Nothing beats the irresistible crunch of crispy fried chicken tenders. Golden on the outside and juicy on the inside, these tenders are the perfect dish for any meal or snack. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a simple weekday treat, this recipe guarantees crispy, flavorful results every time. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and watch these tenders disappear in minutes!
Ingredients for Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Chopped green onions for garnish
How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
1. Prepare the Batter
Start by preparing two bowls. In one, whisk together buttermilk and eggs until fully combined. In the other, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will create the flavorful coating that gives your tenders the perfect crispy exterior.
2. Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Then, dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the chicken is evenly covered. This double-dipping method ensures an extra crispy texture once fried.
3. Heat the Oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into a skillet to submerge the chicken tenders. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for frying, creating that perfect golden-brown crust.
4. Fry the Tenders
Fry the chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook each batch for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, transfer the tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Serve
Once all tenders are fried, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce—whether it’s ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce, these tenders are perfect for dipping and enjoying.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
- Golden Crunch: The batter delivers an extra crispy exterior, while the inside remains juicy and tender, making each bite satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and steps, this recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights or unexpected cravings.
- Customizable: You can experiment with the seasonings, adding a dash of cayenne pepper for heat or using herbs for added flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These tenders are guaranteed to be a hit at family dinners, parties, or as a quick snack. Even picky eaters will love them!
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
- Side Dishes: Pair with classic sides like french fries, coleslaw, or mac and cheese for a hearty meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch, sweet and sour sauce, or sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
- Salads: For a lighter meal, serve alongside a fresh garden salad or Caesar salad to balance the richness of the chicken.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
- Use Buttermilk: The tangy flavor of buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and gives the batter a great texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many tenders at once can reduce the oil temperature, resulting in soggy, greasy tenders. Fry in small batches for the best result.
- Rest the Chicken: After frying, let the tenders rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring they stay moist inside.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips to make your own tenders. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the strips.
Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?
For a healthier version, you can bake the coated tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are crispy and golden.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the breaded chicken tenders ahead of time. Simply store the breaded tenders in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them.
Conclusion
These Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, crunchy, and juicy, making them a delicious option for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or a movie night snack, these tenders are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a meal that everyone will love.