Chicken Tenders: Bigger, Juicier, Better

Chicken tenders aren’t just for kids. When done right, they’re a crunchy, juicy masterpiece. The secret? A buttermilk soak and double breading.

These come out shatteringly crisp on the outside, impossibly tender inside. Way better than any fast food version. And yes, you need a good dip.

Ingredients

Serves 4 (makes 10-12 tenders).

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins (or slice chicken breasts into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs (extra crispy)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying (or cooking spray for air fryer)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soak in Buttermilk

1. Place chicken tenders in a bowl and cover with buttermilk.
2. Let sit for 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge). This guarantees juicy chicken.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

1. Bowl 1: Flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, pepper.
2. Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
3. Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Double Bread (Key Step)

1. Remove tender from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
2. Dip in flour, then egg, then panko. Press firmly.
3. For extra crunch: dip in egg and panko again.

Step 4: Cook ‘Em Up

1. Frying: Heat ½ inch oil to 350°F. Fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
2. Air Fryer: 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with oil.
3. Oven: 400°F for 15-18 minutes on a wire rack.

Step 5: Dip and Devour

1. Serve immediately with ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or comeback sauce.

Summary

Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes soak) | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 10-12 tenders

Difficulty: Easy

Storage Notes

Fridge:

Store cooked tenders in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze cooked and cooled tenders on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Air fryer at 375°F for 5-6 minutes. Oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes on a wire rack. Never microwave (soggy crime).

Make-Ahead Breading:

Bread the tenders and freeze raw. Cook from frozen (add 3-4 minutes to cook time).