Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These chicken tenders are:
- Super crispy outside
- Juicy and tender inside
- Perfectly seasoned
- Better than takeout
- Kid & adult approved
- Great for parties
- Amazing with dipping sauces
And the crunch? LOUD crunch 😍
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken
- 500 g chicken breast (cut into strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Seasoned Flour Coating
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (extra crisp)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne (optional spicy)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Frying
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
## Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl mix:
- chicken strips
- buttermilk
- salt
- pepper
Cover and marinate at least 30 minutes
(2 hours = even better)
This makes chicken juicy and tender.
## Step 2 – Prepare the Coating
In another bowl mix:
- flour
- cornstarch
- paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- pepper
- cayenne
Mix well.
Seasoning is EVERYTHING.
## Step 3 – Coat the Chicken
Take marinated chicken straight from buttermilk.
Dredge in flour mixture.
Press firmly.
For extra crispy coating:
👉 Dip again in buttermilk
👉 Back into flour
Double coating = extra crunch.
Let coated chicken rest 10 minutes before frying.
This helps crust stick.
## Step 4 – Fry
Heat oil to 170–180°C (340–350°F).
Carefully add chicken pieces.
Fry 4–6 minutes until:
- deep golden brown
- crispy
- internal temp 75°C
Don’t overcrowd pan.
Remove and place on wire rack (not paper towel).
Rack keeps it crispy.
## Texture & Taste (What to Expect)
First bite:
CRUNCH
Then juicy hot chicken
Then seasoning kick
It’s:
crispy
savory
slightly spicy
super satisfying
Better than fast food. No joke.
## Pro Tips for Ultra Crunch
Use cornstarch
Makes lighter crisp
Don’t skip resting after coating
Helps crust hold
Oil temperature is key
Too low = greasy
Too high = burnt
Fry in small batches
Keeps temperature stable
Use wire rack
Prevents soggy bottom
## Dipping Sauce Ideas
Perfect with:
- spicy mayo (mayo + hot sauce)
- honey mustard
- garlic sauce
- BBQ sauce
- buffalo sauce
- ranch
Or mix mayo + ketchup + garlic powder for quick dip.
## Oven or Air Fryer Option
Air Fryer
Spray with oil
Cook 200°C for 12–15 minutes
Flip halfway
Oven
Bake 220°C for 20–25 minutes
Flip once
Not as crispy as deep fry… but still good.
## Flavor Variations
Extra spicy
Add more cayenne + chili powder
Southern style
Add dried thyme + white pepper
Parmesan crust
Mix grated Parmesan in flour
Cornflake crust
Mix crushed cornflakes for extra crunch
## Storage & Reheating
Fridge
3 days
Reheat
Air fryer 5 minutes
Oven 10 minutes
Avoid microwave (makes soft).
## Final Thoughts
If someone asks:
Eat or pass?
For golden crispy tenders like this?
You already know the answer