I Tried the Popular “Double-Dredged” Chicken Tenders

If a video of a crispy hen tender pops up on my TikTok feed, I’ve no different alternative however to attentively watch your entire factor. There’s one thing a few buttermilk fried hen tender that actually will get me going. Clearly, the TikTok algorithm is aware of this about my private preferences, so it not too long ago served me this life-changing video by @moribyan about the way to make McDonald’s Snack Wrap-inspired crispy hen tenders. The video hadn’t even ended earlier than I had determined I used to be going to make them ASAP.

I most likely solely had a McDonald’s Snack Wrap a couple of times as a child, so whipping up this recipe was much less in regards to the nostalgia and extra about attempting out the double-breading method she makes use of for the tenders. However for those who’re dying to remake a traditional that’s since been discontinued, that is definitely up your alley as nicely. Right here’s the way it all went down.

To start out, you’ll have to arrange two giant bowls: one in your moist elements (a spiced buttermilk combination) and one in your dry (a spiced flour and cornstarch combination). The spices used for each are paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. She really makes use of a way I first discovered from Serious Eats, by which you add a number of tablespoons of the moist combination to the dry earlier than dredging the hen. Supposedly this extra step helps create extra-crunchy, craggy bits across the hen. 

While you’re finished, you’ll dredge the hen (tenders or sliced breasts) within the buttermilk combination, adopted by the flour combination, after which again into each a second time. A double dredge with added nooks and crannies. Now that is a young of epic proportions.

The next move is to prepare dinner the hen in 1 1/2 to 2 inches of impartial oil at 365°F till golden-brown on each side. Switch to a sheet pan lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Whereas the hen is cooking, you may also combine up a fast ranch sauce with mayo, mustard, buttermilk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The tenders are served in a smooth flour tortilla with shredded cheese, lettuce, and the ready ranch sauce.

I’ll by no means return to single-dredged fried hen. The Double Dredge™ is the place (clap) it’s (clap) at (clap). Incorporating a number of tablespoons of the moist combination into the dry did what it promised, including tons of craggly nooks and crunchy bits to the hen. It tasted precisely like a hen tender you’d get from any quick meals joint (and I imply that in the perfect means).

Significantly, I’ve by no means bit right into a crispier, crunchier hen tender than this one proper right here. Since each the moist and dry elements are well-seasoned, the ultimate product is full of taste and completely salted. Subsequent time I’m craving a quick food-style hen tender, that is precisely how I’ll make them. I’ll admit that I didn’t love the heavy, mayo-based ranch, so sooner or later I’ll most likely make an herby buttermilk as a substitute.

Deep-frying at residence can appear intimidating, however when you get the cling of it, you’ll be a pure very quickly. If you happen to’re nervous in regards to the temperature of your oil, utilizing a thermometer is a straightforward approach to monitor it and ensure it stays within the correct temperature vary. Completely satisfied frying!