How Long Do You Fry Chicken Tenders to Crispy, Juicy Perfection?

Chicken tenders are a versatile and delicious poultry option enjoyed by many. Their relative quick cooking time and mild flavor make them an approachable choice for kids and adults alike. When coated in a crispy breading and fried until golden brown, chicken tenders transform into an irresistible finger food perfect for dipping in your favorite condiments. But figuring out precisely how long to fry chicken tenders can be tricky. Undercook them and you’ll end up with unappealingly soggy, greasy pieces. Fry them too long and the exterior burns while the interior dries out. Follow this guide to learn how long you should fry chicken tenders to achieve the ideal balance of juicy interior and ultra-crisp coating.

What are Chicken Tenders?

Chicken tenders, also called chicken strips or chicken fillets, are cuts of meat that come from the underside of the chicken breast. They connect the breast meat to the ribcage. Tenders are longer, thinner pieces than chicken nuggets and have a mild flavor and tenderness that make them popular for fried chicken dishes and kid-friendly meals.

Tenders can be cut from whole chicken breasts or purchased pre-cut. Opt for tenders that feel firm and show no signs of bruising or discoloration. For even cooking, choose tenders of a similar size and thickness when working with pre-cut pieces. Tenders are sold raw or pre-cooked. Raw tenders must be prepared before eating while pre-cooked tenders only need to be heated or browned to serve.

Why Fry Chicken Tenders?

While chicken tenders taste great grilled, baked, or pan-seared, frying imparts an ultra-crisp exterior coating and moist interior that is hard to resist. The high heat of the hot oil quickly sets the batter and begins browning the exterior while simultaneously cooking the inside.

Fried chicken requires attentive monitoring to prevent overcooking. When done properly, the result is a shatteringly crisp outer layer enrobing a juicy, flavorful interior. The coating provides textural contrast to the tender chicken within. Fried chicken tenders make excellent appetizers for dipping in condiments and pair well with typical fried side dishes like french fries or fried okra.

How to Fry Chicken Tenders

Frying chicken tenders involves just a few steps

1. Prepare the chicken

• Pat raw chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Allowing any moisture to remain on the exterior can cause splattering when fried.
• If desired, season tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika or other spices. Seasonings directly on the meat will provide the most flavor.
• Set up a dredging station with separate dishes for flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs or panko.

2. Bread the chicken

• Dredge each tender first in flour, shaking off any excess coating. This helps the egg wash adhere evenly.
• Dip floured tenders into the beaten egg wash. Allow any excess to drip off before continuing.
• Finally, press tenders into the breadcrumbs or panko, turning to completely coat all sides in the crunchy crumbs.
• Set breaded tenders on a wire rack or sheet pan while you prepare the oil. Do not let sit for long or the coating may become soggy.

3. Fry the chicken

• Heat at least 2 inches of high smoke point oil like peanut or vegetable oil to 350°F in a large pot or dutch oven. Use a thermometer to monitor temperature.
• Fry just a few tenders at a time to prevent overcrowding the pot and lowering the oil temperature.
• Gently add breaded tenders to the hot oil. The coating should immediately start bubbling and turning golden brown.
• Fry for 5-7 minutes, occasionally flipping and spooning oil over the top to evenly brown.
• Use tongs to transfer cooked tenders to a paper towel lined plate. Allow excess grease to drain off.
• Bring oil back to 350°F before frying another batch. Discard oil once it darkens or smells burnt.

How Long Should You Fry Chicken Tenders?

The ideal frying time ultimately depends on the size and thickness of your chicken tenders, Here are general guidelines for achieving perfectly cooked fried chicken tenders

• Smaller, thin tenders: 4-5 minutes
• Larger, thicker tenders: 6-8 minutes
• Jumbo restaurant-style tenders: 8-10 minutes

No matter the size, aim to fry tenders until the crust is deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. The interior should reach 165°F on an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part.

Signs your chicken is done:

• Coating is crispy and browned
• Meat feels firm when pierced with a fork
• No traces of pink or red remain inside

Undercooked chicken risks harboring dangerous bacteria. Overcooking leads to dry, rubbery meat. Use a thermometer and the visual clues above to determine the ideal fry time for perfectly cooked chicken.

Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders

Achieving the crispiest possible fried chicken tenders relies on a few key strategies:

• Use very hot oil. Heat your fryer oil to 375°F instead of the minimum 350°F. The hotter temperature sets the coating immediately for maximum crunch.
• Fry in small batches. Don’t overload the pot with too many pieces at once. This brings down the oil temperature, resulting in greasy chicken.
• Let coating fully adhere. Allow time between each step of dredging, egg wash, and breading so the layers stick together and fry up crisply.
• Use paper towels. Draining fried tenders on paper towels wicks away excess grease for a crisper finish.
• Take temperature. Use an instant read thermometer to avoid overcooking.
• Keep crumbs ultra-dry. Use fresh breadcrumbs and store any leftovers in an airtight container. Stale or moist crumbs won’t get as crispy.

Common Dipping Sauces for Chicken Tenders

From classic honey mustard to zesty buffalo sauce, chicken tenders pair deliciously with an array of condiments for dipping or drizzling. Some popular sauces include:

• BBQ Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky.
• Ranch: Cool, creamy, and rich.
• Honey Mustard: Sweet, savory, and tangy yellow sauce.
• Buffalo: Fiery cayenne pepper hot sauce mixed with butter.
• Blue Cheese: Funky, salty dip with crumbles of blue cheese.
• Sweet and Sour: Glossy pinkish sauce made with apricot jam and vinegar.
• Chick-fil-A Sauce: Creamy, sweet blend of honey mustard and BBQ sauce.

Storage and Reheating Fried Chicken

Freshly fried chicken tenders are ideal but leftovers keep well with proper storage. Place cooled fried chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a 400°F oven until warmed through, about 10 minutes. The oven preserves the crispness better than the microwave. Fried chicken can also be frozen up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

With the right technique, chicken tenders transform from a mild blank canvas into an irresistible fried favorite. Monitor cooking times, oil temperature, and visual signs of doneness to achieve the ideal balance of crunch and juiciness. Dip these satisfying fried bites in your favorite sauces for endless delicious flavor combinations perfect for appeasing any finicky eaters.