Crispiest Chicken Tenders Recipe

Make the Crispiest Chicken Tenders Recipe at home with ease. These chicken tenders are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, game day snack, or a fun party appetizer. With their golden-brown coating and juicy inside, these tenders will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. The secret ingredient? Dill pickle juice! It not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the chicken for that perfect bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The combination of corn starch and flour creates an incredibly crispy coating.
• Flavorful Marinade: Dill pickle juice infuses the chicken with a tangy flavor that elevates each bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them with various dips like BBQ sauce or mayo to match your taste.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them! These chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make preparing your chicken tenders easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan: Allows for even cooking and ensures that your tenders achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for marinating the chicken and combining the dry ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing wet ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even batter.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping and removing the chicken tenders from hot oil without burning yourself.

Ingredients

Make restaurant style chicken tenders at home! Can you guess what secret ingredient I use to make the CRISPIEST fried chicken tenders? You probably already have a container of it in your pantry!

For the Chicken Tenders

• 1 1/2 lbs. chicken tenders (16 tenders or chicken breast cut into strips)
• oil (for frying)
• 3/4 cup dill pickle juice
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 egg

For the Coating

• 3/4 cup corn starch
• 3/4 cup flour
• 2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt
• cayenne pepper (pinch)

For the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp. BBQ sauce
• splash Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon pickle juice

How to Make Crispiest Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Combine dill pickle juice, milk, and egg in a mixing bowl. Whisk until well blended. Add chicken tenders to this mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Coating

In another bowl, mix together corn starch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, seasoning salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir until evenly combined.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a deep frying pan, add enough oil to cover the bottom by about an inch. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Remove each tender from the marinade and allow excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the coating mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure it adheres well.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken Tenders

Carefully place coated chicken tenders in hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 5-6 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Use tongs to flip them halfway through cooking.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once cooked through, remove chicken tenders from oil and let them drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce!

Enjoy these deliciously crispy chicken tenders as a main dish or snack!

How to Serve Crispiest Chicken Tenders Recipe

Serving your homemade chicken tenders is just as important as making them perfectly crispy. These tenders are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a family meal.

With Dipping Sauces

• Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy blend that complements the chicken’s flavor.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herby, ranch adds a cool contrast to the crispy tenders.
• Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha for a fiery kick.

In a Sandwich

• Chicken Tender Sandwich: Place the tenders on a soft bun with lettuce and tomato for a delicious handheld meal.
• Wrap It Up: Use a tortilla to create a hearty wrap filled with chicken tenders, veggies, and sauce.

On a Salad

• Crispy Chicken Salad: Top mixed greens with sliced chicken tenders, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite dressing for a satisfying meal.
• Caesar Salad with Chicken Tenders: Upgrade your Caesar by adding crispy tenders for protein and flavor.

How to Perfect Crispiest Chicken Tenders Recipe

Achieving the perfect crunch in your chicken tenders requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out wonderfully crispy every time.

• Use pickle juice: Marinating the chicken in pickle juice adds flavor and tenderizes the meat.
• Proper oil temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying; this prevents sogginess.
• Coat evenly: Make sure each tender is coated thoroughly in flour and cornstarch for an even crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve maximum crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Crispiest Chicken Tenders Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your crispy chicken tenders can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. French Fries: Classic potato fries seasoned with salt make an excellent companion.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch that contrasts beautifully with the chicken.
3. Sweet Potato Wedges: Baked or fried wedges offer sweetness and pair well with savory flavors.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings a burst of sweetness to your plate.
5. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese creates comfort food bliss alongside crispy chicken.
6. Vegetable Medley: Steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables add color and nutrients to balance the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the crispiest chicken tenders can be easy, but avoiding common mistakes is key to perfecting your dish.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken in dill pickle juice can lead to bland flavor. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes for the best taste.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many tenders at once can lower the oil temperature. Cook in batches to keep them crispy and evenly cooked.
• Using Cold Oil: Starting with cold oil can lead to soggy chicken. Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) before adding the tenders.
• Not Patting Dry: Failing to dry the chicken after marinating can result in excess moisture. Ensure they are patted dry before coating.
• Ignoring Temperature Control: Cooking at too high or low a temperature can affect crispiness. Maintain a consistent heat for optimal frying.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Containers: Use an airtight container for best results.

Freezing Crispiest Chicken Tenders Recipe

• Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Crispiest Chicken Tenders Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place tenders on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may not retain crispiness.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning regularly for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the crispiest chicken tenders.

How do I achieve extra crispy chicken tenders?

To achieve extra crispiness, use a combination of corn starch and flour in your breading mixture. The corn starch helps absorb moisture while frying.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even lamb if you prefer different flavors. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What’s the best way to serve these chicken tenders?

The crispiest chicken tenders pair well with dipping sauces like honey mustard or BBQ sauce. You can also serve them alongside fresh salads or fries.

Can I make these tenders gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

These crispiest chicken tenders are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various spices or serve them with your favorite dipping sauces. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy restaurant-quality tenders right at home!