Description

Crispy, golden chicken tenders inspired by Canes. Juicy inside with a crunchy coating and paired with a creamy signature dipping sauce.

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts, cut into strips

4-5 cups canola oil

Marinade:

1 cup buttermilk

1 egg

1 tbsp garlic powder

Flour Mix:

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup Italian bread crumbs

Prepared seasoning blend

Seasoning Blend:

1 tbsp black pepper

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

Dredge:

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 tbsp seasoning blend

Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup Crystal Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp white vinegar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, beat the egg and whisk in buttermilk and garlic powder to make the marinade.

2. Add chicken strips, coat well, and marinate at least 2 hours or overnight.

3. Prepare the seasoning blend and set aside.

4. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking soda, bread crumbs, and seasoning blend.

5. In a separate bowl, mix 3/4 cup buttermilk with 1 tbsp seasoning blend for the dredge.

6. Remove chicken from marinade. Dip in flour mix, then dredge mixture, then back into flour mix. Rest on wire rack for 10 minutes.

7. Heat canola oil in a Dutch oven to 350°F.

8. Fry chicken tenders in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).

9. Drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.

10. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Crystal Worcestershire, vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper to make the dipping sauce.

11. Serve tenders hot with the sauce and sides of choice.

Notes

Do not overheat the oil. Medium-high heat ensures the inside cooks through while the outside stays golden and crisp.

Canola oil gives a rich crunch, but vegetable oil works too.

Resting the dredged chicken helps the coating stick better during frying.

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Dish, Easy Dinner
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American