Best 7 Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders Recipes

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Tantalize your taste buds with our irresistible Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders, a culinary symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more. These crispy and succulent chicken tenders are meticulously coated in a tantalizing blend of spices, ensuring a perfect balance of heat and savoriness. Indulge in the perfect harmony of zesty and spicy, as each bite transports you to a realm of culinary bliss.

Accompanying this main attraction are three exceptional dipping sauces that elevate the chicken tenders to new heights of flavor. The tangy and creamy Sriracha Ranch Sauce adds a delightful kick, while the sweet and smoky Honey Mustard Sauce offers a harmonious balance of flavors. For those seeking a classic experience, the Buttermilk Ranch Sauce delivers a cool and refreshing complement to the spicy chicken.

Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or simply treating yourself to a delightful meal, our Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders are guaranteed to satisfy. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 12 minutes, this recipe is a breeze to make, ensuring that you can savor these culinary delights without spending hours in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and embark on a taste adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS



Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders image

One of my most popular recipes, these chicken tenders are marinated in seasoned buttermilk and pan-fried to crispy, crunchy perfection.

Provided by Jennifer Segal

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 pounds chicken tenderloins
1 cup buttermilk
1½ teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
1½ cups all purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 heaping teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon black pepper
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon paprika
3 tablespoons buttermilk
3-4 cups vegetable oil, for cooking

Steps:

  • To marinate the chicken: In a large sealable bag, combine the chicken tenders with the remaining marinade ingredients. Seal the bag tightly and massage the chicken until it is evenly coated with buttermilk and seasoning. Place in a bowl (in case of leakage) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
  • To make the breading: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk until well blended, then add the buttermilk and stir with a fork until the mixture is evenly clumpy.
  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade a few at a time and toss into the breading mixture. Be sure to press the chicken firmly into the breading so clumps adhere to the meat. (It's a messy job: use one hand to remove the wet tenders from the bag and the other to toss in the breading.) Set breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
  • To fry the chicken: Line another baking sheet with a few layers of paper towels and set next to the stove. Add oil to a large, high-sided pot until the level reaches about ¾-inch. Heat over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering (about 350°). (If a cube of bread sizzles when you drop it in, it's ready.) Using tongs, place several chicken tenders in the hot oil without crowding the pan. Cook until golden brown on the bottom side, a few minutes, then flip and cook until the second side is also golden, a few minutes more. Set the cooked tenders on the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain. Fry remaining tenders in batches adjusting the heat as necessary (if the tenders are browning too fast, lower the heat). Serve hot.
  • Note: I find that it's hard to tell how golden the chicken is when it's immersed in the oil. It may only look lightly golden, but it's actually a perfect fried chicken golden brown. If you're unsure, simply pull a tender out of the oil and rest it on the paper towels to see the true color.
  • Note: Nutritional information was calculated assuming that approximately ¼ cup of the oil is absorbed into the chicken tenders when frying.
  • Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cooked chicken tenders can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, put the frozen tenders on a wire rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and crisp, about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 925, Fat 51, Carbohydrate 75g, Protein 41g, SaturatedFat 1, Sugar 5g, Fiber 4g, Sodium 1866mg, Cholesterol 96mg

FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS



Fried Chicken Tenders image

These are tasty, tender chicken pieces with our own spicy horseradish dipping sauce. We serve it with our favorite potato salad and corn on the cob. Enjoy!

Provided by Charlotte

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Fried Chicken Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups Italian-style seasoned bread crumbs
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons water
24 chicken tenderloins
2 quarts oil for frying
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
½ cup sour cream
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons prepared mustard

Steps:

  • Place flour in a shallow bowl. Place breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl, and mix with ground black pepper and cayenne pepper. Place eggs and water in a small bowl.
  • One piece at a time, coat the chicken in the flour, the eggs and the bread crumbs, and set aside.
  • Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • In small batches, fry chicken 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove chicken, and drain on paper towels.
  • In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, horseradish, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Mix well, and serve with the chicken for dipping.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 821.4 calories, Carbohydrate 35.2 g, Cholesterol 163.8 mg, Fat 55.2 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 45.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.8 g, Sodium 782.8 mg, Sugar 2 g

TENNESSEE HOT FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS



Tennessee Hot Fried Chicken Tenders image

Spicy chicken tenders are the foodie trend that's on everyone's lips, and for good reason. With so much flavor and a beautiful crunch to take the taste further, this Nashville hot chicken tender recipe is a must-have on your table. They're easy to make too, so they're the perfect meal when you have a lot on your plate. Enjoy this spicy fried chicken tenders recipe for all the crunch, all the texture, and all the flavor-packed in each delicious bite. They're the trendiest treats you'll eat today!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 package (14 oz) uncooked chicken tenders (not breaded)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon Frank's™ RedHot™ Original cayenne pepper sauce
2 cups vegetable oil
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Season chicken tenders with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper.
  • In shallow bowl, mix flour, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper with whisk. In another shallow bowl, beat buttermilk and hot sauce together with whisk. Dredge chicken tenders in seasoned flour, then in buttermilk mixture, and back in flour.
  • In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot (350°F). Fry tenders in hot oil, all at once, about 5 minutes, turning once, until deep golden brown and no longer pink in center (at least 165°F). Place on rack lined with paper towels to drain, with paper towels underneath rack.
  • In 1-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Beat in paprika, red pepper and garlic powder with whisk. Brush fried chicken tenders with spicy butter. Serve with slices of white bread and sweet pickles, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 450, Carbohydrate 13 g, Cholesterol 80 mg, Fat 6 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 23 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 590 mg, Sugar 0 g, TransFat 1/2 g

SPICY CHICKEN TENDERS



Spicy Chicken Tenders image

These quick chicken bites from Carol Dodds in Aurora, Ontario are moist, delicious and boast traditional East Indian flavors of cinnamon, ginger and curry. "I serve this simple dish with rice and veggies for a great meal," says Carol. TIP: Warm up your next fall gathering with Carol's Spicy Chicken Tenders for appetizers. Simply double the recipe and serve with fancy party picks.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
1/8 teaspoon each ground turmeric, ginger and cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/2 pound chicken tenderloins

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine water and seasonings; brush over both sides of chicken tenders. Place in a bowl and toss to coat; refrigerate for 15 minutes., Place chicken on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Broil 3-4 in. from the heat for 3 minutes on each side or until meat is no longer pink.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 108 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 67mg cholesterol, Sodium 343mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SPICY FRIED CHICKEN STRIPS



Spicy Fried Chicken Strips image

Spicy chicken strips fried to perfection. This was one of those things that I came up with in a mood of "I wonder how this will taste in there?"

Provided by heatherdickason

Time 30m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 8

¼ cup milk
1 large egg
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
1 pinch ground black pepper
2 (5 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
½ cup oil for frying, or as needed

Steps:

  • Mix milk and egg together in a medium bowl. Mix flour, bread crumbs, Creole seasoning, and pepper together in a second bowl until well combined.
  • Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Dip chicken strips into egg wash, and then roll through flour mixture until fully coated.
  • Fry the chicken strips in the hot oil until golden brown, no longer pink in the centers, and juices run clear, 10 to 12 minutes per side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 433.6 calories, Carbohydrate 37.2 g, Cholesterol 175.8 mg, Fat 13.2 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 38.9 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 928.1 mg, Sugar 2.5 g

SPICY FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS



Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders image

These are my son's favorite. The amount of hot sauce is up to you,if you don't like spicy foods,you can omit it or use just a small amount. I make this with boneless thighs as well since I prefer dark meat.

Provided by Patsy G

Categories     Chicken

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 lbs chicken tenders
3 c flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon each cayenne,white pepper,onion powder,garlic powder and black pepper
liquid hot sauce( i prefer texas pete)
cold water
canola oil

Steps:

  • 1. Heat oil in cast iron skillet. Sprinkle chicken with hot sauce. Season flour with the spices and mix well. Set aside 2 cups of seasoned flour. In remaining flour,slowly whisk in enough water to make a thin pancake batter consistency. Dip chicken in batter,let drain a bit,roll in dry flour.Fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.

SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN STRIPS



Southern Fried Chicken Strips image

What's not to love with these crowd-pleasing golden fried chicken strips? A hint of garlic makes this fried chicken tenders recipe irresistible. -Genise Krause, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 large egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1-1/2 teaspoons pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 pounds chicken tenderloins
Oil for deep-fat frying
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, whisk egg and buttermilk. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, pepper, salt and paprika. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then flour mixture., In an electric skillet, heat oil to 375°. Fry chicken, a few pieces at a time, for 2-3 minutes on each side or until no longer pink. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 327 calories, Fat 11g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 126mg cholesterol, Sodium 320mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 39g protein.

Tips:

  • To achieve crispy and juicy chicken tenders, marinate them in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 30 minutes before coating them in the seasoned flour mixture.
  • Use a combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and spices for the coating to create a flavorful and crunchy crust.
  • To ensure even cooking, maintain a consistent oil temperature between 350°F (175°C) and 375°F (190°C) during frying.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying to prevent the chicken from steaming instead of crisping up.
  • Serve the spicy fried chicken tenders immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard, for an irresistible appetizer or main course.

Conclusion:

These spicy fried chicken tenders are a delightful culinary creation that combines the perfect balance of heat, flavor, and texture. Whether you're hosting a party, enjoying a casual meal with friends, or simply craving a satisfying snack, these chicken tenders are sure to tantalize your taste buds. By following the tips provided, you'll achieve crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside chicken tenders that will leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and embark on this culinary journey to create a dish that will become a staple in your recipe collection.

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