Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy fried chicken tender. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, planning a weekend picnic, or simply craving a comforting meal, these crispy fried chicken tenders are the answer to your culinary needs. Lightly seasoned and golden-brown, these tenders are not just delicious—they’re addictive!
Inspired by the classic Southern fried chicken but with a more convenient and kid-friendly twist, this recipe was designed to bring the flavors of crispy, crunchy, tender chicken into your kitchen in under 30 minutes. Paired with a creamy, flavorful dipping sauce, these chicken tenders make a perfect snack, party appetizer, or main course. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into the irresistible world of crispy fried chicken tenders!
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
It’s easy to get lost in the world of takeout or frozen meals, but once you taste homemade crispy fried chicken tenders, you’ll never look back! Here’s why this recipe is the perfect addition to your go-to meal rotation:
- Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside: The magic happens when the chicken crisps up to golden perfection on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside.
- Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and just a few steps, this recipe can be whipped up in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: The crunchy texture and mild flavor make this dish a hit with kids and picky eaters alike. Add a side of fries or veggies, and you’ve got a full meal.
- Versatile: These chicken tenders can be served with a wide variety of dips, from classic ketchup to spicy buffalo sauce or even a tangy barbecue sauce.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a large gathering, these tenders are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
Before you dive into cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients to ensure you’re fully prepared. These simple yet flavorful components will elevate your chicken tenders and create that perfect crunch.
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 pound chicken tenders: This is the star of the show, so opt for fresh, high-quality tenders for the best results.
- 1 cup buttermilk: The tangy buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds a touch of flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily substitute with milk and a splash of lemon juice.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For just the right amount of heat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must-have for depth and savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Pairs perfectly with the garlic powder for a well-rounded seasoning.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the base for the crispy coating.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are the secret to an extra-crunchy coating. They provide a lighter, crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a smoky flavor to the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A little secret ingredient to make the breading puff up, resulting in a light and crispy coating.
- Vegetable oil: For frying! Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil with a high smoke point for the best frying results.
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dipping sauce.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy and rich texture to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk: Ties the sauce together, giving it a slight tang that complements the chicken tenders.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic powder and creates a savory, balanced sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these easy steps to achieve crispy, golden, and flavorful chicken tenders that are sure to become a family favorite.
1. Marinate the Chicken
To start, you’ll want to marinate the chicken in buttermilk. This not only helps tenderize the meat but also infuses it with flavor. In a large bowl, combine the chicken tenders with buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir the mixture to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Prepare the Breading
While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the breading. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, and baking powder. Stir the ingredients together until they are well mixed. The combination of all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs will create the perfect crispy texture on the outside of the chicken.
3. Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to coat it with the breading. Take each chicken tender from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge the chicken tender into the breading mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Press down lightly to ensure the breading sticks well to the chicken.
4. Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil—if it bubbles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
5. Fry the Chicken
Carefully lower the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil, one at a time. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy tenders. Fry the chicken in batches, cooking each batch for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the tenders are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tenders from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Make the Dipping Sauce
While the chicken is frying, it’s the perfect time to prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well-blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your preferences.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken tenders are perfectly fried and crispy, it’s time to serve them up! Arrange the tenders on a serving plate alongside the creamy dipping sauce. Whether you’re enjoying them on your own or sharing with friends and family, these crispy fried chicken tenders are bound to disappear quickly. Serve them with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Best Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
To ensure your chicken tenders turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Use a thermometer: Maintaining the right oil temperature is key to achieving crispy chicken. Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 350°F.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid crowding the pan and ensure even cooking.
- For extra crunch: After breading the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before frying to help the coating set and crisp up even more.
- Flavor variations: Experiment with different seasonings in the breading, such as cayenne pepper, dried herbs, or even grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, drizzle some hot sauce or add cayenne pepper to the dipping sauce for a spicy twist.
Conclusion: Why You Need to Try This Crispy Fried Chicken Tender Recipe
These crispy fried chicken tenders are the perfect blend of juicy, tender chicken and a light, crispy crust that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a quick family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or just a comforting meal on a cozy evening, these chicken tenders are sure to impress. Plus, the creamy homemade dipping sauce adds the perfect touch to elevate the dish.
So, next time you’re craving a delicious, easy-to-make comfort food, skip the takeout and try making these crispy fried chicken tenders at home. They’re bound to become a new family favorite!
Share This Recipe with Your Friends and Family
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Chicken tenders are a crowd-pleaser, and they’re even better when made from scratch with love. Share the recipe on social media or through word of mouth to spread the joy of crispy fried chicken tenders!
Print
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
There’s nothing like a batch of crispy fried chicken tenders to satisfy your cravings for a crunchy, juicy, and flavorful meal. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a golden-brown, crispy exterior with tender chicken inside. Serve these delicious tenders with a creamy dipping sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
– 1 pound chicken tenders
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Dipping Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons buttermilk
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders, buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Prepare the breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, and baking powder. Mix well.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the breading mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken: Fry the chicken tenders in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Serve the crispy fried chicken tenders with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crunch, let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before frying.
- You can adjust the seasoning in the breading or dipping sauce to suit your taste, adding more garlic powder, paprika, or even cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- For a lighter alternative, try baking the tenders at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes