Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders are my secret weapon for winning over friends and family at any gathering. These juicy chicken strips are marinated in tangy buttermilk and hot sauce, dredged in a boldly seasoned flour mix, and fried up crisp and golden. The coating packs a punch with cayenne and paprika, while the chicken inside stays fork-tender and full of flavor. Whether you serve them at game night or as a weeknight treat, these tenders easily become the highlight of the table. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to master these irresistible, restaurant-worthy Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders at home.

Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated about this list, but every ingredient is chosen for a reason: each one layers in flavor, tenderness, juiciness, or crunch. Sourcing the best versions you can and following the tips below makes for unforgettable Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders every single time.

Chicken Tenders: Go for the freshest you can find—these skinny strips cook quickly and stay succulent.
Vegetable Oil: Perfect for deep frying because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor—don’t be shy, give those tenders a luxurious fry bath!
Buttermilk: A must for tender, juicy chicken; it also helps the marinade cling perfectly to each piece.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s is classic, adding a vinegary kick and real depth to the marinade—feel free to adjust the heat to suit your crowd.
Salt (for marinade): Draws flavor deep into the chicken and keeps everything perfectly seasoned from the inside out.
White Pepper: Adds subtle heat, giving a gentle backbone of warmth to the dish.
Plain Flour: The base of that iconic crunchy coating; sift it for best results.
Cayenne Pepper: Brings the heat! Adjust up or down depending on your spice tolerance, but I love it bold and assertive.
Paprika: Adds color, a hint of sweetness, and even more complexity—smoked paprika works beautifully here too.
Onion Powder: For savory undertones that round out the whole flavor profile.
Garlic Powder: Echoes the marinade and ensures every bite is aromatic and memorable.
Baking Powder: The secret to a flaky, textured crust that shatters when you bite in.
Salt (for dredge): Because you want every layer—inside and out—perfectly seasoned.
Black Pepper: Gives spark and balance to the final crust.

How to Make Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

This is where the magic starts. Combine your chicken tenders with the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and white pepper. The buttermilk and hot sauce not only boost flavor but also work together to break down the chicken, ensuring every piece is mind-blowingly juicy. Cover and let them hang out in the fridge for as long as possible: overnight is gold-standard, but even a couple of hours will transform your Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Station

While the chicken soaks up all that tangy, spicy flavor, set up your dredging station. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cayenne, baking powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. You want every inch of the chicken to pick up this seasoned flour, so mix thoroughly. This step is the difference between so-so tenders and “holy wow” Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

This is your moment to create that signature flaky, crunchy crust. Take your marinated tenders one by one and coat them generously in the dry mix. Press the flour mix firmly into the chicken, ensuring every little nook gets covered—this extra effort makes for extra crispy edges! Rest each breaded piece on a wire rack while you finish the batch.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour your vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pan, aiming for about two inches of depth. Heat it to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop in a pinch of the dredge mix: if it rises slowly and bubbles, you’re set. A steady, medium heat is perfect here—the chicken needs time to cook through and become crisp on the outside without burning.

Step 5: Fry the Tenders

Work in small batches—three or four tenders at a time keeps the oil hot and crisp. Lower the chicken strips in gently, giving them a little space so they don’t stick. Let them sizzle undisturbed for a few minutes until the bottoms are golden, then flip and fry until both sides are gloriously crispy and deep gold. If the oil gets too hot, lower the heat or add a bit more oil to keep everything under control.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once the Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders are perfectly golden and the kitchen smells irresistible, fish them out with tongs. Lay them on a wire rack over a tray or paper towels to keep them extra crispy while you finish the rest. Now they’re ready for dipping, stacking, or snacking straight off the rack!

How to Serve Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or chopped fresh parsley just before serving adds a pop of color and flavor. If you like things extra spicy, dust on a tiny pinch more cayenne or serve with sliced jalapeños. Lemon wedges squeezed over the top offer brightness that cuts through the richness—honestly, you can’t go wrong.

Side Dishes

Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders are the star, but the sides make it a meal. Pile them next to tangy coleslaw, crispy waffle fries, classic potato salad, or a fresh, herby green salad. Don’t forget the dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, blue cheese, or a creamy sriracha mayo all work wonders alongside that spicy crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond the basket, think outside the box: try nestling these tenders inside a buttered brioche bun with pickles and slaw for an epic sandwich, or chop them over a big salad for instant protein and zest. For parties, pop tenders on skewers or turn them into sliders for mingling-friendly bites that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool fully before storing. Pop the Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders into an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for snacking or quick lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooked and cooled tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once they’re solid, transfer to a freezer bag or container—this trick stops them from sticking together. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months and can be reheated directly from frozen.

Reheating

For maximum crispness, skip the microwave: instead, lay the tenders on a wire rack set over a baking tray and heat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes (a couple extra if frozen). This revives the crust and keeps the interior juicy, restoring your Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders to just-fried glory.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice whole chicken breasts into even strips so they cook at the same rate as tenders. The results are nearly identical and just as delicious.

What’s a good substitute for buttermilk?

Stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it sit for five minutes. This quick DIY buttermilk works perfectly in your marinade.

Are Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders very hot?

They certainly have a kick thanks to the cayenne and hot sauce, but you’re in control! Adjust the cayenne to your preferred heat level or simply serve with a creamy dip to mellow things out for spice-sensitive eaters.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil is reliable and neutral, but canola, sunflower, or peanut oil all work well. Just choose one with a high smoke point for safe, delicious frying.

How do I get the coating extra crispy?

It’s all about pressing the seasoned flour firmly into the chicken (don’t just dust it!), and making sure your oil is the right temperature—neither too hot nor too cold. Allow your tenders to rest on a rack before frying for even better results.

Final Thoughts

There’s no joy quite like biting into your own homemade Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders—fiery, crunchy, and perfectly juicy every single time. Whether you share them with family or keep the batch all to yourself, these tenders are bound to become your new crave-worthy comfort food. Give them a try soon, and get ready for rave reviews!

Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

These Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, with a perfect kick of heat. Marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, and coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mix, they are deep-fried to golden perfection. A delicious and satisfying meal or snack!

Instructions

Marinate: Combine chicken with buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and white pepper. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
Dredge: Mix flour, cayenne, paprika, onion & garlic powder, baking powder, black pepper, and salt. Coat chicken in the mixture.
Deep Fry: Heat oil to 350F/175C. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy.
Serve: Drain on a wire rack and enjoy with your favorite dip.

Notes

For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the correct temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Deep Fry
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 390
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders, Fried Chicken, Chicken Tenders, Spicy Chicken, Buttermilk Chicken