Foul Ball Chicken Tenders
Crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders coated in a light cornstarch batter, served with a tangy barbecue sauce for dipping—perfect for casual game-day snacking. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken tenders, all-purpose flour, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Dip each 8 oz chicken tender into 1/2 cup buttermilk to coat completely, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere and shaking off excess.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering and hot (about 350°F/175°C).
- Step 4: Add chicken tenders in a single layer to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C), turning once.
- Step 5: Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then serve immediately with 1/4 cup barbecue sauce for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Foul Ball Chicken Tenders take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Foul Ball Chicken Tenders?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken tenders from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Foul Ball Chicken Tenders?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Foul Ball Chicken Tenders for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Foul Ball Chicken Tenders?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.