Crispy Chicken Tenders from Ruby Tuesday feature golden, breaded chicken strips seasoned to perfection, served with a side of tangy dipping sauce, offering a satisfying crunch and juicy interior.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Sheet pan or tray
- Paper towels (for draining)
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Plate (for serving)
- Small bowls (for dipping sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (for dipping sauce)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (for dipping sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for dipping sauce)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for dipping sauce)
Use boneless, skinless chicken tenders to ensure even cooking and a tender bite. The buttermilk and eggs create a rich marinade that helps the flour and breadcrumb coating adhere perfectly, giving you a crispy texture. Season the flour mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to replicate Ruby Tuesday's signature flavor profile. Make sure the vegetable oil used for frying is heated to the right temperature (around 350degF) to achieve a golden crust without greasy results. Your Crispy Chicken Tenders from Ruby Tuesday copycat will deliver that perfect balance of crunch and juiciness, topped with a tangy dipping sauce that complements every bite.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Pat chicken tenders dry on cutting board with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs.
- In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, shake off excess.
- Dip each tender into the buttermilk-egg mixture.
- Coat each tender with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly for adhesion.
- Arrange coated tenders on a sheet pan or tray.
- Fry chicken tenders in batches for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- Remove tenders with tongs and drain on paper towel-lined tray.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth for dipping sauce.
- Serve crispy chicken tenders hot on a plate with prepared dipping sauce.
Substitution
Crispy Chicken Tenders from Ruby Tuesday copycat menu deliver a perfect balance of crunchy breading and tender, juicy chicken inside. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve a similar tangy effect. Using seasoned breadcrumbs enhances flavor, but plain breadcrumbs mixed with additional herbs and spices also work well as a substitute. Adjust oil temperature carefully during frying to ensure the chicken cooks through without over-browning the exterior. Your meat thermometer is essential to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption.
Tips
Ensure chicken tenders are patted dry before dredging to help the coating stick better and achieve optimal crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC) for food safety and juicy results. When frying, avoid overcrowding the deep fryer to maintain the oil temperature and prevent soggy tenders. Your dipping sauce can be prepared while frying, giving you a flavorful complement ready to enjoy with the hot, crispy chicken.
Nutritions
Crispy Chicken Tenders from Ruby Tuesday provide a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, with each serving containing approximately 25 grams of protein. The breading adds carbohydrates and fats, particularly from the vegetable oil used in deep frying, contributing to the dish's calorie density, which can range around 400-500 calories per serving. The dipping sauce brings additional fats and sugars due to mayonnaise and honey, affecting the overall nutritional profile. You can balance this indulgence by pairing your tenders with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad to increase fiber and micronutrient intake.
Storage
To store your crispy chicken tenders, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and maintain crunchiness. Refrigerate the container for up to 3 days, reheating the tenders in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Keep the dipping sauce separately in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week to preserve its freshness and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute panko breadcrumbs for traditional breadcrumbs to achieve an extra crispy texture. Marinating the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least an hour before breading enhances tenderness and flavor. Baking the tenders at 400degF (200degC) on a greased sheet pan for 20 minutes offers a healthier alternative to deep frying. For added spice, incorporate cayenne pepper or chili powder into the flour mixture to suit your taste preferences.
Allergies
Crispy Chicken Tenders from Ruby Tuesday contain common allergens such as eggs, wheat (in the flour and breadcrumbs), and dairy (in the buttermilk and mayonnaise). If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to avoid this dish or seek alternative recipes tailored to your dietary needs. Cross-contamination with other allergens is also possible during preparation, so communicating your allergies when ordering is recommended.
Why this recipe?
Ruby Tuesday's Crispy Chicken Tenders are favored for their perfectly seasoned breading and juicy, tender chicken inside, creating a satisfying contrast in every bite. The menu item is crafted with high-quality ingredients and a secret blend of spices that delivers a consistent flavor profile customers love. You can recreate this popular dish at home, allowing you to customize spices and cooking methods for an equally crispy and flavorful experience. Attempting a copycat recipe gives you control over freshness and portion sizes, making it a delicious and budget-friendly option.