Save I stumbled on this concept during a late night kitchen experiment when I was craving something ridiculous. The combination sounded absurd but after one bite I understood the magic. Now it is the most requested snack at every gathering and even the skeptics line up for seconds.
Last summer I made these for a group of friends who swore they hated sweet and savory combos. They stood around the fryer watching each piece sizzle and by the time I plated them they were already grabbing for seconds. Now it is not a party until the Oreo chicken hits the table.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders: 500 g (1 lb) tenders work best because they cook evenly and hold the double coating like a dream
- Salt: 1 tsp to season the meat and build flavor from the inside out
- Black pepper: ½ tsp adds just enough warmth to cut through the sweetness
- Garlic powder: ½ tsp because garlic makes everything better even in dessert inspired dishes
- All purpose flour: 120 g (1 cup) creates the base layer that helps everything stick
- Eggs: 2 large eggs beaten with milk make the perfect glue for both coatings
- Milk: 60 ml (¼ cup) thins the eggs just enough for an even dip
- Oreo cookies: 18 cookies (about 200 g) crushed with the cream included for that signature cookies and cream flavor
- Vegetable oil: 1 L (4 cups) for deep frying at the right temperature
Instructions
- Prep the chicken:
- Pat the tenders completely dry with paper towels then season them with salt pepper and garlic powder on all sides.
- Set up your station:
- Arrange three shallow bowls with flour in one beaten eggs mixed with milk in another and leave the third empty for now.
- First coating:
- Dredge each tender in flour shake off excess dip in the egg mixture then coat again in flour pressing gently to help it stick.
- Heat the oil:
- Bring your vegetable oil to 175°C (350°F) in a deep fryer or heavy pot.
- First fry:
- Cook the tenders in batches for 5 to 6 minutes turning once until golden brown and cooked through then drain on paper towels.
- Second dip:
- While still warm dip each cooked tender back into the egg mixture then roll it in crushed Oreos pressing gently to coat.
- Final fry:
- Return the Oreo coated tenders to the hot oil for 1 to 2 minutes until the coating is crisp but not burnt then drain again.
- Serve hot:
- Plate them immediately while the coating is at its crispiest and watch them vanish.
Save My neighbor texted me the next day after trying these saying she dreamed about them. There is something about the crunch followed by that chocolate cream sweetness that turns a regular Tuesday into an occasion.
Getting the Coating Right
The secret is pressing the Oreo crumbs gently onto the egg washed chicken. Too light and they fall off in the fryer. Too hard and the coating becomes a dense shell instead of a crispy layer.
Oil Temperature Matters
If your oil is not hot enough the first coating will not set properly and the second coat will slide right off. I use a thermometer and never drop more than four tenders in at once to keep the temperature steady.
Serving Ideas
These are outrageous on their own but a vanilla cream dip takes them over the top. Sometimes I serve them with sweet chili sauce for a spicy kick that balances the sugar.
- Crush Oreos in a food processor for the most even coating
- Let the first fried chicken cool for just 2 minutes before the second dip
- Never skip the paper towels between coats or the coating gets soggy
Save These are the kind of ridiculous delicious creations that remind you cooking should be fun. Make them once and they will become a legend in your kitchen too.
Recipe Help
- → How do I achieve a crispy coating?
Double dredging the chicken in flour and egg mixture before frying helps create a sturdy, crunchy crust.
- → What frying temperature is ideal?
Maintain oil temperature around 175°C (350°F) to cook chicken thoroughly while achieving a golden crust.
- → Can I add spice to the coating?
Yes, incorporating cayenne pepper or your preferred spices into the flour adds a spicy kick.
- → How should Oreos be prepared for coating?
Crush Oreos finely, ensuring the cream stays mixed for the best adhesion and flavor balance.
- → What sauces pair well with this dish?
Sweet chili sauce or a vanilla cream dip complement the sweet-savory flavor beautifully.