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