Fried Chicken Tenders : Crispy, golden perfection meets tender, juicy flavor in these irresistible Fried Chicken Tenders! Perfectly seasoned and fried to a satisfying crunch, they’re a comfort food classic that everyone loves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These fried chicken tenders are:
- Crispy and Juicy: Perfectly seasoned breading encases tender, juicy chicken.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like flour, eggs, and spices.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite seasonings and coatings.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fried Chicken Tenders
Achieving crispy, flavorful chicken tenders every time requires a few pro tips:
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders. Slice breasts into uniform strips for even cooking.
- Marinate for Flavor: Soak the chicken in buttermilk or a simple brine (water, salt, and sugar) for 2–4 hours. This tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor.
- Double Coat for Crunch: Dip the chicken in seasoned flour, then an egg wash, and back into the flour for an extra crispy crust.
- Season Every Layer: Add spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne to the flour for maximum flavor.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the frying oil at 350°F (175°C) to ensure an evenly cooked, crispy exterior without greasy results.
- Drain Properly: Place fried tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet rather than paper towels to keep them crisp.
Recipe Variations to Try
Experiment with these exciting twists:
- Southern-Style: Add a touch of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade and a pinch of cayenne to the flour for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or almond flour.
- Korean-Inspired: Toss the tenders in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce after frying.
- Panko Crusted: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular flour for extra crunch.
- Air-Fried: Lightly spray breaded tenders with cooking oil and air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Serve Fried Chicken Tenders
Fried chicken tenders are versatile and pair beautifully with various sides and dips. Here are some serving suggestions:
Sides
- Classic: French fries, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes.
- Healthier Options: A fresh green salad or roasted veggies.
- Southern Favorites: Mac and cheese, cornbread, or collard greens.
Dips
- Traditional: Honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
- Spicy: Buffalo sauce or sriracha mayo.
- Sweet and Savory: Honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
How to Store Fried Chicken Tenders
Proper storage ensures your leftovers remain as delicious as the day they were made:
- Refrigeration: Place cooled tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Lay tenders on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Recipe FAQs
Can I bake instead of fry the chicken tenders?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place breaded tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
What oil is best for frying chicken tenders?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Why is my breading falling off?
Ensure the chicken is well-dried before breading and let the breaded tenders rest for 10–15 minutes before frying.
Can I make fried chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the tenders and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying. Fried tenders can also be reheated in the oven or air fryer.
fried chicken tenders
Fried Chicken Tenders : Crispy, golden perfection meets tender, juicy flavor in these irresistible Fried Chicken Tenders! Perfectly seasoned and fried to a satisfying crunch, they’re a comfort food classic that everyone loves.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 cups Italian-style seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 24 chicken tenderloins
- 2 quarts oil for frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 3 tbsp prepared mustard
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Place flour in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk eggs and water. In a third bowl, mix bread crumbs with black pepper and cayenne.
- Coat each tenderloin in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and then press into the bread crumbs. Repeat for all tenders and set aside.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 375°F (190°C).
Fry chicken in small batches for 6–8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels. - In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until smooth.
- Serve the crispy tenders hot with your homemade dipping sauce. Pair with your favorite sides like fries or coleslaw for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 2615Total Fat: 255gSaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 222gCholesterol: 182mgSodium: 786mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 50g
Chickenrecipes.blog, 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
Making fried chicken tenders at home is easier than you think, and the results are worth every effort. With the right techniques, a few simple ingredients, and a little creativity, you can enjoy a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that rivals your favorite takeout. Let us know your favorite way to serve fried chicken tenders in the comments below!
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