Fried Chicken Tenders
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly tasty, these Fried Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food. Perfectly seasoned with a buttery flavor and quick to make, they take the guesswork out of frying chicken at home and make going out for fried chicken a thing of the past.
Ingredients
- Oil of choice, for frying
- 1/2 stick butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 3 pounds chicken breast, cut into strips
- 2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup barbecue seasoning of choice
- 1/4 cup mesquite seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Dipping sauce of choice, optional
Instructions
- Fill a Dutch oven or large frying pan halfway with oil and butter; heat over medium heat.
- In a large bowl, mix eggs and milk, then place chicken strips in the mixture.
- In a separate mixing bowl, mix flour, barbecue seasoning, and mesquite seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove 4-6 chicken strips from the milk mixture and cover completely in the flour mixture.
- Drop a pinch of flour into the hot oil; if it crackles, the oil is hot enough.
- Once hot, fry the battered chicken for 4 minutes, then using tongs or a fork, turn it over and fry for another 4 minutes.
- The chicken is done when it is golden and almost floats. Remove from the frying pan and repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Serve with dipping sauce of choice, if desired.
Cook’s Notes
Test the oil temperature with a pinch of flour before frying — if it crackles, the oil is ready, which helps ensure evenly cooked, crispy tenders instead of greasy ones. Elevate your meal by offering a couple of dipping sauces on the side, since a fun sauce adds extra flavor to every bite.
Ingredient Swaps
Swap the barbecue and mesquite seasoning blends for your favorite Cajun, ranch, or lemon pepper seasoning to change up the flavor profile. Chicken thighs cut into strips can be used in place of chicken breast for a juicier, richer bite.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tenders alongside classic sides like French fries, coleslaw, or mac and cheese for a full comfort-food meal. They also make a great party snack served with an assortment of dipping sauces.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until warmed through and crispy again, as microwaving can make the coating soggy.
Common Questions
Why isn’t my coating staying on the chicken?
Make sure to shake off excess milk mixture before dredging in the flour, and press the flour mixture firmly onto each strip so it adheres well before frying.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken tenders are done when they turn golden brown and begin to float in the oil; for extra assurance, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the coated tenders on a wire rack at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, though the texture will be less crispy than frying.
