These chicken tenders are incredibly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The secret to the extra crispiness often involves a double coating or the addition of ingredients like cornstarch or crushed cornflakes to the breading. They are perfect for dipping and are a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips (tenders)
- Marinade (Optional, for extra flavor and tenderness):
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 cup crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for added texture
- Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
- Oil for Frying:
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long.
- Marinate the Chicken (Optional): In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the chicken tenders, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Set Up the Breading Stations:
- In one shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. If using crushed cornflakes or panko, you can mix them into this flour mixture for extra crispiness.
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk (or water) for the egg wash.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade (letting any excess drip off).
- Dredge each chicken tender thoroughly in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Dip the flour-coated tender into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Dredge the tender again in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating. This double coating helps create extra crispiness. If using cornflakes or panko, make sure they adhere well during this second coating.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1-2 inches of oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to around 325-350°F (160-175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature if you have one.
- Fry the Chicken Tenders: Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary).
- Fry Until Golden and Cooked Through: Fry the chicken tenders for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked chicken tenders with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chicken tenders immediately while they are still hot and crunchy with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips and Notes:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, not crispy, tenders.
- Oil Temperature is Key: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for crispy and evenly cooked chicken.
- Double Breading: The double breading technique significantly contributes to the extra crispy texture.
- Optional Breading Additions: Crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs add fantastic crunch. You can also add a bit of baking powder to the flour mixture for a lighter crisp.
- Baking Option: For a healthier option, you can bake the breaded tenders. Place them on a wire rack on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden and cooked through. You can spray them lightly with cooking oil before baking for better browning.
- Air Fryer Option: Chicken tenders can also be cooked in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the breaded tenders with cooking oil and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Enjoy your incredibly crispy and delicious chicken tenders! They’re perfect with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or any other dipping sauce you love.