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Crispy Chicken Tenders

Close-up of golden crispy chicken tenders on a white plate, showcasing their crunchy texture.
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Make ultra-crunchy, juicy chicken tenders at home with this simple recipe. Perfect for a weeknight meal, these tenders are baked or air-fried for a lighter option.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Cooking spray or oil for baking/air frying

Instructions

  1. Place chicken tenders in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let brine for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if baking.
  3. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  4. Remove chicken tenders from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
  5. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
  6. For oven baking: Place coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. For air frying: Place coated tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray or drizzle with oil. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can double dredge the chicken. After the first dredge, dip the tenders back into the buttermilk, then dredge again in the flour mixture.
  • Ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Try these tenders with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a simple ranch dip.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/crispy-chicken-tenders/