Crispy golden chicken tenders

Whip up a batch of these irresistibly crispy Chicken Tenders, a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Each strip is perfectly golden and juicy, making it the ultimate comfort food for kids and adults alike. Whether you're planning a family dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these tenders are simple to make and absolutely delicious.

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The secret to these amazing tenders lies in a simple, two-step process: a flavorful buttermilk marinade followed by a three-stage breading. This method guarantees that the chicken stays tender on the inside while developing a beautiful, crunchy exterior when fried. Get ready to create your new favorite homemade chicken tenders!

Ingredients

• Chicken: 500 g (1.1 lb) chicken breast fillets, cut into strips
• Marinade: 120 ml (½ cup) buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika
• Breading: 120 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 large eggs, 60 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs
• For Frying: Vegetable oil, for deep frying
• To Serve: Barbecue sauce, Honey-mustard sauce

Instructions

Step 1

In a bowl, whisk the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for extra tenderness).

Step 2

Prepare breading stations: Place flour mixed with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a shallow bowl. Beat eggs in a second bowl. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

Step 3

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each strip in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 4

Heat 5 cm (2 inches) of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 175°C (350°F).

Step 5

Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 6

Serve hot with barbecue and honey-mustard sauces.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, add cayenne pepper or dried herbs to the marinade or breading.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Oven-baked option: Place breaded strips on a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Serviervorschläge

Pair with fries, salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal.

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Enjoy these homemade chicken tenders hot and fresh from the skillet, served with your favorite dipping sauces for the ultimate delicious experience. They're so good, you'll never go back to the frozen kind!

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How long should the chicken be marinated?

Marinate the chicken strips for at least 30 minutes. For extra tenderness and flavor, marinate up to 2 hours in the fridge.

→ What oil temperature is best for frying the chicken?

Heat vegetable oil to 175°C (350°F) to ensure the breading crisps evenly without burning while cooking the chicken through.

→ Can these chicken strips be baked instead of fried?

Yes, bake breaded strips at 220°C (425°F) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway for a crispy finish without frying.

→ What sauces pair well with the chicken strips?

Barbecue and honey-mustard sauces complement the crispy coating and juicy meat with sweet and tangy flavors.

→ What spices are used in the breading and marinade?

The marinade includes buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. The breading uses flour seasoned with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for depth.