There’s something truly satisfying about biting into perfectly crispy chicken tenders, especially when made with a delightful twist. By using sparkling water, you can achieve a light and crunchy texture that elevates this classic dish. Originating from the United States, fried chicken tenders are a favorite comfort food, and this version promises extra crispiness without any fuss.
Pan Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe
4
servings20
minutes15
minutes353
kcal35
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
500 g 1 lb chicken tenders
125 g 1 cup flour
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon paprika
1 1 egg
240 ml 1 cup sparkling water
Vegetable oil
Equipment
Frying pan- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Plate
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: In one bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In another bowl, beat the egg and add the sparkling water, mixing until combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture to coat, then into the sparkling water and egg mixture, and again into the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is fully coated.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into your frying pan or deep fryer to cover the chicken by about 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 175°C (350°F).
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Drain and Serve: Use tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
Notes
- To ensure extra crispiness, make sure the sparkling water is very cold before using it in the batter. This will help create a lighter, crispier texture in the coating.
Why should I use sparkling water in my chicken tenders recipe?
Sparkling water adds carbonation to the batter, resulting in a lighter, crispier texture. The bubbles help create a flaky crust that enhances the overall crunchiness of the chicken tenders.
Can I use any type of sparkling water?
Yes, you can use any unflavored and unsweetened sparkling water for this recipe. It’s important to ensure the sparkling water is very cold to achieve the best results.
Can I prepare the chicken tenders in advance?
You can prepare and coat the chicken tenders ahead of time, but it’s best to fry them just before serving to ensure they stay crispy and fresh.
What oil is best for frying chicken tenders?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all excellent choices for frying chicken tenders. These oils have high smoke points that are ideal for frying.
How can I tell when the chicken tenders are done?
The chicken tenders are done when they have reached an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and are golden brown on the outside. Cooking them for about 4-5 minutes per side should be sufficient.
What dipping sauces go well with chicken tenders?
Popular dipping sauces include honey mustard, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and sriracha mayo. Feel free to choose your favorite or try a combination!
