Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe Done in 2 Ways

The classic way to enjoy chicken tenders is by frying them. This method gives you a golden, crunchy outside and tender meat inside. Here is an easy chicken tenders recipe you can follow.

Ingredients:

- 1 pound chicken tenders

- 1 cup buttermilk

- 1 egg

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon salt

- ½ teaspoon black pepper

- Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. If you have more time, leaving them overnight will make the flavor even stronger.

2. In another bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. In a separate plate, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to prepare your coating.

3. Heat enough oil in a deep pan over medium heat. The oil should be deep enough to cover the tenders halfway.

4. Dip each tender first in the egg to help the coating stick, then roll it in the flour mixture until it is completely covered on all sides.

5. Fry the chicken tenders in the hot oil for 6–7 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. Keep frying until they are golden brown and the inside is fully cooked.

6. Remove the tenders and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb extra oil. Let them rest for a minute before serving.

If you prefer a healthier option, you can make crispy chicken tenders in an air fryer. This method uses less oil but still gives you crunchy results.

Ingredients:

- 1 pound chicken tenders

- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best)

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- ½ teaspoon black pepper

- ½ teaspoon salt

- 2 eggs

- Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Dip each chicken tender in the egg, making sure it is fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs gently so they stick better.

3. Place the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd, as this helps the hot air circulate around each piece.

4. Spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray. This helps them turn golden and crispy without needing a lot of oil.

5. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through cooking so they crisp evenly on both sides.

6. Remove the tenders when they are golden brown and fully cooked. Let them cool for a minute before serving with your favorite dip.

Making crispy chicken tenders can be easy if you know the right tricks. Here are some helpful tips to improve your chicken tenders recipe.

1. Use Buttermilk for Marinating: Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds a mild tangy flavor. Letting the meat soak makes it juicier inside while helping the coating stick better during frying or air frying.

2. Double Coat the Tenders: For extra crunch, coat the chicken twice by dipping in flour, egg, and then flour or breadcrumbs again. This creates a thick, crispy shell that stays crunchy longer.

3. Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: When frying, cook in small batches. Too many pieces at once reduce oil temperature, making the coating soft and greasy instead of light, crispy, and evenly cooked.

4. Let the Coated Chicken Rest Before Cooking: After breading, let the tenders rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the coating dry slightly and adhere better, preventing it from falling off during cooking.

5. Use Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs are light and airy, which helps them crisp up more than regular breadcrumbs. They give your tenders a restaurant-style crunch without feeling too heavy.

6. Check the Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at around 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and the coating burns quickly; too cool, and the tenders absorb oil, making them greasy instead of crispy.

7. Flip Only Once: When frying or air frying, flip the tenders just one time during cooking. This prevents the coating from breaking apart and keeps both sides evenly golden and crunchy.

Besides frying and air frying, there are many creative ways to enjoy chicken tenders. Here are some other tasty chicken tender recipe ideas you can try at home:

- Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders – Bake tenders coated with a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan until golden brown for a cheesy crunch without the oil from frying.

- Grilled BBQ Chicken Tenders – Marinate tenders in barbecue sauce, then grill them for a smoky flavor with a slightly charred finish.

- Oven-Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Tenders – Season tenders with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then bake until golden for a fresh and zesty flavor.

- Pan-Seared Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders – Cook tenders in a skillet, then toss them in honey mustard sauce for a sweet and tangy finish.

- Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders in the Oven – Coat tenders with shredded coconut and breadcrumbs, then bake until crispy and pair with sweet chili sauce for dipping.

- Smoked Paprika Chicken Tenders on the Grill – Season tenders with smoked paprika and grill them for a deep smoky flavor that pairs well with coleslaw.

- Herb Roasted Chicken Tenders – Roast tenders in the oven with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest for a fragrant and light taste.

- Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Tenders in a Skillet – Pan-cook tenders, then glaze them with teriyaki sauce and garnish with sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired dish.

- Cheddar Crusted Chicken Tenders in the Oven – Mix shredded cheddar into your breadcrumb coating and bake until crispy for a cheesy, savory option.

- Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders in a Pan – Pan-fry tenders and finish by tossing them in melted garlic butter with parsley for a rich, flavorful dish.