Super Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe

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Ah, chicken tenders. They have a special place in my heart and stomach. Growing up, I remember weekend family dinners when crispy chicken tenders would grace our table, accompanied by mashed potatoes or a zesty salad.

No one could resist their allure, especially when paired with a side of creamy ranch dressing or honey mustard. But today, it’s all about reaching for something even better: Super Crispy Chicken Tenders.

It’s grilled season, and whether you’re backyard barbecuing or just craving comfort food on a quiet Tuesday night, these tenders can brighten any occasion.

Pair them with Italian Pasta Salad for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures—who could resist the vibrant salad alongside those crunchy bites? Let’s dive into the crispy magic of chicken tenders.

What Are Super Crispy Chicken Tenders?

Super Crispy Chicken Tenders elevate a beloved classic to a new level. They’re not just your average chicken strips; these tenders deliver a tantalizing crunch, seasoned to perfection. With juicy chicken wrapped in a golden, crispy coating, they pave the way for fantastic flavor combos.

It’s a delightful marriage of tenderness and crunch, and once you try them, you’ll want to serve them at every gathering.

The Ingredients

Making Super Crispy Chicken Tenders isn’t complicated. Here’s what you will need:

1 cup cultured buttermilk
2 large eggs, lightly whisked

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons fine kosher salt

3/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/8 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon spicy hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
vegetable oil, for deep frying

Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way. Now let’s talk about how to bring them together.

How to Make Super Crispy Chicken Tenders?

Before we dive into the details of preparation, let’s set the stage: you’ll want to make the chicken tender and the coating ultra-crunchy, ensuring maximum enjoyment with every bite. The steps require a bit of focus but are totally achievable!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken breast fillets in a large bowl. Pour in the cultured buttermilk, add the whisked eggs, and then stir in the spicy hot sauce. The buttermilk serves two purposes here: it adds moisture and flavor, and it tenderizes the chicken.

Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, allow it to sit in the fridge for a couple of hours—or even overnight. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Mixture

In another bowl or a large zip-top bag, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, baking soda, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. This blend creates the crisp coating that will make your chicken tenders impossibly crunchy. It’s the secret to achieving that restaurant-quality crunch.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Once your chicken has marinated, take each piece out of the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Make sure to press the flour onto the chicken to ensure an even coating.

This step is crucial; it’s what gives you that super crispy texture. Place the coated pieces on a wire rack and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the coating adhere better when frying.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or large cast-iron pan, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1 inch.

Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of flour into the oil; it should bubble and float to the surface.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken Tenders

Carefully lower the chicken tenders into the hot oil, being cautious not to crowd the pan. Fry them in batches, if necessary, to keep the temperature consistent.

Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Drain and Cool

Once cooked, remove the tenders from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Let them cool slightly before digging in. That’s it! Please stand back as your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of fried chicken.

Notes

Here are some tips that can enhance your chicken tender-making experience:

Let the Chicken Rest: Allowing the marinated chicken to sit longer can lead to more flavor and tenderness.
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly cracked black pepper and high-quality spices yield better flavor than stale powder.

Temperature Control: Keep an eye on the oil temperature; too low means soggy tenders, while too high can burn them.
Double Dipping: For an even crunchier finish, consider dipping the coated chicken back in the buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture before frying.
Season the Oil: You can infuse flavor into the oil by adding a few garlic cloves or fresh herbs while it heats.

Storage Tips

To store Super Crispy Chicken Tenders, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for 3-4 days.

For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information

Super Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Here are five ideas for how to serve your Super Crispy Chicken Tenders:

With a Zesty Dipping Sauce: Pair your tenders with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce for a flavor explosion.
On a Salad: Slice the tenders and toss them on a fresh salad with your favorite veggies and vinaigrette. It’s a meal packed with protein and greens.

In Tortillas: Wrap the crispy tenders in warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado for a hearty chicken wrap.
As a Sandwich: Layer the tenders on a toasted bun with lettuce, pickles, and your favorite spread for a delicious chicken sandwich.
Over Pasta: There’s something delightful about serving these tenders over a bed of pasta with marinara sauce. A unique twist, but oh-so-good!

Super Crispy Chicken Tenders copycat Recipe

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Super Crispy Chicken Tenders?

If you’re in the mood to mix things up, here are five substitutes to consider:

Turkey Breast: You can use turkey breast fillets instead of chicken. They’re leaner but still delicious when coated and fried.
Pork Cutlets: Pork can deliver a fantastic flavor. Use thin pork cutlets, and adjust the cooking time since they cook faster.

Cauliflower: For a vegetarian option, battered and fried cauliflower florets can give a similar crunch with a unique taste.
Tofu: Firm tofu cubes can be coated and fried for a plant-based tender. The texture will differ, but the taste can still be gratifying.
Quorn Chicken: A meat substitute using a mycoprotein base is a great option for those seeking a vegetarian alternative.

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Prep Time 40

Cook Time 20

Total Time 1

Course dinner

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 560 kcal

Equipment

Bowl

Ingredients

1 cup cultured buttermilk
2 large eggs lightly whisked

4 boneless skinless chicken breast fillets
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons fine kosher salt

3/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/8 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon spicy hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
vegetable oil for deep frying