Fried Chicken Tenders
Nice and crispy and a tad spicy, the perfect appetizer. The trick to perfect fried chicken is to control the temperature of your oil. Too hot and the food burns before it's fully cooked, too cool and it won't get crispy and it will get very greasy. Use a deep-fry thermometer and a heavy pot so that when you add the food the temperature won't drop too drastically. Brining the chicken is the best way to make it juicy and flavorful, but I wouldn't recommend doing it overnight as that's too long. Two hours should do it.
Nice and crispy and a tad spicy, the perfect appetizer. The trick to perfect fried chicken is to control the temperature of your oil. Too hot and the food burns before it's fully cooked, too cool and it won't get crispy and it will get very greasy. Use a deep-fry thermometer and a heavy pot so that when you add the food the temperature won't drop too drastically. Brining the chicken is the best way to make it juicy and flavorful, but I wouldn't recommend doing it overnight as that's too long. Two hours should do it.
- Carbohydrate 109.687562412193 g
- Cholesterol 73.689826888768 mg
- Fat 28.4224449794505 g
- Fiber 3.79247485900851 g
- Protein 28.8828560407363 g
- Saturated Fat 6.26476966113837 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (594g)
- Sodium 11453.71479829 mg
- Sugar 105.895087553184 g
- Trans Fat 4.70304797977677 g
- Calories 798 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine the water, kosher salt, and sugar in a container to form a brine.
- Add the chicken tenders and let this marinate in the fridge for 2 hours.
- Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, seasoned salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a container and mix very well to combine.
- Mix the eggs and milk in another container.
- Preheat your oil to 350 degrees.
- Dredge the chicken tenders in the flour mixture and pat off excess.
- Dip the tenders in the egg mixture and drain excess.
- Dredge the chicken tenders in the flour a second time and set them on a plate. Put them in the fridge to dry out for about 20 minutes. This will help the coating stick to the chicken better.
- Once the oil is hot, fry the tenders in small batches for about 5 minutes and then drain on paper towels.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces!
My Secret to Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a monumental task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework, and after-school activities. But that doesn't mean I'm willing to sacrifice a tasty dinner! That's why I've perfected this recipe for crispy fried chicken tenders – a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing dish that's become a staple in our family.
The key to truly amazing fried chicken tenders, in my opinion, lies in the preparation. It's not just about throwing some chicken into hot oil; it's about creating a flavorful, juicy base and a perfectly textured, crispy exterior. I've experimented with various methods and learned a few tricks along the way, which I'm happy to share. First, I always brine my chicken. This simple step, involving nothing more than a quick soak in a saltwater solution, is the secret to incredibly juicy, tender chicken. It really takes the texture to the next level. I usually brine mine for around two hours; any longer, and you risk over-brining, resulting in a slightly mushy texture.
Next, the breading is crucial. I use a simple blend of flour, spices, and seasonings, but the key is to double-dredge the chicken. This double-dipping process ensures a thick, even coating that crisps up beautifully during frying. After the double-dipping, I let the tenders rest in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before frying. This allows the breading to adhere better, resulting in a less likely chance of it falling off in the fryer. The final step, which many people overlook, is the oil temperature. This can make or break your perfectly crispy fried chicken. Using a thermometer is vital because you want the oil to be consistently hot to ensure even cooking. Too low, and the chicken will soak up too much grease; too high, and it'll burn before the inside is cooked through. I find 350 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Once you perfect this technique, you will have the crispiest tenders you have ever eaten! I fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan which reduces the oil temperature too much. This ensures that each tender gets that beautiful golden-brown, crispy exterior.
These fried chicken tenders are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces – honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing – and you've got yourself a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you master this recipe, you'll be making it again and again.
Beyond the Recipe: This recipe is a testament to the power of simple cooking techniques. It's not about fancy ingredients or complicated steps; it's about mastering the fundamentals and paying attention to detail. With a little practice and attention to detail, you too can create delicious fried chicken tenders that are both crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The best part? This recipe allows you to adjust the seasoning to your personal taste. Love spicy? Add more cayenne! Prefer a milder flavor? Go easy on the spices. This is truly a recipe you can make your own. So go ahead, try it out, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. It's not just limited to being a weeknight meal. It's amazing as a snack, appetizer for a party, or packed into school lunches. The leftovers are also great for salads. You can slice them up and have them in a chicken salad sandwich. You can have them in a soup or stew. In fact, you can reuse the leftovers in many different ways. What I love most about this dish is how quickly you can prepare and cook it. While you're preparing it, you can multitask. This really does allow you to make the most of your time. Overall, I highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a quick, easy, and delicious fried chicken recipe.
