Fried Chicken Tenders are a beloved comfort food that never goes out of style. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these golden morsels are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family meal, or indulging in a late-night snack. This fried chicken tenders recipe combines simple ingredients with a flawless cooking method, allowing you to achieve restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will absolutely adore this fried chicken tenders recipe for several reasons. First, the flavor is out of this world, thanks to a perfectly seasoned breading that balances crunch with savory goodness. Second, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Plus, these tenders can easily fit into various diets; whether you’re a meat lover or looking to whip up something for the kids, they are universally appealing—kids and adults alike will be clamoring for more!
Tips and Tricks
To achieve the best results with this fried chicken tenders recipe, keep these tips in mind:
- Marinate the Chicken: For maximum flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken in buttermilk or a seasoned brine for at least 30 minutes, or ideally a few hours.
- Double Breading: For an extra-crispy texture, consider double breading your tenders. Dip them in the egg wash, coat them in flour, dip again in the egg wash, and then coat once more in flour.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F. This ensures a crispy coating and prevents the chicken from becoming greasy.
- Let Them Rest: After frying, let the tenders rest on a wire rack for a few minutes to maintain their crispiness.
Make Ahead Tips
For those who love to meal prep, here are some tips for making this recipe ahead of time:
- Marinate: You can marinate the chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Breading: You can also bread the chicken a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, until frying.
- Freezing: If you want to prepare the tenders for future use, you can freeze them after breading. Lay them flat on a baking sheet until they are firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with this fried chicken tenders recipe by trying these variations:
- Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, or hot sauce to your marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused Breading: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary into your flour mixture for added flavor.
- Air Fryer Version: For a healthier option, try cooking the tenders in an air fryer. Spray them lightly with oil and cook at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Serve
To serve your fried chicken tenders, arrange them neatly on a platter or plate. Pair them with a side of creamy ranch or honey mustard dip for an extra layer of flavor. For a colorful presentation, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika. Serve alongside crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your fried chicken tenders with refreshing beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or an ice-cold beer. If you prefer cocktails, a classic gin and tonic or a fruity mojito would complement the dish beautifully. For side dishes, consider pairing with mac and cheese, cornbread, or a zesty potato salad. Top off the meal with a slice of apple pie or chocolate cake for dessert.
How to Store
To store leftovers, allow the fried chicken tenders to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be reheated in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes or in an air fryer until heated through.
Equipment Needed
You will need a few essential kitchen tools for this recipe:
- Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot: For frying the tenders.
- Cooking Thermometer: To ensure the oil temperature is just right.
- Wire Rack: To allow tenders to drain after frying.
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating and breading the chicken.
Dietary Adaptations
If you need to adapt this recipe for dietary restrictions, here are some suggestions:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for breading.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar.
- Vegan: Use plant-based chicken alternatives and substitute eggs with a flaxseed meal paste (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
Seasonal Adaptations
Seasonal ingredients can enhance your fried chicken tenders. In the summer, pair them with fresh garden vegetables for a colorful salad. In the fall, consider adding pumpkin or apple slices to your salad, or serve with a warm squash soup for a comforting meal.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes, just cut them into strips. Adjust the cooking time as they may take longer.
- What can I substitute for buttermilk? You can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a buttermilk substitute.
- Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Fried Chicken Tenders
Fried Chicken Tenders are a beloved comfort food that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders and buttermilk. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Prepare the Breading: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each batch for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and Rest: Use a slotted spoon to remove the tenders and place them on a wire rack to drain any excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 519Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 55mgSodium 1554mgCarbohydrates 50gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 27g
Dinnerfocus.com, 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
This fried chicken tenders recipe is a surefire way to please your family and friends. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll find it easy to whip up a batch of mouthwatering tenders at any time. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the fryer or saving some for later, these tenders are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
