Description
Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders are golden, juicy, and perfectly seasoned strips of chicken coated in a crunchy, flavorful breading. They’re easy to make, irresistibly crispy, and ideal for dipping in your favorite sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken tenders, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for extra tenderness).
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture. For extra crunch, dip back into buttermilk and recoat in flour.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken tenders in batches for 5–6 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Double dredging gives extra crispy coating.
- Use a thermometer to keep oil between 340–360°F for best results.
- These tenders can be air-fried at 400°F for 10–12 minutes or baked at 425°F for 20 minutes for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American