There’s something undeniably comforting about Crispy Chicken Tenders. They remind me of family gatherings, where laughter mingled with the aroma of fried chicken wafting through the air. This recipe is a quick solution for busy weeknights or a fun dish to impress your loved ones. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a crunchy, flavorful delight that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these tenders are sure to bring joy to your table. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Tenders
These Crispy Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for any home cook. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for those hectic evenings when time is short. The taste? Absolutely irresistible! Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, followed by juicy chicken that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with your favorite sauces or sides, ensuring everyone at the table leaves happy and full.
Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Tenders
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving those perfect Crispy Chicken Tenders. Here’s what you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! Cut into strips for easy frying.
Buttermilk: This tangy liquid not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a rich flavor.
Garlic powder: A must-have for that savory kick. It enhances the overall taste without overpowering.
Onion powder: Adds depth and sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Paprika: This spice brings a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to your tenders.
Salt: Essential for seasoning, it helps to elevate all the other flavors.
Black pepper: A dash of this adds a hint of heat and complexity.
All-purpose flour: The base for your dredging mixture, it creates that crispy outer layer.
Breadcrumbs: Panko or regular, they provide the crunch that makes these tenders irresistible.
Vegetable oil: For frying, it’s important to use an oil with a high smoke point to achieve that golden perfection.
Feel free to get creative! You can add spices like cayenne pepper for a spicy twist or Italian seasoning for a herby flavor. For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything available for printing.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
To kick things off, grab a large bowl and mix together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is where the magic happens! It tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor. Once combined, add your chicken strips, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. If you have the time, letting it marinate overnight will take the flavor to the next level. Trust me, the wait is worth it! When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Mixture
Now, let’s create that crunchy coating! In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs. You can use panko for extra crunch or regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand. Mix them well to ensure an even distribution. This mixture will give your Crispy Chicken Tenders that golden, crispy exterior we all crave. When the chicken is ready, you’ll dredge each strip in this mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick. This step is key to achieving that satisfying crunch!
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Next up, it’s time to heat the oil. In a large skillet, pour in about an inch of vegetable oil. Turn the heat to medium-high and let it warm up. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and bubbles, you’re good to go! Aim for a temperature of around 350°F. This is the sweet spot for frying, ensuring your chicken cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden color. Be patient; the right temperature makes all the difference!
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Once your oil is hot, it’s showtime! Carefully add the chicken strips in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through. A meat thermometer is your best friend here; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly juicy. As you fry, keep an eye on the color. If they start to darken too quickly, lower the heat slightly. Once done, use tongs to remove the tenders and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps keep them crispy!
Step 5: Drain and Serve
After frying, it’s important to let your Crispy Chicken Tenders rest for a moment. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. This step is crucial for maintaining that delightful crunch. Once they’ve drained, it’s time to serve! Arrange the tenders on a platter and pair them with your favorite dipping sauces. Whether it’s classic ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha, the options are endless. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and watch everyone dig in!
Tips for Success
Always marinate the chicken for at least an hour; overnight is even better for flavor.
Use a thermometer to check oil temperature; it ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.
Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; this helps maintain the oil temperature.
Double-dip for extra crunch by returning the chicken to the buttermilk before dredging again.
Let the tenders rest on paper towels to keep them crispy.
Equipment Needed
Large bowl: For marinating the chicken. A mixing bowl works just as well.
Shallow dish: Ideal for dredging. A plate can also do the trick.
Skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet is best for frying; a deep fryer is a great alternative.
Tongs: Perfect for flipping and removing chicken. A slotted spoon can work too.
Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked through. A regular kitchen thermometer can suffice.
Variations
Spicy Crispy Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a fiery kick.
Herb-Infused Tenders: Mix dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning into the flour mixture for a fresh flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Crusted Tenders: Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for an extra cheesy crunch.
Asian-Inspired Tenders: Use soy sauce and ginger in the marinade, and serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Sides: Serve with crispy fries or a fresh coleslaw for a perfect balance.
Dipping Sauces: Pair with ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard for added flavor.
Presentation: Arrange tenders on a wooden board with colorful veggies for a rustic look.
Drinks: Enjoy with a cold beer or a refreshing lemonade to complement the meal.
FAQs about Crispy Chicken Tenders
Can I bake Crispy Chicken Tenders instead of frying them? Absolutely! While frying gives that classic crunch, you can bake them for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet, and spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
How do I store leftover Crispy Chicken Tenders? To keep your tenders crispy, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best enjoyed within 2-3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to regain that crunch.
What dipping sauces pair well with Crispy Chicken Tenders? The options are endless! Classic choices include ranch, honey mustard, and BBQ sauce. For a twist, try sriracha mayo or a tangy buffalo sauce. Each sauce adds a unique flavor that complements the crispy goodness.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Definitely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add a different flavor profile. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for the best results. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.
What can I do if my chicken tenders are soggy? Sogginess can happen if the oil isn’t hot enough or if the tenders are overcrowded in the pan. Make sure to heat the oil to 350°F and fry in small batches. If they do turn out soggy, try placing them on a wire rack in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Crispy Chicken Tenders is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings joy to the table. The aroma of frying chicken fills the kitchen, creating a warm atmosphere that invites everyone to gather around. Each tender, with its golden crunch and juicy interior, is a reminder of simple pleasures. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying a solo treat, these tenders are sure to bring smiles. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and savor the delicious rewards. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Crispy Chicken Tenders are deliciously seasoned chicken strips that are marinated, breaded, and fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
In a shallow dish, mix the flour and breadcrumbs together. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each strip in the flour-breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
Carefully add the chicken strips to the hot oil in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove the chicken tenders from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken by returning it to the buttermilk after the first dredge and then coating it again in the flour-breadcrumb mixture.
Try adding different spices to the flour mixture, such as cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or Italian seasoning for a herby flavor.
