Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 03, 2025

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Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders: A Recipe for Perfect Bites

Are you craving juicy, crispy chicken tenders? Look no further! This recipe will guide you through making restaurant-quality chicken tenders at home. Get ready for a flavorful explosion in every bite! We'll cover everything from selecting the perfect chicken to achieving that ultimate crispy coating.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick tenders
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a delicious smoky flavor!)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• For the Breadcrumb Coating:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs recommended for extra crispiness)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds amazing flavor)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten

• For Frying:

  • Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying

Instructions: Prepare for Tender Perfection

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.
2. In a medium bowl, season the chicken tenders generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure each tender is evenly coated.

Step 2: Create the Breading Station

1. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese (if using).

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders

1. Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's fully coated.
2. Dip the floured tender into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
3. Finally, coat the tender thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

1. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature accurately.
2. Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches if necessary.
3. Fry for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).

Step 5: Drain and Serve

1. Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
2. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or sriracha mayo.

Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders:

• Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in greasy tenders.
• Double breading: For extra crispy tenders, you can repeat steps 3-4 (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) for a thicker, crispier coating.
• Let the chicken rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after frying to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken tender.

Serving Suggestions:

These crispy chicken tenders are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a main course with your favorite sides like fries, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes. They're also great as appetizers or snacks. Get creative and enjoy!

This detailed recipe, along with helpful tips and serving suggestions, will ensure you create mouthwatering chicken tenders every time. Happy cooking!