Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe: Golden Goodness Made Simple

Crafting the perfect crispy chicken tenders requires a delicate balance of technique and flavor that will make your taste buds dance.

Crunchy exterior meets tender meat in this irresistible dish that breaks free from ordinary dinner routines.

Kitchen experiments often lead to delightful surprises, and these tenders prove that simple ingredients can create magic.

Secret spices and a clever coating technique ensure each bite delivers maximum crunch and satisfaction.

You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds before the first plate is even empty.

Crisp, golden, and impossibly addictive, these chicken tenders are about to become your new dinnertime obsession.

Dive into this recipe and watch everyone around the table light up with excitement.

Reasons Crispy Chicken Tenders Are Always a Hit

• The blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika creates a mouthwatering seasoning that transforms ordinary chicken into a crunchy, irresistible dish.
• These crispy chicken tenders work magic for family dinners, game night snacks, or casual gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults with their golden, crunchy exterior and tender interior.
• Pair with your favorite sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ to create a personalized flavor adventure that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Key Ingredients to Make Crispy Chicken Tenders at Home

• Chicken Strips: Tender meat that provides the main protein and flavor for the dish.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor to the meat.

• All-Purpose Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Create a flavorful and crispy coating that adds texture and seasoning to the chicken tenders.

• Cooking Oil: Enables frying and helps create a golden, crispy exterior for the chicken tenders.

• Ranch Sauce, Honey Mustard Sauce, BBQ Sauce: Provide delicious dipping options that complement the crispy chicken tenders.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Tenders Step by Step

Step 1: Soak Chicken in Buttermilk Bath

Grab your chicken tenders and submerge them completely in buttermilk.

Allow the chicken to relax and soften in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

This magical bath helps break down proteins, making your chicken super tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Breading

• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and ready to create a crunchy coating.

Step 3: Dredge Chicken in Seasoned Flour

Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip away.

Roll each tender generously in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating.

The flour will stick beautifully to the buttermilk-coated chicken.

Step 4: Heat Oil to Crispy Perfection

Select a heavy-bottomed skillet and pour in enough oil to reach about 1 inch deep.

Warm the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a sizzling 350°F.

A kitchen thermometer helps ensure the perfect temperature for golden, crispy tenders.

Step 5: Fry Chicken to Golden Deliciousness

Gently lower chicken tenders into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Fry each side for 4-5 minutes until they transform into a gorgeous golden-brown color.

The exterior will be irresistibly crunchy while the inside remains juicy.

Step 6: Drain and Serve Immediately

Transfer freshly fried tenders onto a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve piping hot alongside your favorite dipping sauces like tangy ranch, sweet honey mustard, or smoky barbecue sauce.

Tips for Achieving Golden, Crunchy Chicken Tenders

• Soaking chicken in buttermilk breaks down proteins, creating incredibly tender and juicy meat that melts in your mouth.
• Press flour mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crispy coating that won't fall off during frying.
• Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure oil stays around 350F, preventing soggy or burnt chicken tenders.
• Let fried tenders sit on paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain maximum crispiness before serving.
• Swap wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Reheat Crispy Chicken Tenders Without Drying Out

• Transfer cooled chicken tenders to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain crispiness.
• Place completely cooled tenders in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet to help retain crispiness. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Set air fryer to 375°F. Arrange tenders in a single layer without overcrowding. Reheat for 3-4 minutes, turning once to restore original crunchiness and heat thoroughly.

Perfect Sides to Serve with Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Cool Ranch Refresh: Serve alongside a chilled ranch dressing with fresh chopped herbs, adding a tangy and creamy counterpoint to the crispy, hot chicken.
• Beer Buddy Match: Crack open a light, crisp pilsner or wheat beer that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken, providing a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Zesty Slaw Companion: Create a quick apple-cabbage coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing to add crunch and acidity that balances the deep-fried chicken's heaviness.
• Sweet Heat Dip Combo: Whip up a honey-sriracha sauce that combines sweet and spicy elements, elevating the chicken's flavor profile with a dynamic taste experience.

Creative Coatings and Flavors for Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version. Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to ensure crispy coating.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap flour with crushed pork rinds or finely ground almond meal. Season with extra spices to boost flavor and maintain crispy texture.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: Skip frying and bake chicken tenders on a wire rack at 425F for 15-20 minutes. Spray with cooking oil and flip halfway to achieve golden crispiness.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute buttermilk with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar. Use olive oil spray instead of buttermilk marinade for lighter coating.

FAQs

• Why buttermilk for marinating chicken tenders?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat by breaking down proteins, making chicken more soft and juicy while adding subtle tangy flavor that enhances overall taste.

• How do I know the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a kitchen thermometer to check temperature at 180C/350F, or drop a small piece of bread into oil – if it sizzles and turns golden within 15 seconds, the oil is ready for frying.

• Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 425F for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, but they won’t be as crispy as the fried version. Spray with cooking oil to help achieve a crunchier texture.

• What makes the breading extra crispy?

The combination of buttermilk marinade and well-seasoned flour mixture creates a perfect coating. Pressing flour mixture firmly onto chicken and maintaining correct oil temperature ensures maximum crispiness.

Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy chicken tenders deliver golden, crunchy perfection with a delightful blend of seasoned breading and tender meat. Guaranteed to satisfy hunger, these crowd-pleasing morsels promise delicious comfort you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) chicken breast, cut into strips

Breading and Seasoning:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Cooking:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• Oil for frying

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Submerge chicken strips in buttermilk and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption.
2. Create a seasoned coating by combining flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a wide, shallow container.
3. Extract chicken strips from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip away, then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Prepare a large skillet with oil, heating to 180C/350F until the surface appears shimmery and rippling, indicating optimal frying temperature.
5. Gently introduce chicken strips into the hot oil, maintaining space between pieces to prevent overcrowding and ensure consistent crispiness. Fry for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, rotating once to achieve a deep golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
6. Transfer fried chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispness. Allow brief resting period before serving with complementary dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or tangy BBQ.

Notes

• Use buttermilk at room temperature to help chicken absorb more flavor and create a more tender texture.
• Experiment with different spice blends in the flour mixture for unique flavor profiles like adding cayenne for heat or dried herbs for complexity.
• Let chicken rest after coating to help breading adhere better and create a crunchier exterior during frying.
• For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to maintain crispy coating.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg