Print

Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.1 from 31 reviews

This Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders recipe delivers perfectly golden, crunchy, and juicy chicken strips that are simple to make at home. With a classic flour and egg breading, these tenders are fried in vegetable oil to achieve a satisfying crispiness while staying tender inside. Ideal for a quick dinner or a tasty snack, they pair well with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1–2 pounds chicken tenders or 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into 1-inch thick strips

Breading

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Wet Mix

  • 1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil: Fill a 9-inch cast iron or standard skillet with about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat over medium-high heat, monitoring carefully to maintain the temperature around 365-375°F.
  2. Prepare Dry Mix: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
  3. Prepare Wet Mix: In a separate large bowl, beat the egg with 2 tablespoons of water until well combined to create the egg wash.
  4. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, coating it thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour, dip the strip into the egg wash, then dredge it again in the flour mixture for a double coating.
  5. Rest the Coated Chicken: Place the breaded chicken tenders on a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps the coating to adhere better and improves crispiness.
  6. Check Oil Temperature: Verify the oil temperature is between 365-375°F using a candy thermometer. Alternatively, drop a pinch of flour into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.
  7. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add about 5 pieces of chicken tenders to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until the underside is golden brown, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
  8. Turn and Continue Frying: Flip the tenders and cook the other side until equally golden and cooked through.
  9. Batch Cooking: Remove the fried tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with remaining chicken pieces in batches.
  10. Final Seasoning: While still hot, sprinkle a little extra salt over the tenders if desired, then serve immediately for best crispiness and flavor.

Notes

  • Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to maintain accurate oil temperature and avoid under or overcooking.
  • Allowing the coated chicken to rest before frying helps the breading adhere and results in a crispier texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while frying, as this will lower the oil temperature and produce soggy tenders.
  • Chicken tenders or sliced chicken breasts can both be used depending on availability and preference.
  • Vegetable oil is recommended for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Keywords: Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders, Fried Chicken Strips, Homemade Chicken Tenders, Easy Chicken Recipe, Crispy Chicken

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/crispy-fried-chicken-tenders-recipe/