Description
Crispy fried chicken tenders are a cherished family meal, offering an irresistible crunch and juicy interior. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and outshines any fast food option.
Ingredients
- 1–2 pounds Chicken Tenders
- 1 Egg, beaten with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Vegetable Oil, for frying
Instructions
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a 9-inch skillet over medium-high heat to 365-375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper, stirring well.
- In another bowl, beat the egg and mix it with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and coat again with flour.
- Let the tenders rest for about 5 minutes to set the breading.
- Check oil temperature; it should sizzle when flour is dropped in.
- Add chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches, frying for approximately 8-10 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the cooked tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Season the flour well for maximum flavor.
- Maintain oil temperature between 365-375°F for optimal crispiness.
- Allow breaded tenders to rest for 5 minutes before frying.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Drain fried tenders on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Substitute chicken tenders with boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Add cayenne pepper to the flour mix for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate dried herbs like paprika or oregano into the flour mixture for an aromatic flavor boost.
- Swap half the all-purpose flour with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
- Mix grated parmesan cheese into the flour for a cheesy twist.
- Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Bake breaded tenders at 400°F for 15-20 minutes for a healthier alternative.
- Soak chicken in buttermilk before breading for enhanced tenderness and flavor.
- Store seasoned flour in an airtight container up to 3 days ahead.
- Dredge chicken tenders and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooled tenders in a zippered freezer bag with parchment paper for up to 3 months.
- Reheat by baking at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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