Fried Chicken Tenders

There’s something truly special about Fried Chicken Tenders. Picture this: it’s a cozy Friday evening, and the aroma of crispy, golden-brown chicken fills the kitchen. I remember the very first time I made these tenders; it was an impromptu dinner for friends, and you could see their eyes light up when I set the platter on the table. Each bite was juicy and perfectly seasoned, and the laughter that followed filled the room with warmth. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a memory-maker, bringing everyone together over a plate of homemade goodness.

Main Ingredients for Fried Chicken Tenders

The beauty of Fried Chicken Tenders lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that classic taste we all crave. The tender chicken serves as the base, complemented by the creamy buttermilk for marination. A blend of spices and flour creates the perfect crispy coating that seals in all the juiciness. Together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavor and texture.

• 1½ pounds chicken tenders (about 10 tenders) – The star of this dish; tender and juicy, these pieces of chicken are the perfect choice for frying.
• 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying) – Essential for frying, it gives the chicken that golden-brown color and crispy texture.
• 1½ cups buttermilk – This adds moisture and flavor, ensuring the chicken stays juicy while frying.
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco hot sauce – A dash of heat that enhances the flavor without overpowering the dish.
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour – Forming the crispy coating, it’s vital for achieving that crunchy exterior.
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt – Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt – For seasoning, it helps to elevate the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper – Offers a subtle kick that complements the chicken well.
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika – This gives a warm color and a hint of smokiness to the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the flavor profile with a mild onion taste.

Step by Step Instructions for Fried Chicken Tenders

Ready to dive into the delicious world of Fried Chicken Tenders? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to creating crispy, flavorful tenders that everyone will love. Let’s get started!

1. Make sure that your chicken is completely thawed, drained, and then pat dry with paper towels. This ensures a crispy coating rather than a soggy one. Prepare 1½ pounds of chicken tenders for frying.
2. In a Dutch oven or a heavy stock pot, fill it with at least 4 cups of vegetable oil, aiming for a depth of about 4 to 6 inches. Heat the oil until it reaches a temperature of 350°F. This will take about 15 minutes, so start warming the oil while prepping the chicken.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and Tabasco hot sauce. This mixture will help create a flavorful base for your tenders.
4. In a separate shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic salt, coarse sea salt, coarse black pepper, ground paprika, and onion powder. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are combined thoroughly.
5. Take each piece of the chicken and dip it into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Make sure each side is thoroughly covered to ensure an excellent crispy exterior.
6. Next, dip the flour-coated chicken tenders into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. This step helps the flour stick better.
7. Once again, dip the chicken back into the flour mixture, ensuring a thick, even coating. For extra crispy tenders, repeat this process one more time.
8. Carefully drop one piece of chicken at a time into the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot to maintain the temperature. Fry until the chicken is cooked through, typically around 5 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F, and the coating should be a deep golden brown.
9. Once cooked, place the fried chicken on paper towels or brown paper bags to soak up any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy without being greasy.

Change It Up

There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Here are some tips to transform your Fried Chicken Tenders experience:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in an oven to regain their crispiness.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these tenders! Ensure they are completely cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a tangy dipping sauce for a complete meal.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices in the flour mixture like cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.
• Healthier Options: Consider air frying for a lighter version that still delivers on crunch and flavor.

Serving Options for Fried Chicken Tenders

When it comes to serving Fried Chicken Tenders, the possibilities are endless! Here’s how you can elevate your dining experience:

• Classic Dips: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce to cater to different tastes.
• Perfect for Lunch Boxes: These tenders make a great addition to lunch boxes. Pair them with some fresh veggies and a small container of your favorite dip.
• Game Day Snack: Perfect for gatherings, you can serve them on a platter with several condiments and sides for a fun appetizer spread.
• Family Dinners: Serve them alongside mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a comforting family meal.
• Seasonal Pairings: In summer, pair with coleslaw and corn on the cob, while in winter, mashed potatoes and gravy are a hit!

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fried Chicken Tenders are truly a delightful dish that brings joy to any meal. Their crispy texture paired with juicy chicken makes them a favorite among family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying them on a cozy night in or serving them at a gathering, they are sure to impress. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and create your own delicious memories!

Fried Chicken Tenders

The ultimate comfort food, Fried Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, they are sure to satisfy your cravings. Make them tonight for a delightful meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 5 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1½ pounds chicken tenders about 10 tenders
• 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 1½ cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco hot sauce
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Deep Fryer
• Instant-Read Thermometer

Method

 

1. Ensure that your chicken is completely thawed, drained, and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a Dutch oven or a heavy stock pot, fill it with at least 4 cups of vegetable oil and heat until it reaches 350°F.
3. In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and Tabasco hot sauce in a large bowl.
4. In a separate shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic salt, coarse sea salt, coarse black pepper, ground paprika, and onion powder. Mix well.
5. Take each piece of the chicken and dip it into the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
6. Dip the flour-coated chicken tenders into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
7. Once again, dip the chicken back into the flour mixture for a thick coating.
8. Carefully drop the chicken into the hot oil and fry until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the coating is golden brown.
9. Place the fried chicken on paper towels to soak up excess oil.

Notes

• Tip 1: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial.
• Tip 2: Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking.
• Tip 3: An instant-read thermometer is your best friend.
• Tip 4: Let the fried chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after cooking.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!