Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe

This chicken tenders recipe is guaranteed to be a family favorite. The chicken is coated in a breading that's super flavorful, perfectly crispy and crunchy. It gets lightly fried till golden for that restaurant-like texture.

My Take On Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are one of those nostalgic foods that I think are just as delicious as an adult as they were when I was a kid. I still love ordering chicken fingers at restaurants, but everything is better homemade, so I had to come up with my own recipe.

Well, these homemade chicken tenders turned out incredible! For being so simple to make, they're crazy good. The chicken has a depth of flavor from the marinade and seasonings blend, and my quick frying method makes it turn out crazy crunchy and crispy outside yet still juicy inside.

After one bite, you'll be hooked! If you want something to dip them in, my keto bbq sauce pairs so well.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Restaurant quality. Flavorful, juicy, and crispy, these tenders seriously taste like something you'd get from a restaurant.

Crowd favorite. Everyone I've made this recipe for can't get enough of it. The chicken tendies are always the talk of the party, and kids and adults both love them. 

Simple ingredients. Most of the ingredients for this recipe are pantry staples, so you probably have almost everything you need to make them at home!

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• Chicken tenderloins- I like to get slightly thicker ones. 
• Buttermilk- this is such an underrated addition that makes this recipe turn out like a cross between classic chicken fingers and fried chicken.
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder- for a little savoriness.
• Smoked paprika- to add some spice that pairs really well with buttermilk.

And for the breading:

• Flour and baking powder- to coat the chicken and make it extra crunchy.
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Buttermilk- most recipes use egg to coat the chicken, but this is my secret trick that makes the chicken turn out so darn good.

How To Make Chicken Tenders

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken and stir to coat them well in the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.

2. Prepare the breading: Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika in a large mixing bowl. Add the buttermilk and stir until you have a clumpy mixture. You can also just toss it all in a food processor and process until coarse. 

3. Bread the chicken: Spread the breading on a tray or baking sheet. Add the marinated chicken to the baking sheet and coat it well on all sides with the prepared breading.

4. Fry the chicken: Heat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat to 350°F. Add the breaded chicken and fry for about 4 minutes until they're golden brown. Flip and fry on the other side for another minute or so until golden and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack or plate lined with a paper towel to drain any excess oil

5. Serve: Take out any of your favorite dipping sauces like BBQ sauce, Buffalo sauce, ketchup, or a honey mustard dipping sauce. Serve the chicken warm and enjoy! 

My Pro Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before starting the recipe.
• Give the chicken enough time to marinate for the best flavor. Patience!
• Coat the chicken completely on all sides with the breading before frying. I'll press it into the flour mix on the tray to make sure it sticks.
• Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to it.
• Only fry a few pieces of chicken at a time so it doesn't lower the temperature of the hot oil.
• Dip the tenders in a delicious sauce. My low calorie Big Mac Sauce recipe is my favorite one to pair with 'em.

How I Recommend Storing Leftovers 

In the fridge: Store leftovers in a shallow airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

In the freezer: Put the chicken in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for 6 months. I like to make a double batch of this recipe, so I have some frozen chicken tenders on hand for a few weeks!

Reheating: I like to put the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat it in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. You can also use the air fryer and warm at 375°F for 5 minutes for a quicker method.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between chicken tenders and chicken fingers?

The only difference is the type of chicken used. Chicken tenders are made with chicken tenderloins, and chicken fingers are made with chicken breast that is cut into strips.

Do I have to fry the chicken?

I think frying yields the best results, but you can also make baked chicken tenders or air fryer chicken tenders if you don't want to fry them. Just bake at 425°F for 15 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.

More Chicken Recipes To Try Next

• Baked chicken tenders (no breading)
• Chicken cutlets recipe
• Baked BBQ chicken wings
• Baked chicken legs and thighs
• Italian baked chicken