Serving Suggestions
These Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders are best enjoyed fresh from the skillet while the coating is at its peak crunch and the chicken inside is tender and steaming. They make a great main dish with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, fries, or corn on the cob, and they are just as good served as a party platter or game-day snack. You can pile them onto a large serving plate and surround them with a variety of dipping sauces so everyone can mix and match their favorite flavors.
If you like to build a more substantial meal, these tenders also work well tucked into soft rolls or buns with lettuce, tomato, and a spread of sauce for a quick chicken sandwich. For something lighter, serve them over a bed of mixed greens, using the tenders as a crunchy, protein-rich topping for a salad.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
If you have leftovers, let the chicken tenders cool slightly before placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. To reheat and bring back some of the crispiness, warm the tenders in the oven or toaster oven on a baking sheet until heated through and the coating feels crisp again. You can also reheat them briefly in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, to restore a bit of crunch on the outside. While the coating will not be as crisp as when freshly fried, the tenders will still be flavorful and satisfying.
For the best texture, plan to fry the chicken close to serving time and enjoy most of it right away. However, you can make the marinade and cut the chicken ahead of time, keeping the strips in the seasoned buttermilk in the refrigerator until you are ready to coat and fry. This simple preparation step can make it easier to get a batch of hot, crispy chicken tenders on the table whenever you’re ready to eat.
