Irresistibly Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe for All Ages

Crispy fried chicken tenders bring a delightful crunch that makes mouths water instantly.

Succulent strips of poultry promise pure satisfaction for anyone seeking comfort food.

Marinating the meat in buttermilk ensures maximum tenderness and flavor depth.

Seasoned flour coatings create an irresistible golden exterior that crackles with each bite.

Salt, pepper, and paprika blend perfectly to enhance the chicken’s natural taste.

Homemade tenders beat restaurant versions every single time with their fresh, authentic appeal.

Dive into this simple recipe and experience restaurant-quality goodness right from your kitchen.

The Method Behind Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Kickstart the Marinade

• Buttermilk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Submerge chicken strips completely. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Craft Crunchy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix dry ingredients in one bowl. Crack eggs into a separate bowl and whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Dredge and Coat Chicken

Pull chicken strips from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Roll each tender first in flour mixture, then egg wash, then back into flour mixture. Press coating gently to ensure complete coverage.

Step 4: Fire Up the Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Use a thermometer to confirm precise temperature for perfect crispiness.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Drop chicken tenders carefully into hot oil. Cook each batch 4-5 minutes per side until exterior turns golden brown. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 6: Drain and Prepare

Transfer fried tenders onto paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Let rest briefly for maximum crunchiness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate hot tenders alongside favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Devour immediately for ultimate taste experience.

Tips to Keep Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders Crunchy

• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let chicken soak in buttermilk mixture for at least 2 hours to tenderize and infuse deep, rich tastes into the meat.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Double-dredge chicken by coating in flour, then egg, then flour again to create an extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that won't fall off during frying.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil temperature, ensuring evenly cooked chicken with a crispy outside and juicy inside.
• Drain Excess Oil: Place freshly fried tenders on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness, preventing soggy bottoms.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and use cornstarch to maintain the same crispy texture for those with dietary restrictions.

Storing and Warming Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders Later

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Place them in a single layer to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Always cover the container tightly to keep the chicken fresh and prevent moisture absorption.
• Warm tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to restore crunchiness and prevent bottom from getting soggy.
• Skip microwave reheating as it makes chicken tenders soft and rubbery. Oven method ensures the crispy exterior remains intact.

Flavor Pairings for Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders

• Pair these crispy chicken tenders with classic ranch or zesty honey mustard for a flavor explosion that complements the golden, crunchy exterior.
• Grab a light lager or hoppy pale ale to cut through the richness of the fried chicken, providing a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate.
• Serve alongside creamy coleslaw or crisp pickle spears to add a cool, crunchy texture that balances the hot, crispy chicken tenders.
• Mix a bright lemonade or sparkling citrus mocktail to introduce a tangy, sweet element that lightens the deep-fried indulgence and adds a refreshing touch.

Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders: Tweak It Your Way

• Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version. Use cornstarch to help create a crispy coating.
• Baked Lighter Option: Skip deep-frying and bake tenders on a wire rack at 400F for 15-20 minutes. Spray with olive oil cooking spray to achieve a golden exterior.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade. Mix chili powder and smoked paprika into the flour coating for extra kick.
• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the flour mixture. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and add grated parmesan cheese for depth of flavor.

Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders – Need Answers? Start Here

• Why is buttermilk important in marinating chicken tenders?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat more soft and juicy. Its slightly acidic nature also helps the seasonings penetrate deeper into the chicken, enhancing overall flavor.

• Can I use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with alternatives like gluten-free flour, whole wheat flour, or rice flour. Just keep in mind that each type of flour might slightly change the texture and crispiness of the chicken tenders.

• How do I know if the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the oil is precisely 350F (175C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil – if it sizzles and turns golden brown within 30-45 seconds, the oil is ready for frying.

• What prevents the breading from falling off during frying?

The double-dredging technique (flour-egg-flour) creates a thicker, more adherent coating. Pressing the flour mixture gently onto the chicken and ensuring each piece is well-coated helps the breading stick better during frying.

What’s to Love About Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders

• Whips up deliciously crispy chicken tenders in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families needing fast, satisfying dinner solutions.
• Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps anyone can master, ensuring consistent golden-brown results every single time.
• Allows endless variations by switching spices in marinade or experimenting with different dipping sauces, making each cooking experience unique and exciting.
• Appeals to all ages from kids to adults, delivering that irresistible crispy texture and juicy interior that everyone craves at the dinner table.

What Makes Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders Work

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy flavor, use full-fat for best results.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic seasoning, opt for fresh ground if possible.
• Onion Powder: Adds depth of savory flavor, ensures even seasoning.
• Paprika: Brings mild warmth and beautiful color to the marinade.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste, use kosher or sea salt.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Creates crispy, light exterior with perfect crunch, mix for optimal texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps achieve extra crispiness by creating tiny air pockets.
• Salt, Pepper: Continues seasoning layer in coating.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for deep frying, maintains high temperature well.
• Eggs: Helps coating stick to chicken, provides binding for crispy layer.

• Ranch Sauce, Honey Mustard Sauce, Barbecue Sauce: Classic dipping companions for extra flavor.

Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy fried chicken tenders deliver golden-brown perfection with a crackling exterior and juicy interior. Seasoned with secret spices and hand-breaded, these irresistible morsels promise satisfying comfort that calls you back for another delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 500 g (1 lb) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Breading and Seasoning:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Liquids and Extras:

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
• Dipping sauces (e.g., ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce)
• Lemon wedges

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Infuse the chicken strips with a zesty buttermilk marinade, combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Submerge the meat completely and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
2. Create a crisp coating by blending flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper in one bowl. Prepare a separate bowl with whisked eggs for the dredging process.
3. Extract chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip away. Carefully coat each tender first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally return to the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thorough, even layer.
4. Prepare a deep skillet or fryer with vegetable oil, heating to precisely 350F (175C). The oil depth should reach approximately two inches for optimal frying.
5. Carefully lower chicken tenders into the hot oil, cooking in small batches to maintain proper temperature. Fry each side for 4-5 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
6. Transfer fried tenders to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drain. Serve immediately alongside preferred dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue for a delectable meal.

Notes

• For the most tender and flavorful chicken, marinate for at least 2 hours to let buttermilk’s acidity break down proteins and infuse deep flavor.
• Keep oil temperature consistent at 350F to ensure crispy exterior without burning, using a thermometer for precise monitoring.
• Pat chicken completely dry before coating to help breading stick better and create extra crunchiness.
• Gluten-free option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Healthier alternative: Bake tenders at 425F for 15-20 minutes, turning once, to reduce oil absorption while maintaining crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg