Golden, crunchy chicken tenders served with a rich creamy garlic sauce and crispy fries make this an irresistible comfort-food meal. The chicken is juicy and tender inside while the seasoned coating creates a beautifully crisp exterior. A generous drizzle of creamy sauce adds a savory, garlicky richness that pairs perfectly with the crunchy chicken.
This easy homemade meal is ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, weekend lunches, or whenever you want a restaurant-style chicken platter at home. Serve it with golden fries and extra dipping sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and golden on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
- Rich, creamy garlic sauce adds incredible flavor.
- Homemade chicken tenders are easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Perfectly paired with crispy French fries.
- Great for family dinners, parties, game days, and casual entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Crispy Coating
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Oil, for frying
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1–2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- French fries
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Extra creamy garlic sauce
Instructions
- Place the chicken strips in a bowl with the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and dried parsley.
- Remove each chicken strip from the buttermilk mixture and coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the coating gently onto the chicken so it adheres well.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken tenders in batches for about 4–6 minutes per side, depending on their thickness, until deeply golden and fully cooked.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper-lined plate to drain excess oil. Avoid stacking the tenders immediately so the coating stays crisp.
- For the sauce, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, heavy cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and dried parsley. Season with salt and black pepper and mix until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the French fries according to your preferred method until golden and crisp.
- Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a serving plate with the fries. Drizzle some creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crispy chicken tenders while they are hot and freshly fried for the best texture. Pair them with golden French fries, creamy garlic sauce, coleslaw, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.
For a party-style presentation, arrange the chicken tenders on a large platter with fries in the center and several small bowls of dipping sauces around the sides.
Pro Tips
- Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps keep it tender and flavorful.
- Combining flour with cornstarch creates a lighter, crispier coating.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan because this can lower the oil temperature and make the coating greasy.
- Keep the oil close to 350°F (175°C) for consistent browning.
- Place fried chicken on a wire rack rather than directly on paper towels when possible to preserve its crispiness.
- For extra-crispy chicken, lightly press the chicken into the flour coating a second time before frying.
- Prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce refrigerated separately.
For the best texture, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at approximately 375°F (190°C) until hot and crisp again. Avoid microwaving when possible because it can make the coating soft.
French fries are best served fresh, but leftovers can also be reheated in an air fryer or hot oven.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: ~720 kcal
Protein: ~42 g
Carbohydrates: ~58 g
Fat: ~34 g