Description
Crunchy Fried Chicken Tenders deliver pure comfort straight from Southern kitchens, where golden breading and perfect seasoning create serious snacking magic. Crispy exterior and juicy meat make these tender chicken strips an absolute crowd-pleaser that your family will devour in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes: mix 2 cups flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in the first dish.
- Whisk 2 large eggs with ¼ cup milk in the second dish until thoroughly combined.
- Pour 2 cups panko breadcrumbs into the third dish, spreading them evenly.
- Take each chicken strip and thoroughly coat it in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess powder.
- Dunk the floured chicken directly into the egg wash, ensuring complete coverage while allowing extra liquid to drip back into the dish.
- Roll the egg-coated chicken in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create a thick, even coating that adheres completely.
- Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, filling it about 2 inches deep, and heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Gently lower 3-4 breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil, maintaining enough space between them to prevent overcrowding.
- Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating when the bottom turns a deep golden brown color.
- Transfer the crispy tenders to a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining their crunch.
- Continue frying remaining chicken tenders in batches, ensuring consistent temperature and color.
- Let the tenders rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the coating to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Seasoning the flour mix deeply helps create layers of flavor in your chicken tenders.
- Using a thermometer ensures perfect oil temperature, which guarantees crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Pat chicken tenders completely dry before coating to help breading stick better and create crunchier results.
- For gluten-free options, swap wheat flour with rice flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Fried
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg