There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a homemade fried chicken tender, is there? The moment that crispy, golden exterior gives way to juicy, tender chicken, it feels like a warm hug for your taste buds! I can still remember the first time I made fried chicken tenders—my family couldn’t get enough of them, and I just knew I had stumbled upon something special. This recipe is straightforward and perfect for beginners, ensuring every batch comes out crispy and juicy. Trust me, once you try making these at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!
Ingredients List
To make the best fried chicken tenders, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a flavor punch! Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk (this is key for that tender, juicy texture!)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for that crispy coating)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance all the flavors)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a lovely color and smokiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill your pan about 2 inches deep)
Make sure you have everything ready before you start, and you’ll be well on your way to delicious fried chicken tenders!
How to Prepare Fried Chicken Tenders
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the joy of making these fried chicken tenders! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the end result is so worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying crispy, juicy tenders in no time!
Marinate the Chicken
The first step is to marinate those chicken strips in buttermilk. Trust me, this is a game-changer! The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds a delicious flavor. Just place your chicken strips in a bowl or a zip-top bag, pour in the buttermilk, and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. If you’ve got more time, letting them marinate for a few hours is even better!
Prepare the Coating
While your chicken is soaking up all that goodness, it’s time to prepare the coating. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Each ingredient plays a role here: the flour gives that amazing crunch, while the spices create a flavor explosion. Make sure it’s well combined so every bite is packed with flavor!
Fry the Chicken
Now we’re getting to the fun part—frying! Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. You’ll want about 2 inches of oil for frying. It’s super important to get the oil hot enough (around 350°F) before adding the chicken; otherwise, you could end up with greasy tenders. Once the oil is hot, take each marinated chicken strip, dredge it in the flour mixture, and gently place it in the oil. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown. Oops! Just a quick safety reminder—be careful not to splash yourself with hot oil. Use a slotted spoon to carefully lift them out when they’re done.
Drain and Serve
Once your chicken tenders are perfectly golden, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This helps absorb any excess oil, keeping them crispy! Now, you can serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces. BBQ, ranch, or honey mustard—whatever makes your taste buds dance!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed with a crispy coating that’s utterly irresistible.
- Ideal for beginners—no fancy techniques required!
- Customizable with your favorite spices or dipping sauces.
- Great for serving a crowd or enjoying as a simple snack.
Tips for Success
To make sure your fried chicken tenders turn out perfectly crispy and juicy, here are some handy tips! First, keep an eye on the oil temperature—if it’s too low, you’ll end up with greasy chicken, and if it’s too high, you might burn the coating. A thermometer is your best friend here! Also, don’t overcrowd the pan; this can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven frying. Fry in batches if you need to! And lastly, let your chicken rest on paper towels after frying—this helps maintain that delightful crunch. Happy frying!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of these delicious fried chicken tenders is estimated to have around 350 calories, 20g of fat, 20g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods. But hey, what matters most is that you’re enjoying a tasty homemade dish!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect fried chicken tenders? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier result, but just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can! Just coat the chicken and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for that crispy texture.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, make sure the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink inside.
Can I freeze leftover chicken tenders?
Yes! Just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll last for about 2-3 months. Reheat them in the oven for the best crunch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftover fried chicken tenders (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), storing them properly is key to keeping that crispy texture. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the tenders on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy again. Trust me, this method works wonders!
Print
Fried Chicken Tenders: 5 Simple Steps to Crispy Joy!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Crispy and juicy fried chicken tenders that are easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
- Fry chicken strips in hot oil until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure oil is hot before frying to avoid greasy chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed.
- Let chicken rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (3 pieces)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: fried chicken tenders, chicken recipe, easy chicken tenders
