Fried Chicken Tenders

These EXTRA CRISPY Fried Chicken Tenders are easy to make at home and just as your favorite restaurant. Learn the secrets that the chefs use for making that perfectly seasoned, crunchy batter!

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: Chicken Tenders

Calories: 126kcal

Author: Stephanie

Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Kosher Salt + Pepper
3 egg whites
48 oz. canola oil for frying

Breading

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup breadcrumbs, plain or Italian
1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Set cooling racks over a baking sheet so that you can transfer the chicken onto the racks and allow excess oil to drip from the bottom. The air flow on all sides ensures the chicken stays crispy.
Cut the chicken breast into strips that are about ¾ inch thick and 5 inches long. Pat completely dry. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper on each side. (Use about 1/4-1/2 teaspoon coarse or kosher salt per pound of chicken)
Optional Step #1: Dry brine the seasoned chicken breast by letting it sit uncovered in the fridge for 4 hours on the bottom shelf. This keeps it dry on the outside which allows the breading to stick to it well. It also allows the salt to penetrate through the chicken which allows the inside to become juicy, tender, and flavorful.
Optional Step #2: If possible, remove the chicken from the fridge 20 minutes before frying for even cooking throughout.
Combine the breading ingredients and set aside.
Crack egg whites into a small bowl, save the egg yolks for another dish if desired.
Beat the egg whites until fluffy and frothy.
Place saran wrap over the chicken and use the rough side of a meat mallet to pound the meat and create texture on the outside, this allows the breading to work it's way into the crevices and creates grip to hold on to the breading.
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg whites, then coat it generously in the breading mix, allow every cook and cranny to get thoroughly coated.
Add oil to a dutch oven, fill it no more than halfway. Heat to 350-375 degrees. (You can also use a deep fryer.)
Fry the chicken tenders in batches, each side will take about 4 minutes to sufficiently brown. Remove and transfer to cooling racks.
PRO TIP: Transfer cooling racks to a 200° oven to keep the chicken warm while you fry the remaining batches.
Ensure the internal temperature has reached 165° prior to serving.

Notes

Try serving these with my easy honey mustard sauce and try my popcorn chicken next!

Air Fryer Method:

Disclosure: Nothing beats the flavor and texture of deep frying this chicken, but here are the instructions for air frying, if you must. 😉

Preheat the air fryer to 375°.
Place the breaded chicken on the air frying basket, do not overlap them and fry in batches if needed.
Use Canola Oil Cooking Spray to generously coat the outside prior to air frying.
Air fry for 6 minutes. Flip and spray with more Canola oil.
Cook for 3-4 more minutes.
Ensure the internal temperature has reached 165° prior to serving.

Nutrition