Olivia Carter
If you’re craving crispy, tender chicken tenders, look no further! Making fried chicken tenders in a skillet is a straightforward and delicious way to satisfy your cravings. This recipe requires a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend treat.
To start, gather your ingredients: chicken tenders, flour, breadcrumbs, eggs, and your favorite seasonings. You can customize the seasonings to your taste, adding a little kick with some cayenne pepper or a smoky flavor with paprika. Whisk the eggs in a bowl, and in a separate bowl, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet. Place a few chicken tenders in the egg mixture, coating them thoroughly, then transfer them to the flour mixture, making sure to coat each tender evenly. Gently press the coating onto the chicken tenders to help it adhere.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a minimum of 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing or honey mustard, and enjoy!
This skillet-fried chicken tender recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group of friends or family, these chicken tenders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy some crispy, flavorful chicken tenders!
Step-by-Step Guide for Making Fried Chicken Tenders in a Skillet
Chicken tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. This step-by-step guide will show you how to make crispy and flavorful chicken tenders using a skillet.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken tenders
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup of buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional). This will be the coating for the chicken tenders.
- In another shallow dish, pour the buttermilk.
- Take each chicken tender and dip it into the buttermilk, making sure it is fully coated.
- Transfer the chicken tender to the flour mixture and coat it evenly on all sides. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to ensure it sticks.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on a plate and repeat the process with the remaining chicken tenders.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook them in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken tenders for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the fried chicken tenders hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Now you can enjoy delicious homemade fried chicken tenders right from your own skillet. They make a great snack, appetizer, or main course. Serve them with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Before you start cooking your chicken tenders, you need to properly prepare them. Follow these simple steps to ensure your chicken is ready to be fried to perfection:
- Start by washing the chicken tenders under cold running water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl and season them generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. This will be used as a binding agent for the breading.
- Prepare your breading station by setting up two separate bowls. In one bowl, add flour, salt, and pepper, and mix well. In the second bowl, add breadcrumbs and any additional seasonings you prefer.
- Take each seasoned chicken tender and dip it into the flour mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. Repeat this process for all the chicken tenders.
Once your chicken tenders are prepared, they are ready to be fried in a skillet until golden brown and crispy. Follow the rest of the recipe to complete the cooking process and enjoy delicious homemade fried chicken tenders!
Marinate the Chicken Tenders
Marinating the chicken tenders helps infuse them with flavor and keep them moist and tender while frying. To marinate the chicken tenders:
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Add the chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Allow the chicken to come to room temperature: Before frying, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the chicken cook more evenly.
Note: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using.
Prepare the Breading Mixture
Before you can start frying your chicken tenders, you’ll need to prepare the breading mixture. This is what will give your chicken that crispy, golden brown coating.
First, gather your ingredients. You’ll need:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Next, prepare your chicken tenders for breading. Take each tender and dip it in the breading mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Press the breading into the tender to ensure it sticks.
Once all the chicken tenders are coated, set them aside on a plate or baking sheet.
Now you’re ready to move on to the next step: frying the chicken tenders in a skillet.
Coat the Chicken Tenders
Coating the chicken tenders is an important step in making them crispy and flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the chicken tenders on a plate or in a shallow dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings or spices you’d like to use.
- Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides.
- Shake off any excess flour and place the coated chicken tender onto a clean plate or baking sheet.
- Repeat this process with the remaining chicken tenders.
Once all the chicken tenders are coated, you’re ready to fry them in a skillet.
Heat the Skillet and Fry the Chicken Tenders
Once all the chicken tenders have been coated in flour mixture, it’s time to heat up the skillet and start frying. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve perfectly crispy and golden chicken tenders:
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Preheat the Skillet
Place a large skillet on the stove and set the heat to medium-high. Allow the skillet to heat up for a few minutes until it’s hot.
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Add the Oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into the skillet to cover the bottom. Aim for about 1/4 inch of oil, but you may need more or less depending on the size of your skillet. Heat the oil until it shimmers and is hot.
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Start Frying
Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, one at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This will ensure that each tender gets evenly cooked and crispy.
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Cook the Chicken Tenders
Let the chicken tenders cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs to flip the tenders halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and cooking.
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Remove and Drain
Once the chicken tenders are cooked, use tongs to carefully transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil. This will help keep them crispy.
Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken tenders, making sure to maintain the oil temperature and adjusting the heat as needed. Serve the delicious homemade fried chicken tenders hot and enjoy!
Serve and Enjoy!
Once your fried chicken tenders are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy!
Place the crispy and golden brown chicken tenders on a serving plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the tenders for added flavor.
You can serve these delicious chicken tenders as is or with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Pair them with some crispy french fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or simply treating yourself, these homemade fried chicken tenders are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
So go ahead and dig in!
Remember to use your fingers, as these tasty treats are best enjoyed with your hands. The crispy exterior combined with the juicy and tender chicken inside will create a taste sensation that you won’t soon forget.
Just be prepared for requests for seconds!
So gather your friends and family, grab your favorite sauce, and indulge in these delicious fried chicken tenders. They are perfect for any occasion and are guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Enjoy!
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders. Just cut the chicken breasts into strips or tenders before breading and frying them in the skillet.
Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?
Yes, if you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
