Crispy Fried Sourdough Chicken Tenders for Ultimate Comfort

Enjoy these Fried Sourdough Chicken Tenders that are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Resting Time 15

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 tenders

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 pound Chicken Tenders Start with this main protein for juicy, tender bites.

For the Batter

1 cup Sourdough Starter Discard Adds a unique tang that elevates the flavor.
1 cup All-Purpose Flour Provides structure; can swap for gluten-free flour if needed.
1 cup Milk Ensures batter smoothness; use non-dairy alternatives for a different twist.
1 teaspoon Baking Powder Gives the batter a light and crispy texture.
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Infuses the batter with savory depth; adjust to taste.
1 teaspoon Onion Powder Complements the garlic for a well-rounded flavor kick.
1 tablespoon Dried Parsley Adds freshness; feel free to use fresh if available.
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper For a spicy bite; toss in less if you're cooking for kids.
1 teaspoon Salt Essential for enhancing flavor; don’t skip this one!
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds just the right amount of kick to your batter.

For Frying

2 cups Neutral Oil (e.g., Canola, Vegetable, Peanut) Perfect for frying; avoid olive oil due to its low smoke point.

Equipment

Dutch oven or heavy cast-iron skillet

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions for Fried Sourdough Chicken Tenders

Prepare Chicken: Allow the chicken tenders to reach room temperature for about 15 minutes. Pat each piece dry with paper towels.
Heat Oil: Pour in 2 cups of oil and heat until it reaches between 315°F and 350°F.
Mix Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, sourdough discard, baking powder, and seasonings for a smooth batter.
Coat Chicken: Dip each tender into the batter, ensuring it's fully covered. Shake off excess.
Fry Chicken: Fry tenders in batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Drain: Remove the tenders from oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tenderCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

These fried chicken tenders are perfect for serving with your favorite dipping sauces.

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