wow your family with this irresistible dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for a spicy kick)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon smoked paprika (for added depth)

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil works great)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Submerge the chicken tenders in the buttermilk mixture, making sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour; for optimal flavor, marinate overnight.

    While the chicken is marinating, prepare the dredging mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined. This mixture will give your tenders a delicious crispy crust.

      In a deep heavy-bottomed pan or a fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of oil over medium-high heat. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature, and heat the oil until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

        Take the marinated chicken tenders out of the refrigerator. Allow the excess buttermilk to drip off before dredging them. Coat each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring a thorough coating on all sides. Press the flour onto the tenders gently to help it adhere well.

          Working in batches, carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil. Fry them for about 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Flip the tenders occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.

            Once the chicken tenders are fully cooked, use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil, keeping your tenders crispy.

              Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing for a delectable finish.

                - Prep Time: 10 mins

                  - Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins (including marinating)

                    - Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken tenders on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or celery sticks for a pop of color. Place the dipping sauces in small bowls for easy access.