Spicy Chicken Tenders (Popeye's Style)
Golden brown & juicy chicken tenders at home.
![Ethan Chlebowski](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fg1s4qnmz%2Fproduction%2F79744c360b4632b893e629049dde29217475138b-532x536.png&w=256&q=75)
These tenders are juicy, crispy and delicious. The taste and texture of these are better than Popeye’s. I brined mine overnight, but you could leave them for an hour and they would still be delicious.
![Ethan Chlebowski](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fg1s4qnmz%2Fproduction%2F79744c360b4632b893e629049dde29217475138b-532x536.png&w=256&q=75)
Ethan Chlebowski
Ingredients
Chicken & marinade
- chicken tenderloins6500 g / 1 lb
- milk100 g
- sour cream50 g
- hot sauce
- salta sprinkle
Breading mix
- flour100 g
- cornstarch30 g
- salt10 g
- cayenne peppera sprinkle
- smoked paprikaa sprinkle
- garlic powdera sprinkle
- msga sprinkle
For serving
- ranch
- hot sauce
- pickled onions
- pickles
Method
Step 1: Heat oil & marinate chicken
Add milk, sour cream, salt and hot sauce to a bowl and stir until combined. Add the chicken tenders and let them while you prepare the dredge (or optionally for an hour or up to overnight).
Add a neutral cooking oil to a deep pot or wok and heat to 350°F/175°C.
Step 2: Dredge the chicken
Meanwhile, to a second bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, salt, and spices.
Drip some of the chicken marinade into the dredge and mix up this will make some tiny clumps adding additional crunch to the chicken when fried.
Take the tenders out of the marinade and put them into the breading. Make sure to coat them thoroughly so you get lots of nice crunchy bits when fried.
Step 3: Dredge & fry the tenders
When the oil is hot, you are ready to .
Shake off excess dredge from each tender, then place the chicken into the oil and let it fry for 5-7 minutes while stirring or agitating the oil to promote even frying. Take the chicken out of the oil when they are golden brown or it reaches an internal temp of 160°F/71°C.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying oil. If needed, do this in two or three batches.
Step 4: Serve & enjoy
Serve with spicy ranch (hot sauce and ranch mixed together), pickled onions, or any dipping sauces of your choosing. Enjoy!
FAQ
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