This recipe brings together tender chicken strips coated in a crunchy, golden breadcrumb crust, seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit.

Chicken tenders, also known as chicken fingers or chicken strips, have become a staple in many households and restaurants. Originating from the United States, they’re often found on menus as a popular appetizer or main course option.

While traditionally deep-fried, this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients and customize the seasoning to your preference.

Despite their restaurant-quality taste, making chicken tenders at home is surprisingly easy. With just a few simple steps and basic ingredients found in your pantry, you can whip up a batch of these crispy delights in no time.

Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Expert Tip: For a healthier alternative, try air-frying the chicken tenders instead of deep-frying them.

Ingredients

Chicken Tenderloins: Chicken tenderloins provide lean protein and a tender texture. When cut into strips, they cook quickly and evenly, resulting in juicy chicken tenders.

Plain Flour: The flour serves as the base for the coating mixture, helping to adhere the seasoning and breadcrumbs to the chicken strips.

Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binder, allowing the breadcrumb coating to stick to the chicken, ensuring a crispy exterior.

Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs provide the crunchy outer layer of the chicken tenders, adding texture and flavor. Opt for plain breadcrumbs or seasoned ones for an extra kick.

Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, and Black Pepper: This combination of spices adds depth and flavor to the chicken tenders, creating a delicious seasoning blend that elevates the taste of the dish.

Oil for Frying: Vegetable oil is used for frying the chicken tenders, resulting in a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and tender.

Expert Tip: To infuse more flavor into the chicken, marinate the tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes before coating them with the seasoning and breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
• Pair them with classic sides like French fries, coleslaw, or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal.
• Create a DIY chicken tender bar with an assortment of dipping sauces and side dishes, perfect for parties or gatherings.
• For a healthier option, serve the chicken tenders alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh fruit salad.

Expert Tip: For extra crispy chicken tenders, double coat them by repeating the flour-egg-breadcrumb coating process before frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I ensure that my chicken tenders turn out crispy?

To achieve crispy chicken tenders, make sure to coat each chicken strip evenly with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken. Additionally, frying the chicken in hot oil and allowing it to cook until golden brown on both sides will result in a crispy exterior.

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray them with cooking spray for a crispy finish.

Can I freeze leftover chicken tenders?

Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken tenders for future enjoyment. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To reheat, bake them in the oven until heated through or microwave them until warm.

Can I use different spices for the seasoning?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning blend according to your taste preferences. You can experiment with different herbs and spices such as cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, or chili powder to add a unique flavor profile to your chicken tenders.

How do I know when the chicken tenders are cooked through?

The chicken tenders are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked, or cut into the thickest part of a tender to check for any pinkness or rawness.

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Chicken Tenders

by Nabeela Kauser

Crunchy and juicy, pack these chicken tenders in your kids’ lunchboxes or make them as an after-school snack. Serve with homemade honey mustard sauce for a delicious dinner that the entire family will love.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetiser

Cuisine American, Western

Servings 4

Calories 419 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 500 g Chicken Tenderloins, cut into strips
• ▢ 100 g Plain Flour
• ▢ 2 Eggs Beaten
• ▢ 150 g Breadcrumbs
• ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Onion Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Paprika
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Black Pepper
• ▢ Oil For frying

Instructions

• Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
• In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
• Place breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
• Take each chicken strip and coat it with the flour mixture, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs by pressing them onto the chicken.
• Repeat the coating process with all the chicken strips.
• Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
• Fry the chicken strips in the oil until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Once done, drain the excess oil from the chicken strips by placing them on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Serve the chicken strips while still hot, along with your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

Notes:

• To ensure even cooking, try to make the chicken strips of the same size.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste by adding more or less of the spices.
• To complete the meal, pair the chicken strips with a side salad or French fries.
• If you want to make a healthier version of these chicken strips, bake them in the oven at 200°C for 20-25 minutes.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 419kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 37gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 162mgSodium: 1034mgPotassium: 616mgFibre: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 198IUVitamin C: 3mgVitamin D: 1µgCalcium: 96mgIron: 4mg

Keyword After School Snacks, Chicken, Finger Food, Food, Fried, Fried Chicken, Kids Snacks, Party Food, Recipe

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