Homemade chicken fingers marinated in buttermilk, then fried to crispy golden brown. The ultimate chicken tenders that are even better than what you’d get at a restaurant.
When I’m stumped on what to make for dinner, I always turn to these crispy chicken tenders because I know they’ll be a hit! I serve my chicken fingers with roasted broccoli and Instant Pot mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
There’s just something about fried chicken that can’t be beat – that ultra crispy coating with tender juicy chicken is a classic for a reason! I’ve learned to make restaurant style chicken fingers at home, and they’re actually quite easy to prepare. Looking for more great ways to fry chicken? Check out my list of 10 fried chicken recipes!
How do you make chicken fingers?
The first step in this recipe is to marinate the chicken in buttermilk. This tenderizes the chicken and helps the seasoned flour stick to the chicken. The chicken fingers get dipped into the flour mixture, then egg, then the flour again to create an extra thick and crispy exterior.
The final step is to fry your chicken tenders until they’re golden brown. Add your favorite dipping sauce on the side, then enjoy!
What are chicken breast tenders?
This recipe calls for chicken breast tenders, also called chicken breast tenderloins. The tender is a flap of meat that sits directly under the main part of the chicken breast. These pieces of chicken are often more tender than standard chicken breast, hence their name. If you can’t find chicken tenders, this recipe will work just as well with strips of boneless skinless chicken breast.
Tips for chicken fingers
- You’ll want to use a deep frying thermometer to monitor the temperature of your oil. If the oil is too hot, the coating can burn before the chicken cooks through. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb more oil and become overly greasy.
- Chicken fingers are best served immediately. If you need to reheat them, you can bake them at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes or until crispy.
- I typically serve my chicken tenders with ranch. Other great options are ketchup or honey mustard.
Baked chicken fingers
If you prefer to bake your chicken fingers, you can do so by using breadcrumbs as the coating instead of flour. You’ll want to combine 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs with the spices listed in the recipe. Coat each piece of chicken in egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the chicken pieces on a greased sheet pan and coat them with cooking spray. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes or until tenders are golden brown.
These chicken tenders are some of the best I’ve ever had. They make a great kid friendly dinner, or serve them up as a hearty appetizer on game day. Once you try making these tenders for yourself, you won’t be tempted to order them at a restaurant again!
More chicken recipes you’ll love
- Bacon Ranch Chicken Foil Packets
- Chicken Taco Soup
- Bruschetta Chicken
- Grilled Chicken Tenders
- Monterey Chicken
Chicken Fingers
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast tenders
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 3 eggs beaten
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Place the chicken breast tenders and buttermilk in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
- Place the eggs in a medium sized bowl. Place the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, onion and baking powder in a second bowl.
- Stir the flour and spices together until well combined.
- Take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk mixture. One at a time, coat the chicken in the flour, then dip in the egg, then coat again in the flour. Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated.
- Heat 3 inches of oil in a large deep pot to 350 degrees F.
- Cook 4-5 pieces of chicken at a time for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels, then serve.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on April 26, 2015 and was updated on November 19, 2019 with new content.
Could I bake these instead
Here is my baked version! https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/baked-chicken-tenders/
I made these tenders for dinner for my boys and I. I used heavy whipping because I had it in the fridge. The tenders came out crispy and golden brown. Definitely will be added to our dinner line up
I’ve used this recipe many times! I always use chicken breast and sour milk ( add vinegar to milk) because groceries are so expensive, but we love it! My super picky kid loves it. I make a homemade honey mustard. So good!