10 Secret Ingredients for the Ultimate Crispy Chicken Tenders

If you’re a true chicken lover, you must have tried crispy chicken tenders. Moreover, if you happen to love cooking, you must have thought of making chicken tenders at home. 

After all,  the satisfying crunch of juicy and flavorful chicken is an irresistible combination. But hey, let’s be honest! Making that restaurant-quality crispy chicken at home can be tricky. Don’t worry! 

In this blog, we’ll be revealing 10 secret ingredients you need to make the ultimate crispy chicken tenders that will leave everyone asking for more. Go on reading! 

1. Buttermilk Brine

The first secret to getting that tender & juicy chicken is soaking it in a buttermilk brine. Soaking your chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least a few hours (overnight is even better) can make all the difference. This is because the the acidity in the buttermilk breaks down proteins which the chicken feel soft. 

Why Buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and richness that enhances the overall flavor profile. It’s like giving your chicken a flavor bath before it even hits the oil!

2. Cornstarch

If you love the crispy texture, the trick is cornstarch. The top restaurants serving delicious chicken use cornstarch for making perfectly crispy chicken tenders that are truly finger-licking good. That’s why adding cornstarch to your flour mixture is one of the top secrets to achieving a light, crunchy coating. 

How Much to Use?

For the best results, mix about 1/3 cup of cornstarch with every cup of flour. Trust me, you’ll notice the difference!

3. Panko Breadcrumbs

Regular breadcrumbs are good, but if you want extra crunch, go for panko breadcrumbs. These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier than traditional ones, which helps them crisp up more in the frying process. Using panko gives your chicken tenders that mouthwatering crunch everyone loves.

Pro Tip:

After dipping the chicken in buttermilk and flour, roll it in panko breadcrumbs for an added layer of texture.

4. Paprika

Flavor is the most important! Adding paprika to your breading mix not only gives your chicken tenders a lovely reddish hue, but it also adds a slightly smoky flavor. You can use either regular paprika or smoked paprika, depending on your preference.

A Dash of Spice

For an added kick, throw in some cayenne pepper or chili powder with your paprika. It’ll turn up the heat just a little, and make those tenders even more exciting!

5. Garlic Powder

You can never go wrong with garlic powder. It adds depth and richness to the breading mixture. Garlic powder gives your chicken tenders that irresistible umami flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Why Powder Instead of Fresh?

Fresh garlic might burn during frying, but garlic powder blends perfectly into the dry ingredients, ensuring an even, delicious flavor throughout.

6. Onion Powder

If you’re already using garlic powder, why not add onion powder to the mix? Onion powder brings a mild sweetness and rounds out the savory flavor of the chicken tenders. When combined with garlic powder, it creates an aromatic balance that tastes amazing.

Secret Combo:

Mix 1 teaspoon of onion powder with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for the perfect flavor boost.

7. Seasoned Salt

We all use plain salt, but seasoned salt is even better! It often includes spices like paprika, garlic powder, and sometimes even a touch of sugar. This extra seasoning layer can elevate your chicken tenders without overpowering the natural chicken flavor.

What Kind of Seasoned Salt?

You can use store-bought or make your mix. Just be mindful of how much you use so it doesn’t become too salty.

8. Mustard Powder

For a subtle tangy flavor and heat that hits just right, add mustard powder to your flour mixture. Mustard powder enhances the savory notes of your chicken tenders without being overly noticeable. It’s one of those ingredients that people can’t guess but know something tastes extra delicious.

Optional but Recommended:

You can also mix mustard powder into the buttermilk brine for an extra layer of flavor before you even start breading.

9. Baking Powder

Here’s a surprise ingredient: baking powder. It may sound unusual, but baking powder can make your chicken tenders crispier by introducing tiny air pockets into the breading, giving it a light, crunchy texture. Just a small amount in your flour mixture makes a big difference.

How Much to Use?

Try using 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder per cup of flour and watch your chicken tenders get crispier than ever!

10. Hot Sauce

The final secret ingredient is hot sauce! Adding a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the buttermilk brine gives the chicken a subtle heat and adds layers of flavor. And don’t worry, it won’t make your tenders overly spicy.

Which Hot Sauce to Choose?

Go for something mild like Frank’s RedHot or opt for a smoky chipotle hot sauce. Either way, you’ll end up with a flavorful and exciting twist on classic chicken tenders.

Summing It All Up

Try experimenting with these ingredients to create your signature crispy tenders that will leave your family and friends impressed.

So, next time you’re in the mood for crispy chicken tenders, add these secret ingredients, and you’ll be serving up crispy, flavorful tenders that everyone will love.