The BEST Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe (Crispy, Juicy & Easy!)
Why This Is the BEST Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe
When readers search for the best fried chicken tenders recipe, they want one that delivers on all fronts: ultra crispy coating, super juicy meat, and easy, repeatable steps. This recipe hits every mark. Below is a deeper breakdown of why these tenders outperform typical homemade versions—and how each element contributes to restaurant-level results.
What Makes These Chicken Tenders Extra Crispy
Seasoned Flour Mixture
The crispy texture begins with a well-balanced seasoned flour mixture, which adds both crunch and flavor. Ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly coat the tenders, ensuring every bite has that classic Southern-style taste.
Proper Dredging Technique
A key step in any fried chicken tenders recipe is the dredging process. This recipe uses a wet-to-dry method, allowing the flour to adhere tightly to the tenderloins. The slight hydration from the marinade helps create natural cragginess—those little textured flour “flakes” that turn extra crispy when fried.
Golden Brown Coating
The result is a golden brown coating that fries up beautifully in hot oil. Maintaining the right oil temp prevents sogginess and gives the tenders their signature, photo-worthy crunch.
Why They Stay Juicy Inside
Buttermilk Marinade Benefits
A buttermilk marinade tenderizes the meat without making it mushy. The natural acidity of buttermilk breaks down the chicken fibers, locking in moisture and adding a subtle tang that enhances the final flavor.
Chicken Tenderloins vs Chicken Breast Strips
Using chicken tenderloins instead of sliced chicken breasts makes a major difference. Tenderloins are naturally softer, leaner, and cook evenly, reducing the risk of overcooking. They stay juicy even when fried at high heat, making them ideal for this recipe.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home
Use of Paprika, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper
This flavor trio gives your tenders that classic restaurant-style taste—savory, slightly smoky, well-rounded, and universally appealing. These spices also improve browning, helping the tenders achieve that deep golden crust.
Ideal Oil Temperature (350–365°F)
Maintaining a steady oil temperature between 350–365°F (175–185°C) ensures the coating crisps fast without burning, while the inside cooks gently to remain moist.
Entities: Cast Iron Skillet, Dutch Oven
Using a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven ensures consistent heat, which is crucial for getting the perfect crunch. These cookware pieces retain heat exceptionally well, preventing temperature drops when you add the chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
All the ingredients you need to make the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken tenders at home.
A truly great fried chicken tenders recipe starts with simple, reliable ingredients that come together to create maximum flavor, crunch, and juiciness. These ingredients are easy to find and offer flexibility depending on your pantry and preferences. Below is a detailed breakdown of everything you need—and why each component matters for achieving restaurant-quality results at home.
Core Ingredients for the Best Flavor
Chicken Tenderloins or Sliced Chicken Breast
For the most tender bite, chicken tenderloins are ideal. They naturally contain less connective tissue and cook evenly, which helps them remain juicy even when fried at high heat. If you don’t have tenderloins, thinly sliced chicken breasts make a great substitute—just make sure they’re cut to uniform thickness so they fry consistently.
Buttermilk or Milk–Egg Mixture
A proper marinade is crucial for enhancing moisture and tenderness.
Buttermilk is the gold standard. Its mild acidity helps soften the fibers of the chicken while adding subtle tang and deeper flavor.
Milk + egg mixture is a budget-friendly alternative that still helps the seasoned flour cling well to the chicken.
Either choice creates the ideal sticky base to develop a craggy, crispy exterior.
Flour for Breading
All-purpose flour forms the backbone of your crispy coating. It absorbs moisture from the marinade and expands during frying, creating airy flakes and crackly texture. Some cooks add a spoonful of cornstarch for extra crispness, but plain flour works beautifully on its own.
Seasonings That Create Perfect Crunch
Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
This trio forms the core flavor profile of most Southern and restaurant-style chicken tenders.
Paprika adds color and mild warmth.
Garlic powder gives savory depth.
Onion powder adds subtle sweetness and enhances the overall aroma.
These spices not only improve the taste but also help with the browning process, making the crust more visually appealing.
Cayenne Pepper
For a touch of heat, cayenne pepper is optional but highly recommended. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you want your tenders to be. Even a small pinch adds complexity without making the tenders hot.
Salt + Black Pepper
Salt and pepper are essential for unlocking the flavor of all the other ingredients. Seasoning the flour generously ensures every bite is well-balanced, flavorful, and far from bland.
Recommended Oils & Frying Tools
Canola, Peanut, or Vegetable Oil
The right oil makes a big difference in achieving an even golden crust without burning the breading.
Canola oil – neutral flavor, high smoke point
Peanut oil – very clean tasting, excellent for ultra-crispy results
Vegetable oil – affordable and widely used
All three oils maintain stability at 350–365°F, the ideal frying range for chicken tenders.
Cast Iron Skillet or Dutch Oven
Using the proper cookware ensures that your oil stays at a stable temperature:
Cast iron skillet – holds heat extremely well, perfect for shallow frying.
Dutch oven – best for deeper oil frying and minimizing splatters.
Both options minimize temperature fluctuations, which helps your coating crisp instead of absorbing oil.
Kitchen Thermometer, Tongs, Wire Rack
These small tools dramatically improve frying success:
Kitchen thermometer – ensures your oil stays consistently hot.
Tongs – allow you to flip tenders safely without damaging the crust.
Wire rack – prevents sogginess by allowing air to circulate under the finished tenders.
How to Make This Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Learn the step-by-step method to make crispy, juicy fried chicken tenders at home.
This step-by-step method guarantees fail-proof results every time. By combining a tenderizing marinade, a well-seasoned flour mixture, and the correct frying technique, you’ll create crispy, juicy, restaurant-quality fried chicken tenders right at home. Below, each step is broken down in detail to help you master the process with confidence.
Step 1 — Marinate Chicken in Buttermilk
The first step in making the best fried chicken tenders recipe is marinating the chicken properly. Buttermilk plays a crucial role here—it gently tenderizes the meat thanks to its natural acidity while helping the flour coating stick during frying.
Why This Matters
The buttermilk breaks down proteins, resulting in juicy chicken tenders that stay moist even after deep frying.
The marinade also acts as a flavor booster when seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or hot sauce.
Tips for Best Results
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2–4 hours creates deeper flavor.
For extra tenderness, lightly score the chicken before marinating.
Step 2 — Dredge in Seasoned Flour for Maximum Crispiness
Once the chicken comes out of the marinade, it’s time to build the golden, crunchy coating that makes this fried chicken tenders recipe irresistible.
The Flour + Spice Mixture
A classic seasoned flour blend includes:
Flour (base)
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cayenne pepper
Salt + black pepper
This seasoning blend ensures each tender develops a flavorful crust with plenty of texture.
Proper Dredging Technique
Creating an effective dredging station prevents a soggy coating:
Bowl 1: Buttermilk-marinated chicken
Bowl 2: Seasoned flour
Wire rack: To allow the coating to adhere and dry slightly
Why This Step Works
Moisture from the buttermilk clings to the flour, creating natural “cragginess,” which becomes extra crispy when fried.
Letting the coated chicken rest for 5–10 minutes helps the crust set.
Step 3 — Fry Until Golden Brown & Crispy
The final stage of your fried chicken tenders recipe is frying. The magic happens when hot oil and well-coated chicken meet, creating a perfectly crispy exterior with a soft, juicy interior.
Ideal Frying Temperature
Keep your frying oil between 350–365°F (175–185°C). This range ensures:
The coating crisps quickly
The chicken cooks fully without drying out
The breading does not absorb excess oil
Deep Frying vs. Shallow Frying
Both methods work—choose based on your cookware:
Deep Frying (Dutch oven or deep pot)
Ensures even cooking
Reduces flipping
Best for larger batches
Shallow Frying (cast iron skillet)
Uses less oil
Produces excellent browning
Requires careful flipping for even crispiness
Use a Thermometer for Safety & Quality
A kitchen thermometer is essential for:
Monitoring oil temperature
Checking doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F)
Without stable oil heat, the crust will burn or become greasy—so a thermometer is non-negotiable for consistent, safe frying.
For a quicker version, check out our Instant Pot chicken chili recipe.”
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
Serve your crispy fried chicken tenders with your favorite sauces and sides for a delicious meal.
To take your fried chicken tenders recipe to the next level, these expert tips, creative variations, and serving ideas will help you customize the dish exactly the way you love it. Whether you prefer extra crispy, gluten-free, spicy, or buttermilk-free versions, this guide gives you all the flexibility you need.
Helpful Tips for the Crispiest Chicken Tenders
How to Avoid Soggy Breading
Soggy fried chicken almost always comes from oil that’s too cool. When the temperature drops below 350°F, the breading absorbs oil instead of crisping. Always preheat your oil fully and maintain a steady heat, especially when adding new pieces.
Rest Chicken on a Wire Rack (Not Paper Towels)
After frying, always transfer the tenders to a wire rack instead of paper towels. A rack allows hot air to circulate underneath, keeping the coating crispy instead of steaming.
Do Not Overcrowd the Skillet
Frying too many tenders at once lowers the oil temperature and causes uneven browning. Fry in small batches to preserve that crispy, golden texture.
Variations (Spicy, Gluten-Free, Buttermilk-Free)
Spicy Chicken Tenders
If you want a fiery kick, here are simple ways to elevate the heat:
Add cayenne pepper to the seasoned flour
Mix hot sauce into the buttermilk marinade
Sprinkle chili powder or smoked paprika for deeper spice
LSI keywords: spicy fried chicken tenders, hot chicken tenders, cayenne chicken.
Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders
You can still enjoy this fried chicken tenders recipe without gluten:
Replace flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour
Or dredge in cornstarch, which naturally fries up extra crispy
Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free
Entities: gluten-free flour, cornstarch dredge, allergen-friendly cooking.
Buttermilk-Free / Dairy-Free Version
If you don’t have buttermilk or prefer a dairy-free option, try these alternatives:
Milk + 1 tbsp vinegar (DIY buttermilk)
Almond milk or oat milk + lemon juice
Coconut milk marinade for extra richness
Best Dipping Sauces & Sides
Pairing your crispy tenders with flavorful sauces and sides transforms them into the perfect comfort meal.
Top Dipping Sauces
Honey Mustard — sweet and tangy, perfect contrast to salty crunch
Ranch Dressing — classic creamy dip for fried chicken
BBQ Sauce — smoky and sweet
Buffalo Sauce — adds heat and zing
Best Sides to Serve With Fried Chicken Tenders
French Fries — classic pairing with crispy texture
Coleslaw — adds refreshing crunch and acidity
Mac & Cheese — creamy side that balances the saltiness
Biscuits or cornbread — Southern-style comfort meal
Learn the science behind perfect frying at Serious Eats – The Science of Frying Chicken.