Crispy Chicken Tenders

Crispy Chicken Tenders are a delightful treat that brings the irresistible crunch of fried chicken to your home kitchen. This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and guarantees a mouthwatering experience with every bite. The secret to the perfect tenders is in the double-coating technique and the combination of spices that infuse the chicken with flavor.

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a game day snack. Not only is it easy to whip up, but you can also make the chicken tenders ahead of time and freeze them for later use.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The double-coating technique ensures an extra crispy exterior.
• A blend of spices adds depth of flavor to each bite.
• Quick preparation means you can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
• Perfectly juicy chicken tenders thanks to the moisture-sealing batter.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create delicious crispy chicken tenders:

For the Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts, cut into strips

For the Coating

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp garlic salt
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt

For the Batter

• 1 cup cornstarch
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 eggs

For Frying

• 2 2/3 cups soybean oil for frying

Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use vegetable oil instead of soybean oil.
• Substitute brown sugar with white sugar.
• Replace cayenne pepper with crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

How to Make It

Start preparing your crispy chicken tenders with these simple steps:

1. Prepare the oil

Heat the soybean oil in a deep pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on the temperature to ensure the oil doesn’t get too hot.

2. Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, baking powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and salt. Stir the mixture until well blended.

3. Prepare the batter

In another bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, water, and eggs until smooth. This will create your wet batter for the chicken.

4. Coat the chicken

Dip each chicken strip into the batter, letting any excess drip off, then coat it with the dry mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.

5. Fry the chicken

Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

6. Drain and serve

Remove the chicken tenders from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, these freeze well for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the oil is at the right temperature for optimal frying.
• Allow the chicken to rest for a minute after frying to retain its juiciness.
• Experiment with your favorite spices to customize the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with honey mustard sauce for dipping.
• Pair with fresh coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
• Enjoy alongside crispy fries or a salad for a complete meal.