Creating the perfect fried chicken tenders recipe at home is easier than you might think. With the right combination of ingredients, techniques, and cooking methods, you can achieve a crunchy, golden-brown exterior and a juicy, tender interior. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party, or just a snack, this guide will take you step-by-step through everything you need to know. Plus, I’ll suggest some related recipes from my website that pair well with these chicken tenders.
Essential Ingredients for Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe
To start, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients for this crispy fried chicken tenders recipe:
- Chicken tenders: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders work perfectly.
- Seasoned flour: Flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and optional cayenne for extra heat.
- Egg wash: A mixture of beaten eggs with a bit of water or milk.
- Buttermilk: This helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor.
- Oil for frying: Peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil works well due to their high smoke point.
Once you have these key ingredients, you’re ready to make the best fried chicken tenders you’ve ever tasted. If you’re interested in learning about more ways to cook chicken, check out the ultimate guide to Alice Springs chicken for another delicious chicken dish.
How to Prepare and Season Chicken Tenders
Seasoning and breading are essential steps to get the perfect fried chicken tenders. Here’s how you can do it:
- Marinate the chicken tenders: For the best results, marinate the tenders in buttermilk for at least 2 hours. The acid in the buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it moist and flavorful. For a more complex taste, you can add garlic, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne to the buttermilk marinade.
- Set up your dredging station: Create two separate bowls—one for seasoned flour and another for egg wash. Make sure the flour is well-seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and your choice of herbs or spices.
- Coat the chicken: First, coat the marinated tenders in the seasoned flour, then dip them into the egg wash, and finally, return them to the flour mixture for a second coating. This double coating helps create an extra-crispy crust.
By following these steps, you’ll get a delicious coating that’s flavorful and crispy. This process is crucial for making crispy fried chicken tenders that everyone will love.
Frying the Chicken Tenders: The Perfect Technique
Frying the chicken tenders correctly is key to achieving that golden brown and crispy texture. There are two popular methods:
Deep Frying
- Heat your oil in a large pan or deep fryer to about 350°F (177°C). Make sure the oil is deep enough to fully submerge the tenders.
- Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 6-8 minutes or until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the tenders and drain them on a wire rack or paper towel to remove excess oil.
Shallow Frying
- If you don’t have a deep fryer, shallow frying is a good alternative. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet and fry the tenders, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- The cook time is similar to deep frying, about 6-8 minutes, but make sure to watch the tenders closely to avoid burning.
For another great fried chicken dish, you might enjoy this ultimate guide to making chicken Alfredo, where you’ll find another delicious option for a comforting meal.
Baking and Air Frying Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to frying, baking or using an air fryer can produce crispy tenders with less oil. Here’s how you can adapt the recipe:
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. For extra crispiness, you can spray the tenders with cooking spray before baking.
Air Frying
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the tenders in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for an even cook. The air fryer creates a similar crispiness to frying but with much less oil.
These methods provide a healthier alternative without sacrificing the crispy texture we all love in fried chicken tenders.
Recipe Variations
The great thing about fried chicken tenders is how versatile they are. You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour.
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders: If you want a tangy, tender bite, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours before frying.
- Herb-Crusted Tenders: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the flour mixture for an aromatic twist.
If you love flavorful chicken recipes, you might also enjoy our ultimate guide to a perfect chicken brine recipe, which explains how to brine your chicken for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Delicious Dipping Sauces for Chicken Tenders
No fried chicken tenders recipe is complete without a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some favorites that pair well with crispy chicken tenders:
- Classic Ranch: Creamy and tangy, ranch is a timeless choice.
- Honey Mustard: The perfect balance of sweetness and sharpness.
- Barbecue Sauce: Smoky, tangy BBQ sauce complements the crunchy exterior of the tenders.
- Spicy Buffalo Sauce: If you’re a fan of heat, try serving your tenders with buffalo sauce.
- Garlic Aioli: A rich, garlicky dip that adds a gourmet touch to your meal.
Storing and Reheating Fried Chicken Tenders
If you have leftover chicken tenders (though that’s unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat them without losing their crispy texture:
- Storage: Place the tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat fried tenders is in the oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the tenders on a baking sheet, and heat for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
Avoid microwaving the tenders, as this can make them soggy.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Fried Chicken Tenders
How Do You Get Chicken Tenders Crispy?
To get crispy chicken tenders, make sure to double coat them in seasoned flour and fry at the correct temperature (around 350°F/177°C). Keeping the oil at a steady temperature is key to a crispy fried chicken tenders recipe.
What’s the Difference Between Chicken Tenders and Chicken Strips?
Chicken tenders are a specific part of the chicken, while chicken strips are simply sliced chicken breasts. Both can be used in this recipe.
Can You Make Fried Chicken Tenders Without Buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk or even a non-dairy alternative like almond milk mixed with lemon juice for a dairy-free version.
How Long Should You Fry Chicken Tenders?
Fry the tenders for about 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What’s the Best Oil for Frying Chicken Tenders?
Peanut oil and canola oil are ideal for frying because they have high smoke points, meaning they can handle the high heat required for frying.
Conclusion: Mastering the Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe
This comprehensive guide on the fried chicken tenders recipe ensures that you have all the tips and techniques necessary to make perfectly crispy tenders at home. Whether you prefer deep frying, shallow frying, baking, or air frying, the key is in the seasoning, coating, and cooking methods. With a variety of dipping sauces and customizable variations, you can make this dish your own.
If you want to expand your chicken recipe repertoire, don’t forget to explore our Eastern Shore BBQ chicken recipe for another flavorful and versatile chicken dish!
Happy cooking!