Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders
Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $8.66 total, $2.16 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken Tenders (trimmed, skinless)
- 1 cup Buttermilk (full‑fat for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Hot Sauce (your favorite brand, adds mild heat)
- 1 teaspoon All‑Purpose Seasoning (or any seasoning blend you like)
- 2 cups All‑Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 0.25 cup Cornstarch (helps create extra crispness)
- 2 tablespoons Baking Powder (lightens the coating)
- 0.25 cup Mayonnaise (full‑fat for smooth sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- to taste Salt
- 3 cups Vegetable Oil (for deep‑frying, high smoke point)
Instructions
Make the Buttermilk Brine
In a large mixing bowl combine 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tbsp hot sauce, 1 tsp all‑purpose seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until blended, then add the chicken tenders and toss to coat fully.
Time: PT5M
Brine the Chicken
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 4°C
Prepare the Flour Coating
In a second bowl whisk together 2 cups all‑purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 2 tbsp baking powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
Time: PT5M
Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 2 tbsp honey, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Heat the Oil
Fill the deep pot with 3 cups vegetable oil and heat over medium‑high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Double‑Dredge and Fry the Chicken
Working in batches, remove a few tenders from the brine, let excess drip off, then coat in the flour mixture. Dip back into the buttermilk brine, let excess drip, and coat again in the flour mixture. Carefully lower the coated tenders into the hot oil. Fry for 3‑4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Drain and Serve
Remove the fried tenders with tongs and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with the honey mustard sauce on the side.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains honey, Not vegan, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy (buttermilk), Egg (mayonnaise), Honey, Gluten (flour, cornstarch)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Tenders: Chicken Breast strips, Pork tenderloin strips
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, Yogurt thinned with water
- Instead of Hot Sauce: Tabasco, Sriracha (use less)
- Instead of All‑Purpose Seasoning: Garlic powder + paprika, Cajun seasoning
- Instead of All‑Purpose Flour: Bread flour, Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Cornstarch: Potato starch
- Instead of Baking Powder: Baking soda (use half the amount)
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, Sour cream
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: Stone‑ground mustard
- Instead of Yellow Mustard: More Dijon
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Second Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Fork
- Deep Pot or Dutch Oven
- Candy or Deep‑Fry Thermometer
- Tongs
- Wire Rack
- Paper Towels
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brining the chicken for at least 30 minutes
- Maintaining oil temperature at 350°F throughout frying
- Executing the double‑dredge without letting the coating become soggy
Chef Tips from the Video
- Pat the chicken dry before brining for a cleaner coating.
- Add a pinch of cayenne to the flour mixture for extra heat.
- Use a wire rack after frying to keep the crust from steaming.
Troubleshooting
Coating falls off during frying
Make sure each piece is fully coated after each dip and let excess liquid drip off before the next dip. Keep the oil at a steady 350°F.
Chicken is soggy instead of crispy
Do not overcrowd the pot; fry in small batches and let the oil return to temperature between batches.
Oil smokes or catches fire
Never exceed 375°F. If oil starts to smoke, remove pot from heat immediately and let it cool before disposing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to retain crispness.
Freezer: Wrap cooled chicken tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator and reheat as above.
Room temperature: Do not leave fried chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the honey mustard sauce up to 24 hours in advance; store covered in the refrigerator.
- Brine the chicken the night before for even more tenderness.
- Fried tenders can be reheated in a preheated oven to restore crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of crispy chicken tenders in American cuisine?
Chicken tenders became popular in the United States in the late 20th century as a fast‑food and family‑dinner staple, representing comfort food and easy, kid‑friendly meals. They evolved from Southern fried chicken traditions, adapting a quick, bite‑size format for modern households.
How do regional variations of fried chicken in the United States differ from the double‑dredged chicken tenders in this recipe?
Southern fried chicken often uses a seasoned flour and a single dip, while Nashville hot chicken adds a spicy coating after frying. The double‑dredge method in this recipe, with a buttermilk brine and cornstarch, creates an ultra‑crisp texture not typical of traditional Southern styles.
What occasions or celebrations is fried chicken, such as these double‑dredged chicken tenders, traditionally associated with in American culture?
Fried chicken is a staple at family gatherings, picnics, Super Bowl parties, and holiday meals like Thanksgiving side dishes. Its convenience and crowd‑pleasing flavor make it a go‑to for casual celebrations.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in classic American fried chicken compared to the honey mustard sauce in this recipe?
Traditional Southern fried chicken relies on buttermilk, flour, salt, pepper, and sometimes paprika. The honey mustard sauce adds modern pantry staples—mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and honey—reflecting contemporary American flavor trends.
What other American side dishes pair well with these double‑dredged chicken tenders?
Serve them with classic sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, baked beans, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the fried chicken.
How does the double‑dredge technique make these chicken tenders special in American fried‑chicken cuisine?
The double‑dredge—flour, back into buttermilk, then flour again—creates a thicker, airier crust that stays crisp longer. The addition of cornstarch and baking powder lightens the coating, setting this method apart from a single dip.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making double‑dredged chicken tenders at home?
Common errors include not brining long enough, letting oil temperature drop too low, and overcrowding the pot. Each of these results in a soggy coating or uneven cooking.
Why does this recipe use a buttermilk hot‑sauce brine instead of a plain milk soak?
Buttermilk’s acidity tenderizes the chicken while the hot sauce adds subtle heat. This combination creates flavor depth and helps the coating adhere better than plain milk.
Can I make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; give it a quick stir before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen focuses on practical, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that emphasize simple techniques, quick meals, and making classic comfort foods accessible to everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Mr. Make It Happen prioritizes minimal equipment, clear visual cues, and real‑world kitchen hacks, whereas many other channels may use more elaborate setups or focus on gourmet plating. This channel keeps recipes straightforward and budget‑friendly.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
