Go Back
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying These simple ingredients make crispy chicken tenders easy to prepare. The buttermilk adds moisture and flavor, while the seasoned breadcrumbs give a crunchy texture. You can customize the spices to match your taste. Each serving has around 400 calories. The breakdown includes: - Protein: 25g - Fat: 20g - Carbohydrates: 30g These chicken tenders provide a good balance of protein and carbs. They are perfect for a filling meal. - Large bowl - Skillet - Paper towels These tools help you mix, fry, and drain the chicken tenders. You can find most of these in any home kitchen. For the full recipe and detailed steps, check out the Full Recipe. To start, you need to marinate the chicken tenderloins. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of buttermilk with 1 teaspoon of hot sauce, if you want some heat. This mix makes the chicken juicy and flavorful. Place the chicken tenderloins in the buttermilk mixture. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for tender, tasty chicken. Next, we prepare the coating. In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to blend all the flavors. Once mixed, you can coat the chicken. Now, let’s cook the chicken tenders. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Aim for about 350°F. You need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated and shake off any extra flour. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken tenders in the skillet. Fry them for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. After frying, move the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off the excess oil. Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauces! For the full recipe, visit the linked section above. To make your chicken tenders extra crispy, fry them at 350°F. This temperature cooks the chicken well while giving a golden crust. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the oil’s heat. When your tenders finish frying, place them on a wire rack. This allows air to flow around them and keeps them crispy. Avoid using a plate, as it can trap steam and make them soggy. One mistake is letting the tenders sit too long before frying. This can lead to soggy chicken. Always fry them right after coating. Another common error is cooking with oil that is not hot enough. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy. Always test the oil with a small piece of bread. If it bubbles and browns in about 60 seconds, it’s ready. For the best dips, pair your tenders with honey mustard or ranch dressing. These add a creamy, tangy flavor. You can also try BBQ sauce for a smoky kick. As for sides, serve with crispy fries or a fresh salad. A nice coleslaw can add a crunchy contrast to your meal. These choices enhance the meal and make it more enjoyable. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} To spice up your chicken tenders, add different spices or hot sauces. You can mix cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even a smoky chipotle sauce into your flour mixture. This gives the tenders a kick that many people love. For an extra zesty flavor, try marinating the chicken in buttermilk mixed with hot sauce. The longer you marinate, the spicier the tenders will be. Everyone enjoys a little heat, right? If you want a healthier version, try baking the chicken tenders. Preheat your oven to 400°F. After dredging the chicken in your flour mix, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method keeps the chicken crispy while using less oil. It’s a win-win for health! For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating. Just make sure to check the labels on all your ingredients to avoid allergens. This way, everyone can enjoy crispy chicken tenders, no matter their dietary needs. To keep your crispy chicken tenders fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. This helps maintain their crunch. You can store them for up to three days. When ready to eat, check for any off smells before reheating. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some tenders for later. First, let the cooked tenders cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They can last for up to three months. When ready to eat, skip the thawing for best results. To reheat your chicken tenders, use your oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the tenders on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This helps keep them crispy. Avoid using a microwave, as it makes them soggy. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. For even better taste, marinate for up to 12 hours. The longer time gives the chicken a tender and juicy texture. Use oils with a high smoke point for frying chicken. Good choices include vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils won’t burn as easily. They also help create a crispy outside. Yes, you can air fry chicken tenders! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the tenders in a single layer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking. Popular dipping sauces for chicken tenders include: - Honey mustard - Ranch dressing - Barbecue sauce - Buffalo sauce You can make these sauces at home or buy them ready-made. They add a tasty twist to your meal. Want to try making honey mustard? Just mix equal parts honey and mustard! For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions mentioned earlier! You now know how to make crispy chicken tenders at home. We covered the needed ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for success. You learned about variations for spicy, baked, and gluten-free options. Proper storage methods help keep tenders fresh, ensuring you enjoy them later. With these easy steps and ideas, you can create delicious chicken tenders anytime. Dive into this cooking adventure, and impress your friends and family with your tasty results.

Crispy Chicken Tenders

Savor the crunch of these Crispy Chicken Tenders with a Zesty Twist! Perfectly marinated and seasoned, these easy-to-make chicken tenders are the ideal dish for family dinners or game day snacks. Discover how to achieve that golden-brown perfection with simple steps and minimal ingredients. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this delicious treat today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenderloins

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for frying

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken tenderloins and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

    In another bowl, combine the flour, seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

      Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F). You’ll need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.

        Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated, and shake off any excess.

          Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through.

            Transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

              Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard or ranch dressing.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | 4 servings