Ingredients
Creating these delectable tenders requires just a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
These ingredients come together to create a coating that’s both flavorful and perfectly crispy, just like the tenders I remember from my family’s dinner table.
Instructions
Bringing these crispy chicken tenders to your table is an easy and rewarding process. Follow these steps to recreate that beloved crunch:
- Start by preparing your dredging station: In one bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
- Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour, then dip the tender into the egg and buttermilk mixture.
- After the egg bath, coat the tenders in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without burning.
- Fry the tenders in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from oil and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Each step is a nod to the vibrant culinary traditions I grew up with, where even the simplest dishes were made with love and care.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International