Crispy, Juicy Chicken Tenders: A Recipe for Success
Are you ready to ditch the takeout and create restaurant-quality chicken tenders right in your own kitchen? This recipe delivers perfectly crispy, juicy chicken tenders that will have everyone begging for more. Forget bland, dry chicken – we're diving into flavour town!
What Makes These Chicken Tenders Special?
These aren't your average chicken tenders. We're focusing on three key elements: tenderness, crispiness, and flavor.
Tender Chicken: The Secret's in the Brine!
Before we even think about breading, we're going to brine our chicken. Brining is the secret weapon to incredibly juicy and tender chicken. A simple brine of salt and water does wonders, allowing the chicken to absorb moisture, resulting in succulent, flavorful tenders.
Extra Crispy Coating: Double-Breading is Key
For that perfect, golden-brown crunch, we're employing a double-breading technique. This ensures a thicker, crispier coating that stays put, even after cooking.
Flavor Explosion: Beyond Basic Seasoning
We're not just sticking to salt and pepper here! This recipe utilizes a flavorful blend of spices to create a truly delicious chicken tender. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to personalize your recipe.
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Brine:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
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For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips (about 1 inch thick)
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For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
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For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Brine the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the water, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken strips, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
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Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. In the second, place the beaten eggs. In the third, place the breadcrumbs.
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Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Dip into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
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Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small pinch of breadcrumb sizzles immediately. Carefully place the chicken tenders in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
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Drain and Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips and Variations:
- Oven Baking: For a healthier option, bake the breaded chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spice blends to create your signature chicken tenders. Try adding chili powder, cumin, or Italian seasoning.
- Dipping Sauces: Get creative with your dipping sauces! Honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and sriracha mayo are all delicious choices.
Enjoy your perfectly crispy, juicy, and flavorful homemade chicken tenders! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
