Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe Better Than Nandos

Ingredients

• 5 kg (approx. 1 lb) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch thick strips (tenders)
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar added)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked, your preference!)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick!)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 175g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 50g (1/2 cup) cornstarch (for extra crispiness - crucial!)
• 1 tsp paprika (same as marinade)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
• Vegetable oil or other neutral oil, for frying (if frying)
• Cooking spray (if baking or air frying)