This Chicken Tenders recipe is a classic comfort food that brings joy to both kids and adults alike. With its crispy golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy interior, these homemade chicken tenders are perfect for a quick dinner, a satisfying snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The allure of this recipe lies not only in its delightful crunch and savory flavor but also in the ease of preparation. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet irresistible dish!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this chicken tenders recipe for several reasons. Firstly, it delivers a flavor explosion with every bite, thanks to a blend of spices and a crispy coating that will have you coming back for more. Secondly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort while still yielding impressive results. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these tenders can be made in under an hour! Plus, they can easily fit into a variety of lifestyles, whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly meal, a protein-packed option for fitness enthusiasts, or a tasty treat for game day.
Tips and Tricks
To ensure your chicken tenders turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips and tricks:
- Marinate for Flavor: Letting the chicken sit in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) infuses it with moisture and flavor.
- Double Dipping: For an extra crunchy coating, dip the chicken in the egg wash and then back into the flour mixture for a second layer.
- Use a Cooling Rack: After frying, place your chicken tenders on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This keeps them crispy by allowing air circulation.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can give your tenders a delicious kick!
Make Ahead Tips
For those who like to plan ahead, here are some make-ahead tips:
- Marinate the Chicken: You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk the night before and keep it in the fridge.
- Bread the Tenders in Advance: After breading, place the tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the breaded tenders. Just ensure they are arranged in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They will keep well for about 3 months.
Recipe Variations
There are endless possibilities when it comes to variations of this chicken tenders recipe:
- Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add some hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade or mix cayenne pepper into the flour for heat.
- Parmesan Crusted: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the flour for a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Baked Tenders: For a healthier option, bake the tenders by placing them on a greased baking sheet and baking at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the flour mixture for an aromatic twist.
How to Serve
To serve your delicious chicken tenders, think about presentation and pairing. Arrange the tenders on a beautiful platter, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Pair them with a selection of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce to elevate the experience. For a complete meal, serve with crispy French fries, a fresh garden salad, or coleslaw.
Pairing Suggestions
For the perfect meal, consider these pairing suggestions:
- Beverages: A light lager or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with iced tea or lemonade.
- Side Dishes: Classic sides like mac and cheese, potato wedges, or steamed vegetables work perfectly with chicken tenders.
- Desserts: Finish off with something sweet like chocolate chip cookies or a slice of apple pie for a comforting meal.
How to Store
Storing leftovers is easy with this chicken tenders recipe:
- Refrigerator: Store cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked tenders in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will last for about 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you will need:
- A large mixing bowl for marinating and coating the chicken.
- A frying pan or deep fryer for cooking the tenders.
- A wire rack or paper towels for draining.
- Tongs for flipping the chicken while frying.
- A baking sheet if you opt to make baked tenders.
Dietary Adaptations
If you have dietary restrictions, consider these adaptations:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk in your marinade.
- Vegan: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh and use a flax egg as a binding agent instead of the egg wash.
Seasonal Adaptations
Embrace the seasons by modifying your chicken tenders:
- Summer: Add fresh herbs like basil or dill to your flour mixture for a fresh taste.
- Fall: Incorporate pumpkin spice into the flour for a seasonal twist.
- Winter: Use dried herbs and spices to warm up the flavors, such as nutmeg or cinnamon.
Recipe FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about chicken tenders:
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes, just cut chicken breasts into strips.
- How long do I cook the tenders? They typically take about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Can I bake these instead of frying? Absolutely! Bake at 425°F for a healthier option.
- What can I substitute for buttermilk? You can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
How To Make chicken tenders recipe
Chicken Tenders
This Chicken Tenders recipe is a classic comfort food that brings joy to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Start by marinating the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) in the refrigerator.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and allow excess to drip off. Dip each tender into the egg, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Ensure they are well coated.
- In a large frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Carefully add the tenders to the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Once cooked, transfer the tenders to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 536Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 101mgSodium 1572mgCarbohydrates 50gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 29g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this chicken tenders recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their cooking game with a classic dish. Not only is it simple and quick, but it also allows for plenty of variations to suit your personal taste. Whether you serve it at a family dinner or as a party appetizer, these tenders are sure to satisfy. Embrace the wonderful flavors and textures of homemade chicken tenders, and enjoy the delightful moments they bring to your table!