It’s difficult to resist a bucket full of KFC chicken tenders, but constantly visiting the restaurant can get expensive. Therefore, our Chef Jasbir has replicated the KFC chicken tenders recipe for us.
Confession: I had been on a mission to find the best KFC chicken tenders recipe and this recipe has proven to be the one. It provides the same juicy, crispy, and flavorful experience each time that the KFC chicken tenders offer.
After trying out the recipe myself, I discovered that the secret lies in the buttermilk marinade that makes the chicken tender and succulent on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Moreover, these tenders don’t turn out to be oily. Therefore, munching on a bucket full of golden and crispy KFC tenders at home is easy for me now.
They can be dipped in any of your favorite sauces. I usually serve them with honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
What's In The Post
Equipment Required
- Large Bowls – You’ll be needing three bowls for preparing this recipe.
- Skillet or Wok – A skillet or wok will be required to fry your tenders and make them crisp.
- Paper Towels – Paper towels will help you drain excess oil from the fried chicken tenders.
- Whisk – A whisk will help you combine the ingredients to make the coating for the tenders.
- Knife – A knife will be required to cut the chicken breasts in strips.
KFC Chicken Tenders Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions
KFC Chicken Tenders Recipe Ingredients & SubstitutionsNote: This recipe for KFC crispy chicken tenders is good for serving 3 people. Therefore, if you are planning to make it for a large gathering, you increase the quantity of ingredients accordingly.
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (each cut into 4 long strips)
- 2 Cups Flour – This recipe is prepared using all-purpose flour. You can also use wheat flour or almond flour.
- 2 Cups Water
- 1 Cup Buttermilk – If you don’t have buttermilk at home, you can make it at home by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in a cup of milk.
- 1 Teaspoon Hot Sauce – If you are out of hot sauce, I replace it with Tabasco.
- ⅛ Teaspoon Garlic Powder – If you can’t find garlic powder, you can use fresh garlic paste in its place.
- ⅛ Teaspoon Paprika
- ¾ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ⅛ Teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ Cup Canola Oil (for frying) – If you are out of canola or vegetable oil, you can also use olive oil.
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 40 Minutes | 20 Minutes | 1 Hour |
How To Make KFC Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1
Take two bowls and add buttermilk and chicken strips in each.
Step 2
Then marinate the chicken strips by pouring buttermilk to it.
Step 3
Next, add hot sauce to the bowl and allow the chicken strips to marinate for half an hour.
Step 4
To prepare the batter for coating the chicken strips, gather flour, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Step 5
Now add baking powder, paprika, and black pepper to the flour followed by salt and garlic powder. Stir the ingredients to combine.
Step 6
With all the elements ready, place the bowls of marinated chicken strips, flour mixture, and cracked eggs next to each other.
Step 7
Now, coat the chicken strips in the seasoned flour, then dip them in egg and coat them with seasoned flour once again.
Step 8
Then, heat canola oil in a wok to a temperature of 350℉ and fry the chicken tenders in a single layer until they turn golden and crispy. It will ensure that the chicken pieces don’t stick to each other. Moreover, by frying chicken in batches, the temperature of the oil will also remain stable.
Step 9
Your KFC chicken tenders are ready!
FAQs About KFC Chicken Tenders Recipe
Can you make chicken tenders with other parts of chicken instead of chicken breast?
No, it is not recommended to use any other part of the chicken for making tenders. This is because the texture of the meat differs from one part of the body to the other. The best way to prepare chicken tenders is by using tenderloins, which are thin pieces of muscle attached to the underside of the breast meat or sliced chicken breasts.
Can you make KFC chicken tenders without buttermilk?
Yes, you can make KFC chicken tenders without buttermilk. However, you will find a major difference in its texture, as buttermilk is the secret ingredient for making tender and juicy chicken. It helps tenderize the meat and adds a tangy flavor to the dish. Moreover, it helps seal the moisture of the chicken, preventing it from drying out during cooking.
Can you make KFC chicken tenders in the oven?
Yes, you can make KFC chicken tenders in the oven by baking them for about 20 minutes in a preheated oven at 400F/200C. However, the final product will differ from the original recipe as the success of Southern fried chicken lies in its thick and crunchy coating that is deep fried. Whereas, using a thick coating for baking can result in dry chicken due to overcooking.
Why are your chicken tenders oily or greasy?
Chicken tenders can become oily due to several reasons. For example, a lower oil temperature causes the tenders to absorb more oil. Likewise, poor quality or reused oil results in greasy chicken. Additionally, improper or excessive breading leads to more oil absorption. Lastly, improper oil draining after frying can lead to excess oil retention.
Why are your chicken tenders tough?
If you have ever experienced tough and chewy chicken tenders, it’s probably because the meat wasn’t tenderized correctly before cooking. To avoid this, you should ensure that the chicken is marinated properly as this helps to break down the protein and make it soft and juicy. Also, use good quality chicken and make sure it is not overcooked or undercooked.
How to tell if chicken tenders are cooked properly?
You can tell chicken tenders are cooked properly when they achieve a golden brown appearance and have reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the internal temperature by using a meat thermometer.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
Expert Tips That I Recommend- Don’t Skip On Buttermilk – I think I’ve already mentioned it a lot of times before and I am gonna mention it again. The secret to making the best KFC chicken tenders lies in marinating it in buttermilk as it tenderizes and makes the chicken more flavorful. In fact, if you can’t find buttermilk, then it is recommended that you make it at home.
- Proper Coating – After marination, coat the chicken well, as the crispy and crunchy texture of tenders entirely depends upon it.
- Properly Drain The Oil – After frying the tenders, Jasbir always recommends removing excess oil by placing them on a paper towel or a wire rack. It will ensure you get rid of any extra oil.
- Place The Tenders In Oven – Chicken tenders are best enjoyed piping hot out of the oil. However, if you plan to eat them a little later like me, you can place them in a warm oven just like KFC does. It will ensure they stay hot and crispy.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
| Nutrients | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 136 kcal |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 57 mg |
| Sodium | 458 mg |
| Potassium | 255 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Protein | 14 g |
Chicken tenders make for a healthy meal. We can say so by looking at the nutritional information in the table mentioned above.
They contain moderate amounts of calories and fat, and are also rich in protein. Therefore, you can enjoy this beloved snack guilt free.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders – Some of my friends suffer from gluten allergies. Therefore, I discovered ingredients to make them gluten-friendly. You can replace the flour with potato starch, cornstarch or tapioca starch/flour. Surprisingly, I found no difference in the taste and texture while using these substitutes.
- Vegan Chicken Tenders – If you follow a vegan diet, you don’t need to miss out on the amazing flavors of this dish. You can easily replace chicken for mock meat.
- Keto Chicken Tenders – If you are following a keto diet, simply replace all purpose flour with almond flour.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing KFC Chicken Tenders
All you have to do is wrap leftover chicken tenders in foil or an airtight container once it comes to room temperature. Then, place them in the coolest part of the refrigerator. By storing the chicken tenders by this method that I’ve mentioned, you can increase their shelf life by 3-4 days.
Reheating KFC chicken tenders is an easy process. The good news is that if you reheat them properly, you can enjoy the same texture and taste. So let me tell you about reheating these tenders.
Reheating KFC Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer
Using an air fryer to reheat this recipe will retain the crispiness of these chicken tenders on the outside and the moisture on the inside. Therefore, I recommend using this way to reheat.
All you need to do is place the tenders in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Reheating KFC Chicken Tenders In Oven
You can also use an oven to reheat chicken tenders as it distributes the heat evenly. Moreover, the hot air also helps in creating a crunchy texture. So, place the tenders in a preheated oven for 10 minutes at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
I’m sure you must be wondering why I haven’t mentioned reheating the tenders in the microwave. That’s because there is a lack of proper air circulation in the microwave.
Thus, the tenders will turn dry and rubbery when reheated in the microwave. Moreover, the coating will become soggy.
Lastly, between cooking a fresh batch of chicken tenders and reheating cycle, make sure that the tenders are not left outside for more than an hour at all times, as meat items spoil quickly. If you observe a change in appearance or odor, discard the leftovers.
What To Serve With This Recipe
- Mac and Cheese – Chicken tenders and mac and cheese are a match made in heaven. That’s because the creamy and cheesy mac compliments the savory and crunchy flavor and texture of the chicken tenders.
- Green Beans – Enjoy a full Southern experience by pairing tenders with smoky and savory green beans.
- Coleslaw – A creamy and refreshing coleslaw helps cut through the greasiness from the chicken.
- Caprese Salad – Never underestimate the power of a refreshing salad. The light and savory flavors of the Caprese salad will compliment the tenders and make for a well-balanced meal.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes makes for the right contrast of textures with crispy tenders. If you haven’t tried this combination yet, it’s time to do so.
- Honey Mustard Sauce – Rich and creamy, honey mustard sauce makes for the perfect dipping accompaniment.
- Ranch Dressing – If you prefer light and refreshing dipping sauces on the side, then a ranch dressing is what you need to try with chicken tenders.
- BBQ Sauce – To elevate the flavor profile of your chicken tenders, a homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce can do wonder with its smoky goodness.
Printable Version
KFC Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe
Author : Samah
Serving : 16
Calories : 136 kcal
Total time : 1 hour hr
The KFC crispy chicken tenders are juicy chicken tenders covered with a crispy and spicy breading. The chicken strips are marinated in buttermilk and a hot sauce mixture. They are then covered with seasoned flour and deep-fried.
4 from 16 votes
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Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless Chicken Breasts (each cut into 4 long strips)
- 2 cups Flour
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce
- ⅛ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ⅛ teaspoon Paprika
- ¾ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 ½ teaspoon Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ cup Canola Oil (for frying)
Equipment
3 Large Bowls
Deep Fryer
Paper Towels
Whisk
Knife
Instructions
Take two bowls and add buttermilk and chicken strips in each.
Then marinate the chicken strips by pouring buttermilk to it.
Next, add hot sauce to the bowl and allow the chicken strips to marinate for half an hour.
To prepare the batter for coating the chicken strips, gather flour, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Now add baking powder, paprika, and black pepper to the flour followed by salt and garlic powder. Stir the ingredients to combine.
With all the elements ready, place the bowls of marinated chicken strips, flour mixture, and cracked eggs next to each other.
Now, coat the chicken strips in the seasoned flour, then dip them in egg and coat them with seasoned flour once again.
Then, heat canola oil in a wok to a temperature of 350℉ and fry the chicken tenders in a single layer until they turn golden and crispy. It will ensure that the chicken pieces don’t stick to each other. Moreover, by frying chicken in batches, the temperature of the oil will also remain stable.
Your KFC chicken tenders are ready!
Video
Prep Time : 40 minutes mins
Cook Time : 20 minutes mins
Total Time : 1 hour hr
Cuisine : American
Course : copycat
Nutrition
Calories : 136kcal | Carbohydrates : 12g | Protein : 14g | Fat : 2g | Cholesterol : 57mg | Sodium : 458mg | Potassium : 255mg
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Conclusion
Dear readers, I hope you are happy to find out about KFC’s copycat crispy chicken tenders recipe. Now, it’s time for you to give it a try and enjoy its delectable flavors from the comfort of your home.
However, before you get started, I would like to tell you that there are numerous other recipes waiting on our website to be discovered by you. They have been curated, tried, and tested in-house by our chef, just like this one. So, do go through our website and make the most of them.
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