Fried chicken tenders are a beloved comfort food, enjoyed by people of all ages. But achieving that perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior takes a little know-how. This guide explores various recipes and techniques to help you create the best fried chicken tenders you've ever tasted. We'll cover everything from choosing the right chicken to mastering the breading process and ensuring perfectly cooked results every time.
What are the Best Cuts of Chicken for Tenders?
The best cuts for chicken tenders are, unsurprisingly, chicken tenders! These long, lean strips of meat from the breast are naturally tender and cook quickly, making them ideal for frying. However, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips of a similar size and thickness. Consistency in size is key to ensuring even cooking.
How to Make Extra Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
The key to extra crispy fried chicken tenders lies in the breading and frying process. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving that perfect crunch:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. Ensure all pieces are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
- Season the flour: In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Marinate (optional): Submerge the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This adds moisture and flavor.
- Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken strip in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's fully coated. You can repeat this process for an extra crispy coating.
- Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately.
What's the Best Oil for Frying Chicken Tenders?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil are all excellent choices for frying chicken tenders. These oils have high smoke points, meaning they can withstand high temperatures without burning and imparting undesirable flavors. Avoid oils with low smoke points, such as olive oil.
How to Make Healthy Fried Chicken Tenders?
While frying inherently involves some fat, you can make healthier fried chicken tenders by:
- Using a light hand with the breading: Avoid over-breading, as this adds unnecessary calories.
- Baking instead of frying: Bake the breaded chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. While not quite as crispy as fried tenders, this method significantly reduces the fat content.
- Using a cooking spray: Lightly coat the baking sheet with cooking spray instead of using oil.
- Choosing lean chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders.
How Long to Fry Chicken Tenders for Perfect Results?
The cooking time for chicken tenders depends on their thickness and the temperature of the oil. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. Thicker tenders may require a slightly longer cooking time. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
What to Serve with Fried Chicken Tenders?
Fried chicken tenders pair perfectly with a variety of sides, including:
- French fries: A classic combination.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Mashed potatoes: A comforting and creamy side dish.
- Mac and cheese: A decadent and cheesy complement.
- Honey mustard dipping sauce: A sweet and tangy dip.
- BBQ sauce: A smoky and savory option.
By following these tips and experimenting with different seasonings and dipping sauces, you can create delicious and perfectly crispy fried chicken tenders every time. Remember, practice makes perfect!
