Why You’ll Love Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe
This fried chicken tender recipe is quick, simple, and packed with flavor. The buttermilk marinade keeps the meat moist and juicy, while the seasoned flour coating ensures a crispy, flavorful crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or game day, these tenders are always a crowd-pleaser. They also pair well with your favorite dipping sauces or sides like fries, coleslaw, or mac and cheese.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb chicken tenders
2 cups buttermilk
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Oil for frying
Directions
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Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
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In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and dredge them in the seasoned flour until fully coated.
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Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
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Carefully add the coated chicken tenders to the hot oil and fry for 5–6 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes active
Calories: Approximately 300 per tender
Variations
Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk for a spicy kick.
Herbed Coating: Mix dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley into the flour mixture.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Oven-Baked Alternative: Bake tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer Method: Cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. For freezing, place tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
FAQs
How do I make the coating extra crispy?
Double dredging the tenders in flour after marinating can help create a thicker, crunchier crust.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips and follow the same method.
What oil is best for frying chicken tenders?
Use a high smoke point oil like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil for best results.
Can I marinate the chicken too long?
Marinating overnight is ideal, but more than 24 hours may break down the meat too much, making it mushy.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The outside should be golden brown and crispy.
Can I use a different seasoning?
Absolutely! Customize with chili powder, onion powder, cumin, or other spices based on your taste.
Do I need a deep fryer?
No. A deep, heavy skillet or Dutch oven works perfectly fine as long as the oil reaches the correct temperature.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. You can fry them ahead, let them cool, and reheat in the oven to crisp them up before serving.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes. Store in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer for a quick meal or snack.
What are the best dipping sauces for chicken tenders?
Popular options include ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or a spicy mayo.
Conclusion
These Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders are a deliciously simple and satisfying dish that works for any occasion. With a juicy center, crunchy coating, and endless customization options, they’re bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some comfort food, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
These crispy fried chicken tenders are juicy on the inside and perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, ideal for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (+1 hour marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes active (+1 hour marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
- In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the seasoned flour until well coated.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken tenders for 5–6 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crispy tenders, double-dip in buttermilk and flour mixture.
- Use a thermometer to keep oil at consistent frying temperature.
- Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tender
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
