Introduction:
Chicken tenders, those golden nuggets of crispy goodness, are a beloved favorite among all age groups. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these homemade chicken tenders are sure to impress with their irresistible crunch and juicy interior. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create your own batch of mouthwatering chicken tenders.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil for baking/frying
For Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- Your favorite dipping sauce (honey mustard, BBQ, ranch, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven or Fryer:
- If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If frying, heat vegetable oil in a pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Breading Stations:
- Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In the second, add the beaten eggs. In the third, put breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the surface.
- Bake or Fry the Chicken:
- For baking: Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- For frying: Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve Warm:
- Whether baked or fried, serve the chicken tenders immediately while they are hot and crispy.
- Optional Dipping Sauce:
- Pair your chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Honey mustard, BBQ, and ranch are popular choices.
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with different seasonings in the flour mixture to customize the flavor of your chicken tenders.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
Conclusion:
Homemade chicken tenders are a delightful and versatile dish that appeals to all ages. With this straightforward recipe, you can achieve the perfect balance of crispy and tender every time. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven or heat up that oil, and get ready to enjoy a batch of homemade chicken tenders that will have everyone coming back for more.