Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are a classic favorite that never fails to impress, whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a casual weeknight dinner, or even as a party snack. These delicious strips of chicken breast are coated in a crunchy and flavorful breading, making them perfectly golden on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. Chicken tenders are incredibly versatile; they can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, wrapped in a sandwich, or placed on top of a salad. With their crispy texture and savory taste, they are sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of creating your own homemade chicken tenders that are not only scrumptious but also easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
• Optional: dipping sauces (honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch)

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken breast into strips approximately 1 inch wide.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
4. In a third shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs. If you wish for added flavor, you can season the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Bread the chicken strips by first dipping them into the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated, then shaking off the excess.
6. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
7. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
8. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking; test it by dropping in a breadcrumb—if it sizzles, it’s ready.
9. Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the hot oil, without overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
10. Fry the chicken tenders for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
11. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked tenders onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
12. Serve the chicken tenders while hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings of chicken tenders, making it an ideal option for families or gatherings. Each serving consists of about 3-4 tenders, depending on the size of the chicken strips. Enjoy your homemade chicken tenders!

Nutritional Information

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Oven or air fryer
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

Tips for Preparing the Recipe

1. Marination: For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken tenders in buttermilk or a mix of herbs and spices for at least 30 minutes before breading. This will tenderize the meat and infuse it with moisture.
2. Breading Technique: Use a three-step breading process (flour, egg wash, breadcrumbs) to achieve a crispy coating. Ensure each piece is fully coated at each step.
3. Seasoning: Don’t forget to season each layer of the breading mixture with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices to build layers of flavor.
4. Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the chicken on the baking sheet or in the air fryer, make sure there’s enough space between tenders. This allows them to cook evenly and become crispy.
5. Cooking Time: Monitor the cooking time closely; overcooking can lead to dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Serving Sauce: For serving, pair with dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch for a delicious contrast to the savory chicken bites.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate: While preparing chicken tenders is not overly complicated, achieving the perfect crispiness and flavor requires some attention to detail and technique.

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course, Appetizer
• Cuisine: American

Serving and Presentation Recommendations

Chicken tenders are best served hot and fresh. For a casual yet appealing presentation, arrange the tenders on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro. Offer a variety of dipping sauces in small bowls around the platter for a fun and interactive dining experience. You can also serve them alongside colorful vegetable sticks, like carrots or bell peppers, and a cooling dip like tzatziki or ranch for added freshness and visual appeal.

Storage Conditions

To store leftover chicken tenders, allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked tenders by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for best results, ensuring they are warmed thoroughly while maintaining their crispiness.

Health Benefits

Chicken tenders can be a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. Additionally, when baked rather than fried, they contain fewer calories and fat, making them a healthier option compared to traditional fried chicken. The use of whole grain breadcrumbs can also increase fiber content. Furthermore, when served with fresh vegetables and healthy dips, chicken tenders can contribute to a well-rounded meal that offers various nutrients and antioxidants.

Recommendations for Vegans

For a vegan alternative to chicken tenders, consider using tofu or seitan as a base. Marinate and bread them in the same way, substituting non-dairy milk for traditional buttermilk and using plant-based breadcrumbs. This approach maintains the essence of the dish while catering to dietary preferences.

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