Tempura Chicken Crispers – Plain Chicken

Copycat Chili’s Chicken Crispers made with a simple tempura batter! Light, crispy, and golden on the outside with juicy chicken inside. Made with all-purpose flour, cold water, vinegar, and baking soda, then fried to perfection in vegetable oil. This easy chicken tender recipe tastes just like your restaurant favorite—perfect for dipping, family dinners, or game day!

Copycat Chili’s Chicken Crispers

These Tempura Chicken Crispers are everything you want in fried chicken. The outside is light, crisp, and almost delicate, while the inside stays juicy and tender. The batter fries up golden and airy instead of thick and heavy, giving you that classic tempura-style crunch. It tastes just like the chicken tenders you’d order at Chili’s, but fresh and hot from your own kitchen.

How to Make Tempura Chicken Crispers

This recipe is easy to make with only a few simple ingredients. Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, salt, and water in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, stir together the vinegar and baking soda. It will foam up—that reaction is what gives the batter its light texture. Pour the vinegar mixture into the flour mixture and stir just until combined.

Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet to 350ºF. The oil should be about 2 inches deep so the chicken can fry evenly. Dip the chicken tenders into the batter, letting the excess drip off, then carefully place them into the hot oil.

Fry in small batches for about 5 minutes, turning if needed, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

• Use cold water in the batter to help keep the coating light and crisp.
• Do not overmix the batter. A few small lumps are fine.
• Keep the oil at a steady 350ºF for the best texture.
• Fry in small batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop.
• Drain the chicken on paper towels right away to keep it from getting greasy.
• You can season the batter with a pinch of black pepper or garlic powder for extra flavor.
• Corn starch can replace a small portion of the flour if you want an even lighter tempura texture.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator,
  • Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 375ºF for 3 to 5 minutes.

What to Serve with Tempura Chicken Crispers

These chicken crispers are a favorite at our house. We love the light and airy texture of the batter! Tempura chicken pairs well with both classic comfort sides and lighter options. 

• If you’re going the restaurant-style route, serve it with crispy fries, coleslaw, or mac and cheese and plenty of dipping sauces on the side. 
• For something a little fresher, add steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a simple salad with a light vinaigrette. 
• It’s also great with stir-fried veggies and a drizzle of soy sauce for a fun nod to Japanese-inspired flavors.

Whether you keep it casual or dress it up a bit, tempura chicken fits right in.

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• In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and water. In a separate bowl, combine the vinegar and baking soda (it will foam up) and pour into the flour mixture.

• Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches in a large Dutch oven or skillet and heat to 350ºF.

• Dip the chicken tenders in the tempura batter and shake off excess. Once the oil is hot, fry the tenders in small batches for about 5 minutes and then drain on paper towels.

• Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1421mg | Potassium: 487mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 3mg

The nutritional information on this Site is obtained from third-party sources. Plain Chicken does not verify information and cannot guarantee its accuracy. By using our Site, you agree that Plain Chicken is not liable for any misstatements or incorrect information provided on the Site, or for any loss, injury, or damages arising from reliance on nutritional information or from the preparation or consumption of any recipes featured on the site.

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