Crispy Juicy Cantstopeating Fried Chicken Tenders
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some proper fried chicken tenders ? Honestly, who doesn't? This juicy chicken tenders recipe is about to become your new favourite. Get ready for that incredible crunch!
Brief Overview
Southern fried chicken tenders are a classic, born from American comfort food. This easy fried chicken version takes about 35 minutes. Makes 4 servings of pure deliciousness, perfect for sharing.
Main Benefits
These homemade chicken tenders aren't just tasty, they are also packed with protein! This recipe is also perfect for a kid-friendly chicken recipe or a takeaway fakeaway chicken night.
What makes these special? The buttermilk brine. It is the secret to incredibly crispy chicken strips .
Let's be honest, sometimes you just crave that perfect crispy chicken strips . I remember one time, I tried to make fried chicken for a picnic.
I skipped the buttermilk brine. Big mistake! The chicken was dry and the coating wasn't nearly as crispy. That’s when I learned the magic of buttermilk.
It’s the key to keeping your chicken super moist and helps the breading stick like glue. Trust me, don't skip it!
Want that proper Southern flavor without the fuss? This buttermilk fried chicken recipe is your answer. Forget those dry, bland copycat chicken tenders from the supermarket.
We're talking about proper juicy, flavorful goodness.
A good chicken tenderloin recipe is hard to find. But this one? This is the one. Get ready to impress everyone, even yourself!
Ingredients & Equipment: The Secret Sauce to Crispy Chicken Strips
Alright, let's talk ingredients! Because honestly, great fried chicken tenders aren't just about the frying. It's all about what you start with, you know? This is Takeaway fakeaway chicken
Main Ingredients: Size Matters, Quality Even More
- Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml) . Quality buttermilk is key! It should be thick and tangy, not watery.
- Hot Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . I use Frank's RedHot, but go with your fave.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) . Freshly ground is always better!
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) .
- Chicken Breast: 1.5 pounds (680g) , cut into 1 inch thick strips. Fresh, plump chicken is where it's at.
- Vegetable Oil: about 4 cups (960ml) for frying. Enough to properly submerge them.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (240g) . This is the base for our crispy dreams!
- Cornstarch: ¼ cup (30g) . It's like, the secret weapon for extra crisp.
- Paprika: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds a lovely color and flavor.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Yep, more garlic, because why not?
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon (5g) . This one's for a bit of that Southern fried chicken tenders charm.
- Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) (optional). If you like a bit of heat!
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) .
These measurements are important. Try to be precise. Trust me.
Seasoning Notes: A Symphony of Flavors
This is where the magic happens for a Juicy chicken tenders recipe . Don't skimp on the spices, right?
- Spice Combo: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme. This gives a proper savory base.
- Flavor Boosters: A dash of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick.
- Quick Sub: No thyme? Try oregano. Garlic powder? Use a clove of minced garlic.
Oh my gosh, remember that time I forgot the paprika? Total disaster! The fried chicken tenders were pale and sad. Lesson learned.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Stupid!
You don't need fancy kit for this.
- Shallow Dishes: For brining and breading. Bowls work too.
- Large Skillet/Dutch Oven: For frying. A deep pan is your friend here.
- Tongs: Absolutely essential!
- Wire Rack: To drain excess oil. Helps keep things Crispy chicken strips !
- Thermometer: Make sure that oil hits 350° F ( 175° C) . Honestly this one is a must.
Alternatives? Got a cake cooling rack? Use that! Don't have tongs? Two forks will do in a pinch. I want you to be doing it like Homemade chicken tenders
And there you have it! Easy peasy, right? With a solid plan for your ingredients and the right gear, you're well on your way to making some seriously banging fried chicken tenders .
Next, we dive into the how-to bit, so stay tuned! I can also share some knowledge with you about Chicken tenderloin recipe , or some Kid-friendly chicken recipes .
Let´s go!
Crispy, Juicy, Can't-Stop Eating Fried Chicken Tenders
Fancy making some unreal fried chicken tenders ? These are mega! Seriously, forget the usual bland stuff. This juicy chicken tenders recipe is all about big flavour and a proper crispy coating.
It’s like a takeaway fakeaway experience, only way better because you made it. My nan always said "A good cook always licks their fingers", so go on, get stuck in!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
Right, first things first. Get your stuff sorted. It's called mise en place, basically, put everything in its place.
- Essential ingredients: Buttermilk, hot sauce, chicken strips, flour, and spices. Have 'em measured out. It saves loads of time.
- Time saver: Whisk your dry ingredients now. Get the brine on the go. Boom, you're winning.
- Safety first: Hot oil is no joke. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Don't be a hero.
step-by-step to the Perfect Buttermilk Fried Chicken
This Homemade chicken tenders recipe is easier than you think.
- Brine: Mix 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk , 1 tablespoon (15ml) hot sauce , 1 teaspoon (5g) salt , 0.5 teaspoon (2.5g) pepper , and 0.5 teaspoon (2.5g) garlic powder . Submerge 1.5 pounds (680g) of chicken strips. Chill for 30 minutes .
- Breading: Combine 2 cups (240g) flour , 0.25 cup (30g) cornstarch , 1 tablespoon (15ml) paprika , 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder , 1 teaspoon (5g) onion powder , 1 teaspoon (5g) thyme , 0.5 teaspoon (2.5g) cayenne , 1 teaspoon (5g) salt , and 0.5 teaspoon (2.5g) pepper in a dish. Mix well.
- Heat Oil: In a big pan, heat about 4 cups (960ml) of vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Use a thermometer, yeah?
- Bread 'Em: Take the chicken out of the buttermilk, let the excess drip off. Coat each strip in the flour mix. Proper coat 'em.
- Fry Time: Carefully put 3-4 strips in the oil. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they'll go soggy. Fry for 3- 4 minutes per side. Aim for 165° F ( 74° C) inside.
- Drain: Put the Crispy chicken strips on a wire rack. This keeps them crisp.
- Serve: Chow down!
Pro Tips: Secrets to Southern Fried Chicken Tenders
Want Easy fried chicken ? Here are a few tricks.
- Double dredge the chicken tenderloin recipe for extra crunch. Flour, buttermilk, flour again.
- Don't let the oil temp drop too low. This is where things go wrong. Soggy nightmare.
- You can prep the brine and breading in advance. Store separately in the fridge.
Honestly, the most important thing is practice. I remember the first time I tried fried chicken tenders ... disaster. Burnt on the outside, raw inside.
But I kept at it, and now? Bangin'. Get stuck in and you'll be serving up some boss level Copycat chicken tenders in no time.
These kid-friendly chicken recipes will be gone in seconds!
Recipe Notes for Proper Fried Chicken Tenders
Right then, before you get stuck in with making these amazing fried chicken tenders , let's have a quick natter about a few things, shall we? These aren't just any old crispy chicken strips ; we want proper Southern fried chicken tenders , yeah? So, listen up!
Make it Look Good, Taste Good: Serving Suggestions
First off, presentation is key. Honestly, a bit of effort goes a long way. Think about this: A pile of homemade chicken tenders looks great on a platter with a few sprigs of parsley.
Even better, whack on a dollop of creamy coleslaw. For sauces, I'm talking proper American style ranch, BBQ or sweet chilli.
Don't forget a good old wedge of lemon for squeezing over. You could even serve 'em up in a basket, takeaway fakeaway chicken style! For drinks? Ice-cold lemonade or a proper pint of lager, of course.
Keep it Fresh: Storage Tips
Right, so you've made loads of these juicy chicken tenders recipe , and got leftovers? No worries! Pop them in the fridge in an airtight container.
They'll be good for about 3-4 days, tops. Freezing is an option. Let them cool completely before freezing to avoid that condensation business making them all soggy.
When you want to reheat them, stick them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10- 15 minutes, and don't microwave them.
Microwaving makes them sad and rubbery. Nobody wants that!
Mix it Up: Variations
Fancy a change? No problem! Want spicy crispy chicken strips ? Add extra cayenne pepper to the flour mix. Easy peasy! For gluten-free homemade chicken tenders , use gluten-free flour.
Just make sure you've got xantham gum in your blend. It'll bind it all together nicely. Or, for a lower fat version, give these homemade chicken tenders a whirl in your air fryer instead.
It will be quick easy fried chicken and healthy. Spray with a bit of oil and cook at 400° F ( 200° C) for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Boom!
What's Inside Matters: Nutrition Basics
Each serving has about 450 calories. You also get a whopping 40 grams of protein! Watch out for that 25 grams of fat, though.
Sodium? About 800 milligrams. Good for the soul, right? Plus, chicken is full of protein, which helps build muscle, so it's practically health food.
Hahaha! Jokes aside, there are some nutritional benefits. It is kid-friendly chicken recipes that grown ups like as well.
So, there you have it! All my notes and tips for making the best ever fried chicken tenders. Give it a go.
Don't be afraid to mess it up a bit. You'll get there! Honestly, once you've nailed this chicken tenderloin recipe , you'll be making it every week.
Happy cooking, my friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my fried chicken tenders from being soggy?
Nobody wants a soggy bottom! To avoid soggy fried chicken tenders, make sure your oil temperature is consistent (around 350°F/175°C) and don't overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in greasy, less crispy tenders.
Also, use a wire rack to drain the tenders after frying to prevent them from sitting in excess oil.
Can I use an air fryer to make these fried chicken tenders?
Absolutely! Air frying is a great way to enjoy crispy fried chicken tenders with less oil. Simply spray your breaded tenders with cooking oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
They won't be quite as indulgent as deep fried, but they'll still be blooming delicious and a bit healthier!
What's the best way to store leftover fried chicken tenders?
To keep your leftover fried chicken tenders as tasty as possible, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll stay good for 3-4 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer for the best results; microwaving can make them a bit sad and soggy, like a rainy Bank Holiday.
What dipping sauces go well with fried chicken tenders?
The dipping sauce options are endless! Classic choices like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing are always a winner. For something a bit different, try sweet chilli sauce, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. Get creative and find your perfect pairing - it's all about what tickles your fancy!
Why is brining important for making juicy fried chicken tenders?
Brining is the secret weapon for ensuring your fried chicken tenders are juicy and flavorful! The buttermilk brine helps to tenderize the chicken and infuses it with moisture, preventing it from drying out during frying. Think of it as giving your chicken a spa day before the main event well worth the effort!
How can I make my fried chicken tenders spicier?
Fancy a bit of a kick? There are several ways to spice up your fried chicken tenders. You can add cayenne pepper to the breading mix, use a spicier hot sauce in the buttermilk brine, or even sprinkle some chili flakes on the tenders after frying.
Just remember, a little goes a long way unless you're a proper spice fiend, of course!
Crispy Juicy Cantstopeating Fried Chicken Tender
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |
