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Copycat KFC Chicken Tenders Crispy and Irresistible the Way You Love Them

Crispy Copycat KFC Chicken Tenders recipe, served and ready to eat, easy homemade dish
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Enjoy crispy fried chicken tenders that taste just like KFC with this easy dinner recipe. Perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight meal, it features the famous KFC copycat seasoning for authentic flavor every time.

Ingredients

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  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp celery salt (Note 1)
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp mustard powder
  • 2 tbsp paprika (not smoked use sweet or plain)
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper or ground pure chili (optional for KFC Zinger flavour)
  • 1.2 – 1.4 lb / 600 – 700 g chicken tenderloin (10 – 12 pieces) (Note 2)
  • 1 cup buttermilk OR 1/3 cup plain yoghurt + 2/3 cup milk (Note 3)
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup cornmeal (Note 4)
  • 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
  • Oil spray

Instructions

  1. Mix the spice blend in a bowl.
  2. Put 1 tbsp of the spice mix with the chicken and buttermilk in a ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
  3. Heat the oven to 400F/200C.
  4. Put butter and oil on a baking tray and warm in the oven until the butter melts, then tilt to coat the tray evenly.
  5. Combine the rest of the spice mix with flour, panko, and cornmeal; divide into two.
  6. Drain the chicken from the marinade and coat half in one portion of the seasoning mix inside a ziplock bag, pressing to adhere; place on the baking tray.
  7. Repeat coating the remaining chicken with the other half of the seasoning and place on the tray.
  8. Spray the chicken with oil and bake for 12 minutes; flip, spray, and bake another 8 to 10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  9. Serve with your favorite dip such as honey mustard sauce.

Notes

  • Celery salt adds authentic flavor but can be substituted with ordinary salt if unavailable
  • Using some oil in the baking tray prevents butter from burning
  • The coating mimics KFC’s crunch though it’s not as thick as deep fried
  • Honey mustard dipping sauce pairs well with these tenders

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.amgroyal.com/copycat-kfc-crispy-chicken-tenders/