Go Back
longhorn chicken tenders recipe

longhorn chicken tenders recipe

Crispy outside, juicy inside—these homemade chicken tenders bring restaurant flavor using simple ingredients and a few smart techniques. Perfect for quick meals or weekend cravings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Snack / Main
Cuisine: American-inspired
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g Chicken tenders Or sliced chicken breast
  • 1 cup Buttermilk Adds tenderness
  • 1 tsp Salt For marinade
  • 1 tsp Black pepper Freshly ground preferred
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder Key flavor base
  • 1 tsp Paprika Adds color + mild smokiness
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour Main coating
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch Helps crispiness
  • 1 tsp Baking powder Secret for light crunch
  • 1 tsp Onion powder Adds depth
  • ½ tsp Chili powder Optional heat
  • As needed Oil for frying Neutral oil

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs (trust me, hands get messy otherwise)
  • Frying pan or kadhai
  • Wire rack (important for crispiness)
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Step 1. Marinate the Chicken (Don’t Rush This)
  1. I mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then add the chicken.
    longhorn chicken tenders recipe
  2. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (I’ve done overnight too—insane results).
  3. The smell at this stage is subtle but savory—like something good is coming.
Step 2. Prepare the Coating Mix
  1. In another bowl:
    longhorn chicken tenders recipe
  2. Flour
  3. Cornstarch
  4. Baking powder
  5. Paprika
  6. Onion powder
  7. Chili powder
  8. Mix well.
  9. This is where most flavor lives, so don’t skip seasoning.
Step 3. The Double-Coating Trick
  1. Take chicken from marinade → coat in flour → dip lightly back into marinade → coat again.
    longhorn chicken tenders recipe
  2. Yes, it’s messy.
  3. Yes, it’s worth it.
  4. This is what gives that craggy, crispy texture.
Step 4. Let It Rest (Game Changer Step)
  1. Place coated chicken on a plate and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
    longhorn chicken tenders recipe
  2. I skipped this once—coating fell off in oil. Never again.
Step 5. Fry Until Golden and Crisp
  1. Heat oil on medium.
  2. Fry chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. You’ll hear that steady sizzling sound—that’s exactly what you want.
  4. Don’t overcrowd the pan. I made that mistake once, and the tenders turned soft instead of crispy.
Step 6. Drain & Rest Briefly
  1. Place on a wire rack (not paper towels if you want max crispiness).
    longhorn chicken tenders recipe
  2. The crust stays crunchy instead of steaming itself soggy.

Notes

Serve immediately while hot for maximum crispiness.