Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders (Print Version)

Juicy chicken tenders marinated, coated, and fried to a golden crisp with seasoned flour for a flavorful dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 1.1 lbs chicken tenders
02 - 1 cup buttermilk
03 - 1 tsp salt
04 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder

→ Coating

07 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 1 1/2 tsp paprika
09 - 1 tsp salt
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
11 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
12 - 1 tsp baking powder

→ Frying

13 - 2 cups vegetable oil

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Whisk together buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Add chicken tenders and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
02 - Combine flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and baking powder in a shallow dish. Whisk until spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
03 - Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-high heat until temperature reaches 350°F. Use a cooking thermometer to verify oil temperature.
04 - Remove chicken tenders from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Press each tender firmly into the flour mixture, ensuring complete coating on all sides. Shake off any loose flour.
05 - Carefully place chicken tenders in hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Adjust heat as needed to maintain 350°F.
06 - Transfer fried tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow coating to set and juices to redistribute.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • Perfectly Crispy: The baking powder in the coating creates an extra-light, ultra-crispy crust that stays crunchy even after the chicken cools down.
  • Tender and Juicy: Buttermilk marination ensures the chicken remains moist and tender on the inside while developing a beautiful golden crust outside.
  • Family-Friendly: Chicken tenders are universally loved, making this recipe a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults at any gathering.
  • Easy Preparation: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you can recreate restaurant-quality fried chicken right in your own kitchen.
02 -
  • Marinate Longer: For the most flavorful and tender results, marinate the chicken overnight—this extra time allows the buttermilk to fully penetrate the meat.
  • Temperature Matters: Always use a cooking thermometer to check that your oil stays at 175°C (350°F) and that the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F) internally for safe consumption.
  • Don't Skip the Rest: Letting the fried chicken rest for 2 minutes on paper towels allows the coating to set and excess oil to drain, ensuring maximum crispiness.
  • Keep Warm: If making a large batch, keep cooked tenders warm in a 200°F (90°C) oven while frying the rest—this prevents them from getting cold without making them soggy.
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