Chicken Tenders – These crispy fried chicken tenders recipe will deliver perfectly crispy, juicy chicken every time and are perfect for a weeknight family dinner, making a party platter for guests, or preparing a quick snack for the kids.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside: The perfect contrast between the crunchy coating and juicy chicken.
- Easy to make: This recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Family-friendly: Both kids and adults love these crispy tenders.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the seasonings and breading for different flavor profiles.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Tenders
- Oil temperature is key: Keep an eye on your oil temperature to avoid soggy or overcooked tenders. A thermometer is handy, but you can also test by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil – it should sizzle and turn golden in about 30 seconds.
- Use Panko breadcrumbs: For the ultimate crispy coating, Panko breadcrumbs work wonders. They’re larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying too many tenders at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to uneven cooking. Fry in small batches to keep the oil hot and ensure every piece gets crispy.
- Oven-baked option: For a healthier version, you can bake your chicken tenders. Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few ways to switch up this recipe:
- Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a spicy kick.
- Parmesan-Crusted Tenders: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for an added cheesy flavor.
- Coconut Chicken Tenders: For a tropical twist, swap out half the breadcrumbs with shredded coconut.
- Gluten-Free Tenders: Substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions.
How to Serve Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are versatile and can be served in many ways:
- As a main dish: Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Party appetizers: Place them on a platter with an array of dipping sauces for guests to enjoy.
- In sandwiches: Layer the tenders in a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo for a delicious sandwich.
- Chicken tender wraps: Wrap them up in tortillas with veggies and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a quick lunch or dinner.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Tenders
- Storing leftovers: Place any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To keep the tenders crispy, reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make the coating soggy.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken tenders for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them from frozen at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, making them a great option. Just make sure to trim any excess fat and cut them into strips.
Can I make chicken tenders in an air fryer?
Yes, air frying is a great option! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the breaded tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I keep my chicken tenders crispy for longer?
The key is to place fried chicken tenders on a wire rack, not directly on paper towels. This allows the air to circulate around them and prevents the coating from getting soggy.
Can I make the breading ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the flour mixture and breadcrumbs ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers, and when you’re ready to cook, just coat the chicken and fry!
Chicken Tenders
Chicken Tenders - These crispy fried chicken tenders recipe will deliver perfectly crispy, juicy chicken every time and are perfect for a weeknight family dinner, making a party platter for guests, or preparing a quick snack for the kids.
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds chicken tenders (or 2 large boneless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch strips)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten with 2 tablespoons water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Fill a 9-inch cast iron or regular skillet with about 2 inches of oil. Start heating it over medium-high heat while prepping the chicken. Keep an eye on it to prevent overheating.
- Prepare the coating: In one bowl, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg, then back into the flour for a second coating. Set the coated chicken aside and let it rest for about 5 minutes—this helps the breading stick better.
- Check the oil temperature: If you have a thermometer, aim for around 365-375°F. Alternatively, drop a pinch of flour into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go.
- Fry in batches: Add about 5 chicken strips at a time, frying each side until golden brown—about 8-10 minutes per side. Turn and cook until the chicken is crispy and fully cooked through.
- Rest and season: Once done, transfer the tenders to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle a little extra salt if needed. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Nutrition Information
Yield
5Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 723Total Fat 34gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 25gCholesterol 121mgSodium 1784mgCarbohydrates 64gFiber 3gSugar 1gProtein 39g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This chicken tenders recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a go-to dinner idea or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these tenders check all the boxes. Remember to have fun with the seasonings, try out new variations, and don’t forget the dipping sauces!
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