Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

The Ultimate Chicken Tender

Recipe by TriggTube

A fool‑proof method for ultra‑crispy chicken tenders using a quick 20‑minute saltwater brine, a double‑dip coating of dry mix and sparkling‑water batter, and a two‑stage fry for perfect golden‑brown crunch.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
40m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.08
Total cost
$2.27
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brining the chicken for 20 minutes to ensure juiciness.
  • The double‑dip technique (dry → wet → dry) for a crunchy crust.
  • Maintaining oil temperature at 350°F for both fry stages.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use tongs and keep children away.
  • Never leave heating oil unattended.
  • If oil starts to smoke, remove from heat immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of crispy fried chicken tenders in American cuisine?

A

Fried chicken tenders evolved from Southern fried chicken traditions, becoming a popular fast‑food and home‑cooking staple in the United States during the late 20th century. They are celebrated for their convenience, crunch, and as a kid‑friendly finger food at gatherings and sports events.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of fried chicken tenders exist within the United States?

A

In the South, tenders are often seasoned with buttermilk and hot sauce; in the Midwest, they may be coated with a cornmeal‑based batter; on the West Coast, a lighter beer‑battered version is common. Each region adds its own spice blend or dipping sauce to reflect local tastes.

cultural
Q

How are chicken tenders traditionally served in American households?

A

They are typically served hot with dipping sauces such as honey‑mustard, ranch, BBQ, or hot sauce, alongside sides like coleslaw, french fries, or a simple green salad. They appear on family dinner tables, at picnics, and as party appetizers.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are chicken tenders associated with in American culture?

A

Chicken tenders are a go‑to snack for sports game nights, birthday parties, school lunches, and casual family gatherings. Their finger‑food nature makes them ideal for informal celebrations and backyard barbecues.

cultural
Q

What makes the double‑dip technique in this TriggTube recipe special compared to other fried chicken recipes?

A

The double‑dip (dry → wet → dry) creates a layered crust that stays crisp even after a second fry, while the sparkling‑water batter adds lightness. This method locks moisture inside the chicken, delivering a juicy interior with a deep golden‑brown exterior.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe call for a two‑stage fry instead of a single fry?

A

The first short fry cooks the chicken to a light golden color and sets the crust; the second fry finishes the color to deep golden‑brown and ensures the coating is fully crisped without overcooking the meat. This technique mimics restaurant‑style fried chicken.

technical
Q

Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After brining, you can coat the tenders, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to each fry stage. Refrigerated coated tenders can be stored up to 24 hours before frying.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken tenders are done?

A

The crust should be a deep, uniform golden‑brown color with a crisp, crackly surface. When cut, the interior meat should be white, juicy, and the internal temperature must read 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel TriggTube specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel TriggTube focuses on practical, experiment‑driven cooking tutorials that test many variations of a dish to find the optimal recipe, often emphasizing technique, science, and repeatable results for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel TriggTube's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

TriggTube takes a data‑driven approach, trying dozens of variations (like 50 chicken tenders) and sharing the exact process that led to the final recipe, whereas many channels present a single version without extensive testing. This gives viewers confidence in the reliability of the method.

channel
Q

What other American comfort‑food recipes is the YouTube channel TriggTube known for?

A

TriggTube is known for deep‑dive videos on classic dishes such as the perfect mac and cheese, ultimate burgers, and crispy onion rings, each explored through multiple trials to perfect flavor and texture.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Easy Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Easy Stuffed Peppers Recipe

A one‑pan, make‑ahead friendly stuffed bell pepper recipe featuring a savory beef, rice and mozzarella filling with optional raisins, almonds and herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal‑prepping.

1 hr 40 min
Serves 6
$21
2 views
AmericanEasy
Flourless Dark Chocolate Walnut Cake with Milk Chocolate Ganache

Flourless Dark Chocolate Walnut Cake with Milk Chocolate Ganache

A rich, flourless chocolate cake packed with crunchy walnuts, lightened with a fluffy meringue, and finished with a silky milk chocolate ganache. Perfect for gluten‑free celebrations and garnished with pistachios for a pop of color.

1 hr 27 min
Serves 8
$16
7 views
AmericanMedium
Classic American Meatloaf

Classic American Meatloaf

A classic American meatloaf recipe featuring sautéed onions and garlic, ground beef, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, and a flavorful ketchup-based glaze. This easy and satisfying dish is perfect for family dinners and can be customized with your favorite herbs and sauces.

1 hr 20 min
Serves 6
$66
130 views
AmericanIntermediate
Banana Bread with Pistachios

Banana Bread with Pistachios

A moist, banana‑filled loaf speckled with crunchy pistachios, baked in a toaster oven. Perfect for a chilly fall day, this easy recipe uses simple pantry staples and overripe bananas for maximum flavor.

1 hr 35 min
Serves 8
$3
1 views
AmericanEasy
Epic Bacon Chocolate Chewy Granola Bar

Epic Bacon Chocolate Chewy Granola Bar

A massive, ultra‑chewy granola bar packed with honey, coconut oil, salty candy‑bacon, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and a crunchy oat‑brown‑rice base. Inspired by Epic Meal Time’s nostalgic “big boy” lunch‑box snack, this bar is big enough for lunch, dinner, or a post‑workout treat.

1 hr 10 min
Serves 12
$4
5 views
AmericanMedium
Wisconsin Butter Burger Recipe

Wisconsin Butter Burger Recipe

A decadent, buttery American burger inspired by Wisconsin's love of rich flavors. Ground beef is seasoned with a blend of spices, topped with melted cheese, sweet softened onions, and slathered with generous amounts of butter on the bun. Perfect for a cheat‑day treat or a hearty dinner.

60 min
Serves 4
$8
4 views
AmericanEasy