Golden Fried Chicken Tenders

Name: Golden Fried Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken tenders; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup milk; 3 cups vegetable oil for frying

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 8 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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If there's one dish that's universally loved and never fails to please a crowd, it’s golden fried chicken tenders. Perfectly seasoned, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, these tenders are everything you crave when you think of comfort food.

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Ingredients for Golden Fried Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are the star here, providing a tender, juicy base that cooks quickly and evenly. The flour forms the crispy coating that hugs each piece perfectly. Salt and black pepper bring out the natural flavors, while garlic powder and onion powder add depth and savoriness. Paprika offers a subtle smokiness, and a touch of cayenne pepper provides a gentle heat. The eggs and milk create a sticky wash that ensures the flour mixture adheres well to the chicken. Finally, vegetable oil is your trusty frying medium, giving these tenders their golden finish.

Tips & Tricks

For extra crispy tenders, double-dredge by dipping in the egg and flour twice.
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
Try adding a bit more cayenne if you like your chicken with a kick.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces. Honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo are all great choices. For a full meal, serve with coleslaw or a fresh garden salad, and maybe some homemade fries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?: Yes, just cut them into strips for even cooking.
How do I store leftovers?: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.

Golden Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe Walkthrough

Start by mixing up your seasoned flour. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. This is the magic dust that transforms chicken into crispy goodness.

Next, in another bowl, beat the eggs together with the milk until they’re well combined. This mixture is the glue that helps the flour stick to the chicken, so make sure it's nice and smooth.

Now, heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. You’re looking for it to reach about 350°F, which is the sweet spot for frying these tenders to perfection without burning.

While the oil is heating, start coating your chicken. Dip each tender into the egg mixture first, then dredge it in your seasoned flour, making sure it’s completely covered. The flour should stick nicely, creating an even layer.

Time to fry! Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil. If your skillet is on the smaller side, do this in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden brown color and a cooked-through interior.

Once they’re done, take them out and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps keep them crispy and not greasy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients that pack big flavor
The perfect crispy coating that sticks
Quick enough for a weeknight dinner
Customizable spice level

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken tenders

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

2 large eggs

1/4 cup milk

3 cups vegetable oil for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together until well combined.

3. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.

4. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture and then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.

5. Carefully place the chicken tenders in the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary, and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

6. Remove the tenders from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

7. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture, optionally pairing with your favorite dipping sauce.

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