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Crispy Crack Chicken Tenders

crispy crack chicken tenders - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, flavorful chicken tenders with a juicy inside and crunchy outside, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken tenders, fresh or thawed
  • 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable or canola oil for frying (or avocado oil)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs until smooth.
  4. Dredge each chicken tender in the dry flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  5. Dip the tender into the wet buttermilk-egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
  6. Dip the tender again into the dry flour mixture for a double coating.
  7. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Fry tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
  9. Transfer tenders to a cooling rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep crispy.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before coating to avoid soggy crust. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best results. Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding. For a healthier option, bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken tenders, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, fried chicken, comfort food, weeknight meal