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Crispy & Juicy Chicken Tender Recipes: The Ultimate Guide to Irresistible Flavor!

Juicy homemade chicken tenders on a plate with fries.
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These crispy homemade chicken tenders are packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any meal. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, these golden tenders deliver the ultimate crunch with a juicy, tender interior. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a family-friendly delight!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

For the Breading:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

For Frying (if applicable):

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra juiciness).

Prepare the Breading:

In a shallow dish, mix flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Coat the Chicken:

In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk.

Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.

Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, dip into the egg wash, then coat again in the flour mixture for extra crunch.

Cooking Options:

For Frying:

  • Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).

  • Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

  • Drain on a paper towel before serving.

For Baking:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Place coated chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  • Lightly spray with cooking oil and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For Air-Frying:

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Spray tenders lightly with cooking oil and air-fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Notes

  • Make it Spicy! Add 1 tsp of cayenne pepper to the breading mix for a spicy kick.

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

  • Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer for crispiness.

 

  • Best Dipping Sauces: Try ranch, honey mustard, or spicy buffalo sauce for extra flavor!

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tender recipes

Find it online: https://mirayamsrecipe.com/chicken-tender-recipes/