Fried chicken tenders are a comfort food classic—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, and loved by both kids and adults. This dish likely originated from the Southern United States, where fried chicken is a culinary staple. The popularity of tenders lies in their simplicity, quick cooking time, and irresistible crunch.
Their flavor comes from a seasoned buttermilk marinade and a double-dip breading technique that seals in the moisture. Whether served as a snack, main course, or party food, chicken tenders are always a hit!
Ingredients
For the marinade:
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1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast strips
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
For the breading:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
For frying:
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3–4 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Substitutions:
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Buttermilk: Use milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice (let sit for 10 mins)
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Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with gluten-free flour mix
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Low-Fat: Bake or air-fry instead of deep frying
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken (30 mins to overnight):
In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate. -
Prepare the Breading Station:
Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. -
Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy. -
Dredge the Chicken:
Remove chicken from marinade. Shake off excess. Dredge in the flour mixture. For extra crispiness, double-dip: return to marinade briefly, then dredge again. -
Fry Until Golden (3–4 mins per side):
Carefully place tenders in hot oil without overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels. -
Rest and Serve:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Serve hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
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Don’t overcrowd the pan—lowers oil temperature and results in soggy tenders
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Avoid under-seasoning the flour—flavor is key
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Don’t skip resting time—it helps maintain crispiness
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Double Dredging = Maximum Crunch: Dip twice for thicker, crunchier coating.
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Cornstarch + Flour: This combo gives that signature shatteringly crisp crust.
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Thermometer = Your Best Friend: Keep oil at a steady 350°F for even cooking.
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Use a wire rack for draining: Avoid soggy bottoms—paper towels can trap steam.
Variations and Customizations
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Spicy Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
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Herb-Infused: Mix Italian herbs or rosemary into the breading.
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Air Fryer Version: Spray with oil and cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Vegetarian Option: Use tofu strips or seitan in place of chicken.
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Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds for the breading.
Serving Suggestions
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Presentation: Serve on a platter lined with parchment, garnish with parsley or microgreens.
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Dipping Sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, buffalo, or spicy aioli.
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Sides: Coleslaw, fries, cornbread, mac and cheese, or a fresh garden salad.
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Drink Pairings: Sweet tea, lemonade, or a cold lager.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving of 2 tenders)
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Fats: 17g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 450mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bread and refrigerate the tenders up to 6 hours ahead. Fry just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: How do I reheat fried chicken tenders?
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Q: Can I freeze them?
Yes—freeze after frying. Reheat in oven or air fryer directly from frozen.
Closing Thoughts
Fried chicken tenders are the kind of dish that never goes out of style—crispy, juicy, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to win hearts (and stomachs).
