Description
These Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders are juicy, flavorful, and have a perfect crackly crust that makes them irresistibly good. Ideal for a quick meal or snack, this recipe will have you craving for more.
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken tenders – 1½ pounds
- Buttermilk – 1 cup
- Large egg – 1
- All-purpose flour – 1½ cups
- Cornstarch – ¼ cup
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Kosher salt – 1¼ teaspoons
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Neutral oil (like peanut or canola) – about 3 cups
- Cayenne pepper – ¼ teaspoon
- Dried oregano – ½ teaspoon
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, large egg, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Add the chicken tenders and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper and oregano for added flavor.
- Heat the neutral oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
- Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the tenders from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Season with a pinch of kosher salt.
- Serve hot and enjoy your crispy fried chicken tenders!
Notes
For best results, let the chicken marinate in the buttermilk overnight for extra tenderness. Adjust spices according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 chicken tenders
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders, chicken recipe, fried chicken, easy chicken tenders, quick meals