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Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe Better Than Fast Food Easy

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These crispy homemade chicken tenders are juicy on the inside and perfectly seasoned with a double-dip coating technique, delivering a crunch better than fast food. Ready in under 30 minutes, they are perfect for any occasion and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds fresh chicken tenderloins or chicken breast cut into strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes)
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • About 3 cups vegetable oil (peanut or canola oil recommended for frying)

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken tenders and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken tenders and buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
  4. Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl.
  5. Pour oil into a heavy-duty skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dip each tender first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and back into the flour for a double coating.
  7. Carefully place tenders in hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side (6-8 minutes total), or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep crispy. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best results. Double-dip the chicken for extra crispy coating. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid greasy tenders. Rest tenders on a wire rack to keep crust crispy. For a lighter version, bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tenders, crispy chicken, homemade chicken tenders, fried chicken, easy chicken recipe, kid-friendly, quick dinner

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/crispy-homemade-chicken-tenders-recipe-better-than-fast-food-easy/