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kfc chicken tenders recipe.

 

🍗 KFC Chicken Tenders Recipe (Crispy, Juicy & Easy Copycat)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marination Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Servings: 4–6

These homemade KFC Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with delicious flavor. Inspired by the famous fast-food favorite, this easy copycat recipe uses a seasoned buttermilk marinade and crunchy coating to create golden chicken strips perfect for dipping, sandwiches, wraps, or family dinners.

The secret to extra crispy tenders is a flavorful double coating and maintaining the right frying temperature.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy crunchy coating
  • Juicy tender chicken
  • Easy homemade copycat recipe
  • Perfect for dipping sauces
  • Family-friendly comfort food
  • Better freshness than takeout

🧂 Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 500g chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Crispy Coating

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil or canola oil

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl combine:

  • Buttermilk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Add chicken tenderloins and coat well.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Buttermilk helps create juicy tender chicken and improves crispy coating texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In another bowl whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Cayenne
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • White pepper
  • Baking powder

Cornstarch and baking powder help create extra crispy chicken tenders.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove chicken from the marinade.

Coat each tender thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.

For extra crunch:

  1. Dip chicken back into buttermilk
  2. Coat again in flour mixture

Let coated tenders rest for 10 minutes before frying for better crust adhesion.

🍳 Step 4: Heat the Oil

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pan.

Keeping oil temperature steady helps prevent greasy chicken.

🔥 Step 5: Fry Until Crispy

Fry chicken tenders in batches for about 5–6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Do not overcrowd the pan.

Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

🍽️ Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with:

  • Honey mustard
  • Ranch dressing
  • BBQ sauce
  • Garlic mayo
  • Ketchup

💡 Pro Tips

  • Double coating creates thicker crunchier crust.
  • Rest coated chicken before frying.
  • Fry in small batches.
  • Use cornstarch for extra crispiness.
  • Maintain oil temperature carefully.

🌟 Variations

Spicy Chicken Tenders

Add extra cayenne pepper or chili powder.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Spray lightly with oil and air fry until crispy.

Nashville Hot Tenders

Brush fried tenders with spicy hot oil sauce.

Garlic Parmesan Tenders

Toss fried tenders with garlic butter and parmesan cheese.

❓ FAQs

Can I bake chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes. Bake at 425°F until crispy and fully cooked.

Why are my chicken tenders not crispy?

Oil may be too cool or the pan may be overcrowded.

Can I freeze chicken tenders?

Yes. Freeze after cooking and cool completely before storing.

What dipping sauces work best?

Honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, and garlic mayo pair perfectly.

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 430 kcal
Protein 30 g
Carbohydrates 24 g
Fat 23 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Sodium 760 mg

Nutrition values are approximate.

🔗 Similar Recipes

🍗 KFC Extra Crispy Chicken Recipe

Crunchy fried chicken with bold seasoning and crispy coating.

🍿 KFC Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Crispy bite-sized chicken pieces perfect for dipping.

🥔 KFC Potato Wedges Recipe

Golden seasoned potato wedges with crispy edges.

🧀 KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy cheesy comfort-food side dish.

🥗 KFC Coleslaw Recipe

Sweet creamy cabbage salad inspired by the restaurant classic.

💭 Final Thoughts

This homemade KFC Chicken Tenders Recipe is crispy, juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The crunchy seasoned coating and tender chicken inside create the perfect comfort-food meal for family dinners, parties, snacks, or game nights.

Whether served with fries, biscuits, dipping sauces, or sandwiches, these crispy chicken tenders deliver classic fast-food flavor right from your kitchen. 🍗✨

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