Crispy Homemade Golden Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy golden fried chicken tenders have been a crowd-pleasing favorite for generations.

This mouthwatering recipe delivers perfectly seasoned and crunchy tenders that dance with flavor in every bite.

The secret lies in a carefully crafted coating that locks in juiciness while creating an irresistible golden exterior.

Salt, pepper, and a blend of spices elevate these tenders from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each tender emerges from the hot oil with a beautiful golden-brown crunch that beckons hungry divers.

The combination of buttermilk marinade and seasoned flour creates a magical transformation that guarantees restaurant-quality results at home.

Prepare to savor every delectable morsel of these irresistible chicken tenders that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Fried Chicken Tenders

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy flavor, choose full-fat version for richer results.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep, concentrated garlic essence without moisture, look for fresh, aromatic brands.
• Onion Powder: Delivers sweet and savory undertones, select finely ground varieties for even distribution.
• Paprika: Adds warm color and mild pepper complexity, opt for sweet or smoked types based on preference.
• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasoning agents that enhance overall taste profile.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Creates ultra-crispy exterior with light, delicate crunch, select unbleached flour for better texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps coating become extra puffy and crisp, ensure it's fresh for maximum rise.
• Eggs: Acts as binding agent for breading, choose large eggs at room temperature.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides neutral flavor and high smoke point for perfect golden-brown results, use fresh oil for cleanest taste.

Tools to Make Chicken Tenders at Home

• Large bowl: Essential for marinating chicken and mixing dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs and creating smooth mixtures.
• Deep skillet or fryer: Critical for heating oil and frying chicken tenders evenly.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely moving chicken in and out of hot oil.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for measuring marinade and coating ingredients.

How to Fry Up Those Chicken Tenders

• Soak and Season Chicken

Dive deep into flavor by immersing chicken strips in a zesty buttermilk bath. Sprinkle in garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken relax and absorb all those mouthwatering seasonings in the refrigerator for a few hours.

• Create Crunchy Coating

Whip up a magical mixture of flour, cornstarch, and subtle spices. Crack some eggs into a separate bowl, ready to transform your chicken into a crispy delight.

• Dress the Chicken

Rescue chicken from its buttermilk spa and let excess liquid drip away. Lovingly coat each tender in the flour blend, then dunk in eggs, and give it another flour massage to ensure maximum crunchiness.

• Fire Up the Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet until it shimmers with delicious potential. Aim for a toasty 350F temperature that promises golden perfection.

• Fry to Crispy Goodness

Gently lower chicken tenders into the hot oil, letting them dance and turn a gorgeous golden brown. Cook until they’re perfectly done, about 4-5 minutes per side. Ensure the inside reaches a safe 165F.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate those gorgeous tenders and grab your favorite dipping sauce. Barbecue, ranch, or honey mustard are perfect companions for this crispy feast.

Tricks to Change Up Your Chicken Tenders Routine

• Pat chicken tenders completely dry before marinating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading.
• Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same crispy texture.
• Bake chicken tenders in a preheated 425F oven on a wire rack for 20-25 minutes, spraying lightly with cooking spray to achieve a similar golden crust with less oil.
• Experiment with adding cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the marinade for those who enjoy extra heat, creating a zesty flavor profile.
• Prepare breaded chicken tenders ahead of time and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick weeknight meals – fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.

Serving Fried Chicken Tenders With Flair

• Sauce Sensation: Elevate your crispy chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces like tangy ranch, sweet honey mustard, or smoky barbecue to create a flavor explosion.
• Sidekick Pairings: Complement the golden tenders with creamy coleslaw, crispy french fries, or a fresh summer salad for a complete and satisfying meal that balances textures and flavors.
• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the chicken tenders on a large platter surrounded by colorful dipping sauces, creating an interactive and fun dining experience for gatherings, game nights, or casual get-togethers.
• Leftover Magic: Slice cold tenders and toss into salads, wrap in tortillas, or chop for a protein-packed topping on nachos to transform your meal into exciting next-day delights.

Store or Prep Your Chicken Tenders Like a Pro

• Store leftover chicken tenders in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for maximum 3-4 days to maintain crispy texture and food safety.
• Revive cold tenders by placing them on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Warm in preheated 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy edges return.
• Wrap individual tenders in parchment paper, stack in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best quality.
• Prepare chicken tenders in large batches during weekends. Portion into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label with date and contents for organized meal planning.

Golden Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling “crispy fried chicken tenders” bring southern comfort straight to your plate with golden-brown perfection. These irresistible morsels deliver a crunchy exterior and juicy interior that will make you crave another bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g (1 lb) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
• Dipping sauces (e.g., ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Infusion: Immerse chicken strips in a zesty buttermilk blend with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
2. Coating Preparation: Create a textural coating by combining flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk eggs separately for a crisp, golden exterior.
3. Dredging Technique: Extract chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip away. Meticulously coat each tender first in seasoned flour mixture, then egg wash, and finally return to flour mixture, ensuring a robust, crunchy layer.
4. Oil Calibration: Preheat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to a precise 350F (175C), creating the optimal environment for achieving a perfectly crisp exterior.
5. Frying Mastery: Carefully lower chicken tenders into hot oil, cooking in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a rich golden-brown color and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). Drain excess oil on paper towels to maintain crispiness.
6. Presentation: Serve immediately with complementary dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce, enhancing the culinary experience.

Notes

• Longer marinating time enhances flavor and tenderness, with 2-4 hours ideal for maximum taste absorption.
• Press flour mixture gently onto chicken to create a thick, even crust that ensures maximum crispiness without falling off during frying.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature at 350F to prevent soggy or burnt chicken tenders; use a digital thermometer for accuracy.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg