Easy Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders makes the southern staple simple! Ditch the local takeout chicken and whip up your very own fried favorite. Each tender is perfectly coated in crispiness and ready to be dipped into your favorite dipping sauce. Easy Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders brings the restaurant-level, juicy, savory chicken tenders right into your own home!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1-2 pounds chicken tenders or 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into 1-inch thick strips
- vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
Step 1 –In one bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper.
Step 2 –In another bowl, beat the egg and water together until combined.
Step 3 –Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture to coat completely and shake off any excess flour.
Step 4 –Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture until fully coated
Step 5 –Dip each chicken piece again in the flour mixture until fully coated and again shake off any excess flour.
Step 6 –Set aside the coated chicken pieces for 5 minutes to ensure the coating sticks.
Step 7 –Begin heating a cast-iron skillet filled with 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat until the temperature measures around 365-375 degrees F with a thermometer. If you do not have a thermometer, drop a small amount of flour into the oil and if it starts to sizzle immediately the temperature is ready to cook the chicken.
Step 8 –Add the chicken pieces to the skillet carefully so as not to splatter the oil. Add about 5 pieces at a time but do not crowd the chicken in the skillet.
Step 9 –Cook on one side until the chicken is golden brown on that side, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 10 –Turn the chicken, and repeat until the other side is also golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Step 11 –Cook the remaining chicken in batches until all of the chicken is cooked.
Step 12 –When chicken is cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and, if needed, sprinkle with a little more salt.
Step 13 –Serve hot with dipping sauces.
