18 Best Southern Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 28, 2024
Southern fried chicken tenders are a beloved staple in many households and for good reason. The crispy, golden exterior paired with tender, juicy chicken inside makes for the ultimate comfort food. While there are countless recipes out there claiming to be the best, I'm here to share my tried and true method for achieving the perfect batch of southern fried chicken tenders. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering dish.
Main Ingredients: Salt, Black Pepper, Chicken Breast, Almond Flour, Large
If you're following a keto diet, you may think that fried chicken is off the menu. But fear not, because these keto southern fried chicken tenders are here to satisfy your cravings without derailing your diet. Made with almond flour and a blend of delicious herbs and spices, these tenders are crispy, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying.
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Homemade Fried Chicken Tenders
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Buttermilk, All Purpose Flour, Salt
Forget the frozen chicken tenders from the store, making your own at home is so much better. Not only do you have control over the quality of the chicken, but you can also customize the breading and seasoning to your liking. These homemade fried chicken tenders are a crowd-pleasing dish that will have your family begging for more.
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Easy Pan-Fried Chicken Tenders
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked
If you're short on time but still want a delicious meal, these easy pan-fried chicken tenders are the answer. They only take about 20 minutes to make and are perfect for busy weeknights. With a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior, these chicken tenders will become a go-to in your household.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked
If you have dietary restrictions, it can be challenging to find fried chicken that fits your needs. But these easy pan-fried chicken tenders are both grain-free and dairy-free, making them a perfect option for those with allergies or following a specific diet. The best part? They still taste incredible.
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Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper
Is there anything better than biting into a perfectly crispy piece of fried chicken? These crispy fried chicken tenders deliver on that crunch factor while also being juicy and flavorful. With a simple breading and a quick pan fry, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
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Fried Chicken Strips
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, All Purpose Flour, Season Salt, Black
Similar to chicken tenders, fried chicken strips are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or added to a salad or wrap. These fried chicken strips are made with a buttermilk marinade and a crispy coating of flour and spices. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying meal.
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Fried Chicken and Waffles
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Tenders, Kosher Salt, Poultry
If you've never had the combination of fried chicken and waffles, you're missing out. This dish may seem unconventional, but the sweet and savory flavors complement each other perfectly. The crispy, spicy fried chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy, sweet waffles for a unique and delicious meal.
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Best Air Fried Chicken Tenders or Chicken Strips
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Breading, Large Eggs, Kosher Salt
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and for a good reason. They allow you to enjoy your favorite fried foods with less oil and fewer calories. These air-fried chicken tenders or chicken strips are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
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Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken (THM S)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Coconut Flour, Crisps, Eggs
Buttermilk is often used in fried chicken recipes to add tenderness and flavor to the meat. This best buttermilk fried chicken recipe is also suitable for those following the Trim Healthy Mama diet, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful buttermilk mixture before being fried to perfection.
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Oven Fried Chicken Tenders
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Large Eggs, Hot Sauce, Worcestershire
If you're trying to cut back on fried foods but still want the same flavors and textures, oven-fried chicken tenders are an excellent option. They are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and baked in the oven until crispy and golden brown. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a healthier take on a classic dish.
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Spicy Fried Chicken and Waffles
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Bread Crumbs, Panko Crumbs
If you like a little kick in your food, these spicy fried chicken and waffles are for you. The chicken is coated in a spicy batter before being fried to perfection. The heat from the chicken is balanced out by the sweetness of the waffles, making this dish a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Fried Chicken and Sweet Potato Waffles
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Large Eggs, Buttermilk, Butter, Vanilla
For a twist on the classic chicken and waffles, try these fried chicken and sweet potato waffles. The waffles are made with mashed sweet potatoes, giving them a slightly sweet and savory flavor. Paired with crispy fried chicken, this dish is a unique and delicious take on a Southern favorite.
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CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Minced Garlic, Juice, Salt, Pepper
This recipe takes fried chicken tenders to the next level with an extra crispy coating. The secret? Panko breadcrumbs. These Japanese breadcrumbs add an extra crunch to the chicken and help keep it moist on the inside. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Low Sodium Fried Chicken Tenders
Main Ingredients: Half And Half, Vinegar, Cayenne, Garlic Powder, Smoked
For those watching their sodium intake, it can be challenging to find fried chicken that isn't loaded with salt. These low sodium fried chicken tenders use a combination of herbs and spices to add flavor without the added salt. They are a healthier option for those looking to enjoy their favorite comfort food without the guilt.
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Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins, Buttermilk
Buttermilk fried chicken tenders are a classic dish that never goes out of style. The chicken is marinated in a buttermilk mixture before being coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried until crispy. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful and crunchy exterior.
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Crispy Fried Chicken Strips
Main Ingredients: Argo Corn Starch, All Purpose Flour, Chicken Tenders
If you prefer your fried chicken in strip form rather than tenders, this recipe is for you. The chicken strips are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve them with your favorite sides for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Fried chicken doesn't have to be the only star of your meal. This Southern fried cabbage dish is a perfect side dish to accompany your chicken. The cabbage is cooked with bacon and onions for added flavor and then fried until tender and slightly crispy. It's a delicious and unique way to enjoy this often overlooked vegetable.
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Oven Fried Chicken Tenders (Oven Fried Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Large Eggs, Hot Sauce, Worcestershire
If you don't have an air fryer but still want to enjoy a healthier version of fried chicken, try these oven-fried chicken tenders. They are coated in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices and baked in the oven until crispy and golden brown. It's a healthier way to enjoy a classic dish without sacrificing any flavor.
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Country Fried Chicken Tenders
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Eggs, Milk, Flour, Salt, Paprika
Country fried chicken tenders are a staple in Southern cooking. The chicken is coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried until golden and crispy. Serve them with traditional sides like mashed potatoes and gravy for a comforting and satisfying meal.
If you're a fan of fried chicken, you'll likely enjoy fried catfish as well. This Southern fried catfish is coated in a cornmeal and flour mixture and fried until crispy and flaky. Serve it with tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and unique meal.
Brining is Key
Keyword: Southern fried chicken tenders
Before we get into the actual recipe, let's talk about the importance of brining. This step is often overlooked but it truly makes all the difference in the final product. Brining the chicken in a mixture of salt, sugar, and water helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. It also helps to prevent the chicken from drying out during the frying process. So don't skip this step, it's what sets apart the best southern fried chicken tenders from the rest.
The Perfect Breading
Keywords: Crispy, golden, exterior, tender, juicy
Now onto the breading. For the perfect crispy and golden exterior, we want to create a breading that will adhere to the chicken and not fall off during frying. The key is to use a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch. The cornstarch adds an extra layer of crispiness while the flour helps to create a sturdy coating. Adding some seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder also adds depth of flavor to the breading. And for that extra juicy and tender chicken, we'll be adding a touch of buttermilk to the egg wash.
Proper Frying Technique
Keywords: Proper, frying technique
To achieve the perfect southern fried chicken tenders, it's important to use the proper frying technique. First, make sure your oil is at the correct temperature, around 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn't become too greasy. Secondly, do not overcrowd the pan when frying. This will cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in soggy and greasy chicken. And finally, use a wire rack to drain the chicken after frying. This will allow the excess oil to drip off and keep the chicken crispy.
In conclusion, with the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily achieve the best and perfect batch of southern fried chicken tenders. By brining the chicken, using the right breading, and following proper frying techniques, you'll have mouthwatering chicken tenders that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So why not give this recipe a try and taste for yourself what makes it the best southern fried chicken tenders.
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