Golden, crunchy chicken tenders with juicy white meat inside, served with a rich, creamy homemade dipping sauce. An easy family favorite with irresistible flavor and a perfectly crispy coating!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 2–6 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Introduction
Extra crispy chicken tenders recipe with seasoned crunchy coating, juicy chicken and creamy dipping sauce is the perfect homemade alternative to restaurant-style fried chicken. Every tender has a beautifully golden, craggy crust with juicy, flavorful chicken inside. The secret is a seasoned buttermilk marinade combined with a flour and cornstarch coating that fries up incredibly crunchy. I love serving these chicken tenders with a simple creamy dipping sauce that adds a little tang and smoky flavor. Whether you're preparing a family dinner, weekend snack, or game-day appetizer, these crispy chicken tenders are always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken tenders
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Crispy Coating
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (32 g) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
For the Creamy Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup (115 g) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry and remove any tough tendons if necessary. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the marinade: Add buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne. Mix until every piece is completely coated.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 6 hours. This helps tenderize the chicken and develop flavor.
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and baking powder.
- Create extra-crispy texture: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the buttermilk marinade into the flour mixture and gently rub it together with your fingers. Small flour clumps will create a beautifully craggy crust.
- Coat the chicken: Remove one tender from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Press firmly into the seasoned flour mixture until generously coated.
- Rest the coating: Arrange the coated tenders on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes. This helps the breading adhere during frying.
- Heat the oil: Pour approximately 2 inches (5 cm) of oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot. Heat to 350°F (175°C), checking with a kitchen thermometer.
- Fry until golden: Carefully lower 3–4 chicken tenders into the hot oil. Fry for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply golden and crispy.
- Check doneness: The thickest part of each chicken tender must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Adjust frying time depending on thickness.
- Drain properly: Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet. Avoid stacking the tenders while hot because trapped steam softens the coating.
- Prepare the dipping sauce: Whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional honey until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Arrange the golden chicken tenders on a white serving plate with a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce. Serve immediately while hot and crunchy.
Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders
- Use cornstarch: It helps create a lighter, crunchier coating.
- Don't skip the marinade: Buttermilk keeps the chicken tender and flavorful.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil around 325–350°F (163–175°C) while frying.
- Fry in batches: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and produces soggy breading.
- Use a wire rack: Air circulation helps preserve the crispy texture.
- Season immediately: Add a tiny pinch of salt while the chicken is still hot.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade crispy chicken tenders taste amazing with French fries, potato wedges, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh cucumber salad. They also make delicious chicken wraps and sandwiches.
For dipping, try homemade ranch, honey mustard, garlic mayonnaise, or the creamy paprika sauce included in this recipe.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze fully cooked, cooled chicken tenders for up to 2 months for best quality.
Oven reheating: Place tenders on a wire rack and heat at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes, until thoroughly heated.
Air fryer reheating: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 4–6 minutes, depending on thickness.
Dipping sauce: Refrigerate separately in a covered container for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes chicken tenders extra crispy?
A combination of flour, cornstarch, properly heated oil, and small clumps of seasoned coating creates a crunchy, textured crust.
2. Can I make these chicken tenders without buttermilk?
Yes. Mix 1 cup (240 ml) of milk with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice and let it stand for 5–10 minutes before using.
3. Can I cook these chicken tenders in an air fryer?
Yes. Spray the breaded tenders generously with cooking oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Why does my breading fall off?
Excess marinade, insufficient coating pressure, or moving the chicken too early can cause breading to separate. Let the coated chicken rest briefly before frying.
5. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely. Marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator, then coat and fry it shortly before serving for the crispiest results.
Final Thoughts
These extra crispy chicken tenders deliver everything you want from homemade fried chicken: a crunchy golden coating, juicy seasoned meat, and a delicious creamy dipping sauce.
With simple pantry spices and a few reliable cooking techniques, you can create restaurant-quality chicken tenders that everyone at the table will love.
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