The Best Crispy Fried Battered Chicken Tenders

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  1. Golden Brown Goodness: Using a deep skillet ensures that your tenders get that perfect golden brown crispiness we all love.
  1. Batter Up!: The special batter, with garlic powder and onion powder, not only coats the chicken perfectly but also infuses each tender with mouthwatering flavor.
  2. Cook to Perfection: By monitoring the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, you ensure that it’s both safe to eat and tender.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

  • Chicken tenderloins
  • Garlic powder
  • Season salt
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • All-purpose flour
  • ice water
  • peanut oil
  • Kosher salt

  1. Place chicken tenders in a large bowl and add the garlic powder, seasoned salt, onion powder, paprika and black pepper. Mix together so all the pieces are coated.
  1. Add in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Coat the chicken in this mixture.
  2. Add in the cold water and mix, by hand, until a batter forms, if there are some lumps that’s okay. (If you need to add some more water, do so a little at a time. It can depend on the weather if more is needed. It should be like a pancake batter consistency.)
  3. In a heavy bottom skillet with deep sides, add enough oil to go up the side of the pan 2-3 inches—heat oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
  4. Place the chicken strips one by one into the pan, but don’t overcrowd them. They should not be touching.
  5. Let fry on one side for about 4 minutes and flip over with tongs. Chicken is done when golden brown and has an internal temperature of at least 165°F degrees. About 8-10 minutes total.
  6. Fry chicken in batches. When the chicken is done frying, place it on a wire rack over a pan so the excess oil can drip off. Immediately sprinkle a little of the kosher salt on the chicken. A little oil still on the outside will ensure it sticks.
  7. Continue doing this until all the chicken is done. If you have a lot of tenders, you can hold the already fried chicken in an oven set on the lowest setting.
  8. Serve with your favorite sides and dipping sauces, and enjoy!

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