Crispy Chicken Snack Wrap Tenders

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Craving those nostalgic McDonald’s snack wraps? These crispy chicken tenders are the ultimate homemade version—and they’re even better than drive-thru! Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken with that crave-worthy crunch, all wrapped up with creamy ranch sauce. Yes, please. 🤤

The longest part? Just prepping the chicken to fry. The reward? Absolutely worth it.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Tenders

🔥 Ultra-crispy coating. Thanks to cornstarch, baking powder, and a double dip.
💧 Juicy inside. Buttermilk marinade makes every bite super tender.
🍔 Snack wrap perfect. Just like the classic you remember—but homemade!
🎯 Crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults go wild for these.

What Do They Taste Like?

Crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful inside. The seasoning brings smoky paprika, savory garlic, and just the right amount of salt. Dip it in homemade ranch or tuck it in a tortilla with lettuce and cheese for a throwback snack wrap you’ll want every night!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Tenders:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast or tenderloin – cut into thin strips

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup cornstarch

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • 2 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

Buttermilk Marinade:

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic polder

Homemade Ranch Sauce:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise

  • ⅓ cup buttermilk

  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls (for wet and dry mixtures)

  • Whisk

  • Deep frying pan or pot

  • Tongs or slotted spoon

  • Paper towels

How to Make Crispy Chicken Snack Wrap Tenders

Step 1: Make the Ranch Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Pop it in the fridge while the chicken cooks so it’s cold and ready to drizzle!

Step 2: Prep the Coatings

In a wide shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In a separate deep bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Build the Crunch

Spoon 3 tablespoons of the wet mixture into the dry and mix it in. This creates little flaky crumbles that give the coating an extra crunch.

Now for the magic dipping process:

  1. Dip each chicken strip into the wet batter

  2. Then into the dry mix

  3. Back into the wet

  4. And finally one last time into the dry coating

Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes so everything sticks and crisps up perfectly when frying.

Step 4: Fry It Up

In a deep skillet, heat oil to 365°F (about 1.5 to 2 inches deep).
Carefully drop in a few tenders at a time—don’t overcrowd!
Fry for 7–8 minutes, rotating halfway through until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Drain on paper towels and repeat with the rest.

Serve It Like a Snack Wrap

🥬 Add lettuce and shredded cheese
🌯 Wrap in a warm tortilla
🥣 Drizzle with your ranch sauce
✅ DONE. Snack wrap magic at home!

Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat: Pop them in the air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–8 mins to get crispy again.

  • Freezer: Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer, then bag them. Reheat from frozen in the oven!

Final Thoughts: Homemade Snack Wraps > Drive-Thru

These crispy tenders are so satisfying and totally customizable. Whether you’re tossing them in a tortilla or eating them straight with ranch, they deliver on flavor and crunch every single time.

Let me know if you want a Buffalo version, spicy sriracha ranch, or oven-baked alternative next! 👇

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