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

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)

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:

1. Bowl 1: Buttermilk-marinated chicken

2. Bowl 2: Seasoned flour

3. 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

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.