Perfectly Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders
Crispy Chicken Tenders are an absolute crowd-pleaser, appealing to all generations as a versatile snack or main dish. Crafting them at home allows for a personalized touch to the seasoning, guaranteeing a delectable flavor. Here’s a meticulously crafted recipe for achieving impeccably crispy and succulent chicken tenders.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for marination)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Oil, for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Mix Buttermilk and Hot Sauce: Blend buttermilk with hot sauce in a bowl. Add chicken strips, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate, covered, for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for enhanced tenderness and flavor.
- Prepare the Coating:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Ensure even distribution.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge Chicken: Remove chicken strips from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Coat each strip in the flour mixture, pressing gently for thorough coverage. Shake off any excess flour. Repeat for all strips.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat Oil: In a skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°F (190°C). Maintain temperature for optimal frying results.
- Fry in Batches: Carefully place a few chicken strips into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain: Transfer fried chicken strips onto paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve:
- Enjoy hot chicken tenders with preferred dipping sauces such as honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch. Pair with sides like fries, coleslaw, or a refreshing salad.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders:
- Marination Duration: For extra tenderness, marinate chicken in buttermilk overnight.
- Consistent Oil Temperature: Maintain steady oil temperature to ensure uniform cooking and crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent lowering the oil temperature, resulting in soggy tenders.
- Seasoning Customization: Adjust flour mixture seasonings according to personal preference. Incorporating dried herbs like thyme or oregano can enhance flavor.
- Safety Measures: Exercise caution when handling hot oil. Use tongs for adding and removing chicken from the oil. Keep a lid nearby to shield against splatters.
Indulge in the satisfaction of creating homemade crispy chicken tenders, a delightful treat guaranteed to impress both friends and family alike!