Our easy crispy beer battered chicken tenders recipe is a cheap family friendly meal we love. Dipped into a light 3 ingredient tempura batter with lager and served with dips for dunking, kids will love this finger food.
Jump To
- Chicken Tenders with Beer Batter
- Ingredient Notes
- Beer Battered Chicken Tenders No Beer
- How to Batter Chicken Tenders
- What temperature should oil be to fry chicken?
- How Long to Fry Chicken Tenders with Beer Batter
- How do you know when they are done?
- Beer Battered Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Side dishes
- How to reheat leftovers
- Other Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
Homemade fried chicken tenders are way better than the processed and frozen ones in a bag. They are so easy to make right at home, and just as crunchy as you would find them at Chick Fil A or your favorite restaurant. Make a few or a large batch for the upcoming Super Bowl party.
Chicken Tenders with Beer Batter
This is a popular batter used in cooking to create a crispy and flavorful coating for various fried foods, such as fish, seafood, like our Beer Battered Shrimp, vegetables, tenderloins and even desserts like fried ice cream. The addition of beer not only contributes to the crispy texture but also gives them a unique flavor. Just dip and fry!
You can serve these with Beer Batter Fries to make a full meal your kiddos will love. Skip the baking sheet and oven heating up your entire house. Instead, cook them on the stove at home and enjoy with a bunch of different dipping sauces for dinner.
Ingredient Notes
You will want 1 lb. chicken tenders that are already cut into strips or you can do the same thing with breasts. You can cut them into smaller chunks like we did with our Tempura Chicken Nuggets. The smaller the pieces are the faster they will cook so you will need to watch them closely so they don’t get too browned and dry out.
I always use all purpose flour as the dry ingredient for your tempura, though others would likely work just as well if you needed to use a gluten free alternative from Bob’s Red Mill, their 1:1 variety.
Add a whisked egg is added in there too. Baking powder will absorb any moisture on the skins to keep them crispy.
Salt and black pepper are basic seasonings but I also like to add Italian seasoning and coriander
You will need some Oil for frying, canola is best because it has little to no flavor to it. I like to use a cast iron pan with high sides or Dutch Oven works well to cook these.
Can you make beer batter without egg?
Yes if you don’t have one or need it to be egg-free because of an allergy our beer batter recipe will still work. This allows it to become a bit thicker but without it it will still work. You may want to add a bit less beer, whisk, and then adjust the amount of liquid added to get the thickness you want without it but no worries.
And choose your favorite beer, I like a light flavor like Coors is my favorite so it isn’t overpowering. If you want something strong like Guinness go for it though.
Beer Battered Chicken Tenders No Beer
If you are really opposed to using lager of any kind that is okay. I mean most of the alcohol cooks off in the hot oil but I get it. Instead of water I would suggest something with carbonation like Cola or Sprite though because that makes it nice and light.
How to Batter Chicken Tenders
Mix half the flour and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, egg, coriander, dried herbs, granulated garlic, baking powder, and beer. Beat until combined. Add oil into pot and heat over medium high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F.
Dredge chicken tenders in flour and salt mix. Dip chicken tenders into large bowl filled with the batter until completely coated, lift up and allow excess to fall off. Transfer the battered tenders to the hot oil or deep fryer and cook.
Want this to be a bit spicy? NO problem, just whisk in some cayenne pepper or Sriracha for an added wow to this dish. You can adjust the heat to your liking this way, or sprinkle it on when done with some salt and pepper to spice things up a bit for you and your guests. We do this with our sauce for Oven Baked Chicken Tenders No Breading too.
What temperature should oil be to fry chicken?
Let’s talk about getting the ideal end result and texture for a moment shall we? How Hot Should Oil be for Fried Chicken? You want the hot oil to reach an ideal temperature of 350 – 370 degrees F. Canola oil is best. Having a thermometer is handy to ensure it it hot enough before adding any of your pieces.
Can you use an air fryer?
Air Fryer Beer Battered Fish is another option with poultry or seafood, but healthier, though we make that dip a lot thicker so it doesn’t slide off. A healthier option of course but the texture is different. You will get a crisp but not as intense as fried in vegetable oil.
How Long to Fry Chicken Tenders with Beer Batter
You are going to want 5-7 minutes depending on how you fry them. If you are deep frying them then typically it takes 5. In the case that you have a pan filled halfway with oil and have to flip them over then 3 minutes on each side or so is closer to what you need to cook them all the way thru and get super crispy.
How do you know when they are done?
Internal temperature should reach 165 F inside thickest part of sliced chicken breasts. You will want to transfer the chicken to paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve with French fries and enjoy your crispy chicken strips together with some honey mustard sauce.
Of course ketchup can be paired with these too, but that is kinda’ boring. I personally love tartar for dunking these and our Beer Battered Halibut if I am going all the way with the YUM. You can cook these in batches until you have enough to feed everyone. If you are making a larger batch I would recommend setting your oven to warm.
Beer Battered Chicken Tenders Recipe
Equipment
- 1 dutch oven or deep pot
- 2 bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenders
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/3 tsp coriander
- 1/3 tsp garlic powder
- 1/3 cup beer
- oil, for frying, canola is best
Instructions
- Mix half the flour and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, egg, coriander, dried herbs, granulated garlic, baking powder, and beer. Beat until combined.
- Add oil into pot and heat over medium high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F.
- Dredge chicken tenders in flour and salt mix. Dip chicken tenders into batter until completely coated, lift up and allow excess to fall off.
- Transfer the battered tenders to the hot oil. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, turning to ensure even cooking. Transfer the chicken to napkins to absorb excess oil.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Side dishes
If you wanted to make a side with these, with the same beer I would suggest making our 3 Ingredient Beer Bread. Once it is baking you can heat the oil so it is hot enough to submerge once ready. You do not want to add it until it sizzles immediately or your food will absorb too much oil and it won’t get crispy.
How to reheat leftovers
Set paper towels on a baking sheet and set them inside until they are all ready and you are ready to serve your crowd. That way they will all stay hot and everyone can eat at the same time together during a party. If you have leftovers save in a freezer bag in the fridge and Reheating Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer is the best way.
Other Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
We will share below how to deep fried chicken wings, boneless breasts or even legs this way. Larger pieces of course will take longer, and bone-in takes more time as well. A great way to switch things up a bit though with flavor and a crunchy texture for any cut.
I’m telling you, once you make these you will want to make other versions, and there are a ton of them. If you use just a bit of oil in a pan you can coat with crushed cereal, or make Cheese It Chicken Tenders which are cheesy and delish.
