Extra-Crispy | Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe

The secret to this extra-crispy homemade chicken tenders recipe lies in a flavorful buttermilk marinade and a double-dredging technique that locks in moisture while creating maximum surface area for crunch. Once you try this extra-crispy homemade chicken tenders recipe, you will never want to buy the frozen, pre-packaged version ever again.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Marinating: 30 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients You Will Need

To get the best results from this extra-crispy homemade chicken tenders recipe, you will want to gather these simple fridge and pantry staples:

• Chicken: 1.5 pounds of chicken tenderloins.

• The Marinade: 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

• The Breading: 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, half a cup of cornstarch (the secret to extra crunch!), 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and additional seasonings to taste.

• Cooking Oil: Peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil for frying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these foolproof steps to ensure your extra-crispy homemade chicken tenders recipe turns out flawlessly.

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt. Submerge the chicken tenderloins completely in the mixture. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to tenderize the meat.

2. Prepare the Flour Coating

In a separate shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the buttermilk marinade into the flour mixture and mix it with a fork. This creates small clumps in the flour, which is the key trick to making this extra-crispy homemade chicken tenders recipe look and taste like it came from a professional kitchen.

3. Dredge the Tenders

Take a piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and press it firmly into the flour mixture. Ensure it is completely coated. For maximum texture, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk very briefly, and then coat it in the flour a second time. Repeat this for all pieces.

4. Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning once, until the crust is deeply golden-brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Chef's Pro-Tips for Success

Resting is Key: Place your cooked chicken on a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet rather than directly onto paper towels. This keeps the bottoms from getting soggy and ensures your extra-crispy homemade chicken tenders recipe stays crunchy.

You can easily customize this extra-crispy homemade chicken tenders recipe by serving it alongside honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a creamy garlic ranch dip. Enjoy the crunch of this delicious extra-crispy homemade chicken tenders recipe while it is hot and fresh!