Oh, the joy of homemade fried chicken tenders! There’s something so comforting about the crispy, golden exterior giving way to tender, juicy chicken inside. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! Every time I make these, I’m reminded of family gatherings and cozy dinners, where everyone gathers around the table, excited to dig in. Trust me, these fried chicken tenders are not just a meal; they’re an experience of love and togetherness.
What I absolutely adore about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up, making it perfect for cooks of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone just starting their culinary journey, you’ll find that these chicken tenders are straightforward to prepare and deliver big on flavor. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s sure to bring smiles and satisfied bellies. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into making some delicious fried chicken tenders that everyone will love!
Ingredients Overview
Let’s talk about the ingredients that will make your fried chicken tenders absolutely irresistible! First up, we have 1 pound of chicken breast, which I like to cut into strips—this way, they cook evenly and are easy to handle. You can use tenderloins if that’s what you have on hand; they work beautifully too!
Next, you’ll need 1 cup of all-purpose flour. This is the magic dust that gives our chicken that delightful crunch. Make sure it’s nice and fresh for the best results. Then, grab 1 cup of buttermilk. This ingredient is key! It not only tenderizes the chicken but also helps the coating stick like a charm. If you don’t have buttermilk, no worries! You can easily make a substitute by mixing milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice.
For flavor, we’ll add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These spices bring warmth and depth to each bite. Lastly, don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust these to suit your palate, so feel free to be generous! And for frying, you’ll need oil—enough to submerge the chicken strips. I usually use vegetable or canola oil, but any frying oil you prefer will work just fine. Now that you’ve gathered everything, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Fried Chicken Tenders
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get down to the fun part—making those delicious fried chicken tenders! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a plate of crispy goodness in no time!
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Before you start, take a moment to gather all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need two bowls—one for the buttermilk and another for the flour mixture. Also, have a frying pan or deep pot ready, along with a slotted spoon for removing the chicken from the oil. It helps to have some paper towels handy for draining too. A clean and organized workspace will make the process so much smoother!
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In one of your bowls, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything together until it’s well blended. This is where the magic happens! An even coating is essential for that perfect crunch, so don’t rush this step. Make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed in the flour for flavorful chicken tenders.
Step 3: Buttermilk Dipping
Now, let’s get our chicken ready! Dip each chicken strip into the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. This step is crucial because the buttermilk helps the flour mixture stick beautifully to the chicken. You want to ensure each piece is well coated without being overly soggy, so take your time here!
Step 4: Frying the Chicken
Time to fry! Heat your oil in the pan over medium heat. It’s important to get the oil hot enough, about 350°F (175°C), before adding the chicken. You can test the temperature by dropping in a small pinch of the flour mixture—if it sizzles, you’re good to go! Carefully place the chicken strips in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remember to stay close and keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
Step 5: Draining and Serving
Once the chicken tenders are done frying, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them from the oil. Place the tenders on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. This step is important for keeping them crispy! Serve your fried chicken tenders warm and enjoy every crunchy, juicy bite. They’re perfect on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce!
Tips for Success
To achieve perfectly crispy fried chicken tenders, there are a few key tips I always keep in mind! First, make sure your oil is at the right temperature before frying. If it’s too cool, your tenders will absorb more oil and become soggy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. A good rule of thumb is aiming for around 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer for accuracy or do the flour test I mentioned earlier!
Another tip is to avoid overcrowding the pan. Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Instead, fry in batches, giving each tender enough space to crisp up nicely. And don’t forget to let them drain on paper towels after frying; this helps keep them crunchy and not greasy.
Lastly, if you’re looking for extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before coating them. This not only adds more tenderness but also enhances the flavor. Trust me, these little details can make a world of difference in your fried chicken experience!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what we’re eating, right? Here’s a quick look at the nutritional information for these delicious fried chicken tenders. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this an estimate. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 25g of protein, and 20g of fat. If you’re keeping an eye on your diet, feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your needs—there are always ways to make it a bit lighter or healthier while keeping that fantastic flavor!
Variations on Fried Chicken Tenders
There are so many fun ways to switch up your fried chicken tenders, making them even more enjoyable for everyone! If you need a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. It works just as well and still gives you that crispy coating!
If you’re looking for a healthier route, consider baking the chicken tenders instead of frying. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded chicken strips on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may not be as crispy as the fried version, but they’ll still be delicious and much lighter!
You can also experiment with different seasonings in your coating. Try adding some cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or even a touch of lemon zest for a bright flavor. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make these chicken tenders your own!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your crispy fried chicken tenders ready, let’s think about how to serve them up for maximum enjoyment! These tenders shine on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can take your meal to the next level. I love serving them with a fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette; the crisp veggies balance the richness of the chicken beautifully.
For a classic comfort food experience, try pairing your tenders with mashed potatoes and a side of gravy. It’s a match made in heaven! And don’t forget about dipping sauces—honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy ranch dressing work wonderfully. They add an extra layer of flavor that everyone will love. So, set the table, gather your favorite sides, and dig in; you’re in for a real treat!
FAQ About Fried Chicken Tenders
I know you might have a few questions about making the perfect fried chicken tenders, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones together!
How should I store leftover chicken tenders?
To keep your fried chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them; just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer!
What’s the best way to reheat them?
For the crispiest results, I recommend reheating them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer if you have one; it works wonders!
How can I ensure my chicken tenders stay crispy?
To keep your tenders crispy, make sure to drain them well on paper towels after frying, and avoid covering them up, as that can create steam and make them soggy. Also, frying at the right temperature is key—if the oil is too cool, they’ll absorb more oil and lose that delightful crunch.
These tips will help you enjoy your chicken tenders even after the first delicious bite! Happy cooking!
Your Turn to Enjoy!
I can’t wait for you to try making these fried chicken tenders! They’re such a fun and delicious recipe to whip up, and I’d love to hear how yours turn out. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or any creative twists you’ve added to the recipe. If you’ve got any questions, feel free to leave a comment below! Cooking is all about joy and sharing, so let’s connect over our love for great food!
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Homemade Fried Chicken Tenders: 5 Steps to Comforting Joy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and crispy fried chicken tenders that are easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace. Gather all ingredients and tools.
- In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, pour the buttermilk.
- Dip each chicken strip into the buttermilk, then into the flour mixture. Ensure they are well coated.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Carefully place chicken strips in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm and enjoy your meal.
Notes
- For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free flour.
- For a healthier option, bake the chicken tenders at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid soggy tenders.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: fried chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, comfort food
