Hey there my friend 👋. If you love crispy, crunchy chicken tenders, you are in for a treat. I have the perfect recipe that gives you golden, crunchy, and juicy chicken tenders every time. And guess what? You don’t need a deep fryer. My simple tricks will make sure you get the best crisp without the grease.
Let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Baking sheet (if baking) or frying pan (if frying)
- Wire rack (for draining excess oil or resting baked tenders)
- Knife and cutting board
Important Info
- Servings: 4 servings (about 12 tenders)
- Estimated Cost: It costs about $10 to make this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 320 calories
- Cook Method: Frying or Baking
- Season: Anytime
- Courses: Appetizer, Lunch, Main Course, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: Halal Diet, LowLactoseDiet
How to Make Crispy Chicken Tenders
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Oil for frying (if frying)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Buttermilk | 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice |
| Panko breadcrumbs | Crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs |
| All-purpose flour | Whole wheat flour |
| Cayenne pepper | Chili powder |
| Baking powder | Cornstarch |
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken tenders and coat them well. Cover and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra juiciness).
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, panko breadcrumbs, and baking powder.
- Take each chicken tender from the buttermilk, dip it in the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour-breadcrumb mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to make sure it sticks.
- If frying: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the tenders for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- If baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with cooking oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- For extra crispiness, double coat the tenders by dipping them in the egg and flour mixture twice.
- Let the coated chicken sit for 5 minutes before frying or baking to help the coating stick.
- Use a meat thermometer. The tenders are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. This keeps the oil temperature stable and gives you a better crunch.
- If baking, place a wire rack over the baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate and keeps the bottom from getting soggy.
What to Serve with Crispy Chicken Tenders
Crispy chicken tenders go well with so many things. You can serve them with:
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw or a fresh salad
- Mac and cheese
- Mashed potatoes
- Garlic bread
- Dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like serving these tenders on a wooden board with a variety of dipping sauces. If you are making them for a gathering, place them in a basket lined with parchment paper for a cozy feel.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Game nights – Everyone loves finger foods while watching a game.
- Kids’ lunchboxes – Pack them with a side of fruit and some dipping sauce.
- Picnics – They stay crispy and can be eaten cold.
- Parties – Great for serving a crowd. Just make a big batch and keep them warm in the oven.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you plan to eat them within a few hours, place them on a wire rack to stay crispy.
- Avoid covering them immediately, as steam can make them soggy.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezing
- To freeze, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat from frozen in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes, you can. Just cut the chicken breast into strips about the same size as tenders.
Can I air-fry these instead of deep frying?
Yes, air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I make them spicy?
Add extra cayenne pepper or use hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these?
Honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo go great with these tenders.
