Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe

Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by AnitaCooks on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 40 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 3 hrs 10 min

Cost: $9.74 total, $2.44 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Chicken Tenders (skinless, boneless tenderloins, trimmed)
  • 2 cups Buttermilk (If unavailable, combine 2 cups whole milk with 2 tbsp white vinegar and let sit 15 minutes)
  • 2 tablespoons Hot Sauce (any brand, e.g., Frank's RedHot)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (for dry coating, sifted)
  • 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour (for wet batter, sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1.5 teaspoons Salt (divided between dry and wet mixtures)
  • 0.75 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (divided between dry and wet mixtures)
  • 1 Egg Yolk (large egg yolk, separated from white)
  • 0.25 cup Water (cold water, add gradually to achieve thick batter)
  • 4 cups Vegetable Oil (for deep frying, use a high‑smoke‑point oil)
  • 0.25 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Homemade Buttermilk (if needed)

    Pour 2 cups whole milk into a measuring cup, add 2 tbsp white vinegar, stir and let sit for 15 minutes until it thickens and curdles.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Marinate the Chicken

    Place the chicken tenders in a bowl, pour the buttermilk (or homemade) over them, add 2 tbsp hot sauce, mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

    Time: PT2H

  3. Make the Dry Coating

    In a separate bowl combine 1 cup all‑purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 0.5 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp ground black pepper. Whisk until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Make the Wet Batter

    In another bowl whisk together 0.5 cup all‑purpose flour, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp ground black pepper, 1 egg yolk, and enough cold water (about 0.25 cup) to form a thick, smooth batter.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Heat the Oil

    Fill the deep pot with vegetable oil to about 2 inches depth, heat over medium‑high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  6. Double‑Coat the Chicken

    Remove a few pieces of chicken from the marinate, let excess drip off, dredge in the dry flour mixture, shake off excess, dip into the wet batter, let excess drip, then dredge again in the dry flour. Place coated pieces on a paper‑towel‑lined plate.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Fry the Chicken

    Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry for about 5 minutes, turning once, until the coating is deep golden brown and the interior reaches 165°F (74°C).

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Drain and Rest

    Transfer fried chicken to the paper‑towel‑lined plate, let rest for at least 2 minutes before serving.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Prepare Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce

    In a small bowl combine 0.25 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1 tsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Serve

    Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a serving platter, drizzle or serve with the spicy mayo on the side. Enjoy while hot!

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains egg

Allergens: Dairy, Egg, Wheat

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe

Recipe by AnitaCooks

Restaurant‑style extra crispy chicken tenders made at home with a double coating of dry flour and a thick wet batter. Marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce for juicy flavor, then deep‑fried to a golden crunch. Served with a spicy mayo‑Sriracha dipping sauce.

MediumAmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
2h 47m
Prep
15m
Cook
22m
Cleanup
3h 24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.74
Total cost
$2.44
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 2 hours.
  • Heating oil to the correct temperature (350°F / 175°C).
  • Double‑coating: dry flour → wet batter → dry flour.
  • Maintaining oil temperature while frying to ensure crispness.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; handle with care and keep children away.
  • Never leave the heating oil unattended.
  • Do not overfill the pot with oil; leave at least 2 inches headspace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of extra crispy chicken tenders in American fast‑food cuisine?

A

Chicken tenders became popular in the United States in the 1970s as a fast‑food staple, offering a convenient, bite‑size piece of fried chicken. Their appeal lies in the contrast between a juicy interior and a crunchy exterior, making them a favorite for both kids and adults at casual dining venues.

cultural
Q

How do regional variations of fried chicken tenders differ across the United States?

A

In the South, tenders are often seasoned with a blend of paprika, cayenne, and buttermilk for extra flavor, while in the Midwest they may be served with a sweet honey‑mustard glaze. West Coast versions sometimes incorporate a lighter batter with rice flour for extra crispness.

cultural
Q

What traditional side dishes are commonly served with chicken tenders in American cuisine?

A

Classic accompaniments include French fries, coleslaw, pickles, and a variety of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or the spicy mayo featured in this recipe. They are also popular on salads or in sandwich wraps.

cultural
Q

During which occasions are chicken tenders traditionally enjoyed in the United States?

A

Chicken tenders are a go‑to dish for casual gatherings like birthday parties, sports events, picnics, and family movie nights. Their finger‑food nature makes them ideal for buffet‑style serving.

cultural
Q

What makes this extra crispy chicken tender recipe special compared to typical fast‑food versions?

A

The double‑coating technique—dry flour, wet batter, then dry flour again—creates a thicker, crunchier crust than standard single‑coat methods. Marinating in buttermilk and hot sauce also adds tenderness and a subtle heat that fast‑food chains usually achieve with pressure fryers.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making extra crispy chicken tenders at home?

A

Common errors include frying at too low a temperature, which makes the coating soggy; overcrowding the pot, which drops the oil temperature; and not letting the coated pieces rest before frying, which can cause the crust to slip off. Follow the temperature and batch guidelines for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a double dry coating instead of a single coating?

A

The first dry coating adheres to the moist chicken, the wet batter adds a binding layer, and the second dry coating creates a thick, crunchy shell. This method mimics the pressure‑frying effect used in restaurants without specialized equipment.

technical
Q

Can I make the extra crispy chicken tenders ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep the dry and wet mixtures refrigerated for up to 30 minutes before frying. After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a 350°F oven to restore crispness.

technical
Q

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

A

The exterior should be deep golden brown and feel firm to the touch. Internally, the meat should be opaque and reach 165°F (74°C) on a probe. The coating should stay attached when gently lifted with a fork.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel AnitaCooks specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel AnitaCooks focuses on approachable home‑cooking recipes, especially comfort foods, quick meals, and step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize technique and flavor for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

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

A

AnitaCooks combines detailed explanations of why each step matters with budget‑friendly ingredient choices, often offering homemade substitutes (like DIY buttermilk) and tips for achieving restaurant‑quality results without specialized equipment.

channel

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