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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.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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