Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are popular because they are:
- Crispy outside and juicy inside
- Easy to prepare
- Loved by both kids and adults
- Perfect for dipping sauces
- Great for meals or snacks
The secret is in the seasoning and the coating technique.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Chicken
- 500 g chicken breast (cut into strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Crispy Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Frying
- Vegetable oil or sunflower oil
Why Marinating Makes a Difference
Marinating the chicken keeps it juicy and tender.
How to do it:
- Place chicken strips in a bowl.
- Add buttermilk, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
The buttermilk softens the chicken and helps the coating stick better.
Preparing the Coating Station
Set up three bowls:
- Bowl 1 → flour mixed with spices
- Bowl 2 → beaten eggs
- Bowl 3 → breadcrumbs or panko
This system makes coating easier and cleaner.
How to Coat Chicken Properly
Follow this order:
- Remove chicken from marinade.
- Coat in seasoned flour.
- Dip into beaten eggs.
- Cover fully with breadcrumbs.
- Press gently so crumbs stick well.
For extra crispiness, repeat egg + breadcrumbs once more.
Frying Instructions
Step 1: Heat Oil
Heat oil in a deep pan to medium heat (about 170–175°C / 340°F).
Step 2: Fry in Batches
Place chicken carefully into oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Step 3: Cook Until Golden
Fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
Step 4: Drain Oil
Place on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Baking Option (Healthier Version)
If you prefer less oil:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place coated chicken on a lined tray.
- Spray lightly with oil.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
They will still be crispy but lighter.
Air Fryer Method
Air fryers work perfectly for this recipe:
- Preheat air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
- Spray chicken lightly with oil.
- Cook 10–12 minutes, turning halfway.
This gives amazing crunch with minimal oil.
Secret Tips for Extra Crispiness
To get restaurant-quality results:
- Use panko breadcrumbs
- Don’t skip marinating
- Keep oil temperature steady
- Fry in small batches
- Double coat for thicker crunch
These small tips make a big difference.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
Chicken tenders are even better with sauces:
- Honey mustard
- Garlic mayo
- BBQ sauce
- Spicy chili sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Cheese sauce
Serve multiple sauces for variety.
Side Dishes That Go Perfectly
Complete your meal with:
- French fries
- Coleslaw
- Salad
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Roasted vegetables
They work well for casual dinners or party platters.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can still taste great:
- Store in airtight container in fridge (up to 3 days)
- Reheat in oven or air fryer for crispiness
- Avoid microwave if possible (makes coating soft)
You can also freeze uncooked coated chicken for future use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these errors:
- Oil too hot → outside burns, inside raw
- Oil too cold → greasy chicken
- Overcrowding pan → less crispy
- Skipping seasoning → bland flavor
Take your time for best results.
How to Make Them Even More Flavorful
Try these variations:
- Add parmesan cheese to breadcrumbs
- Mix dried herbs into flour
- Add cayenne for spicy tenders
- Use smoked paprika for deeper flavor
Small changes create exciting new versions.
Why Homemade Chicken Tenders Are Better
Homemade tenders give you:
- Better ingredients
- Less oil and preservatives
- Custom seasoning
- Fresh taste
- Crispy texture right from the pan
Once you try homemade, it’s hard to go back to frozen versions.
Final Thoughts
These crispy chicken tenders are the perfect combination of crunch, flavor, and juicy texture. They are simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress everyone at the table.