Crispy, Juicy Chicken Tenders: A Recipe for Success
Are you looking for a delicious and easy chicken tenders recipe that will impress your family and friends? Look no further! This recipe delivers perfectly crispy, juicy chicken tenders every time. Forget those bland, dry disappointments – this recipe is your ticket to chicken tender perfection.
What Makes This Chicken Tenders Recipe Amazing?
This recipe isn't just about throwing chicken in some breading and frying it. We've focused on several key elements to guarantee exceptional results:
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A Perfectly Seasoned Marinade: We'll start by marinating the chicken in a flavorful blend of spices and buttermilk, ensuring each tender is bursting with juicy flavor from the inside out. This step is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken.
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The Perfect Breadcrumb Coating: Forget soggy breading! We'll create a crispy, golden-brown coating that stays put throughout the cooking process, resulting in that satisfying crunch you crave.
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Double-Breading for Extra Crispy Goodness: This is where the magic happens. Double-breading ensures maximum crispiness and helps the breading adhere perfectly to the chicken.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions: Step-by-Step to Chicken Tender Heaven
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken tenders and ensure they are fully coated in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the panko bread crumbs mixed with salt and pepper, and one for the cooked chicken tenders.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
- Dredge each tender in the flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off any excess.
- Dip the floured tender into the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breading.
- Repeat the breading process for a double-breaded, extra crispy coating.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of breading sizzles immediately.
- Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your crispy, juicy chicken tenders immediately. They are delicious on their own, or with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a little kick.
- Make it healthier: Bake the chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won't be quite as crispy, but still delicious.
- Get creative with breading: Experiment with different bread crumbs, like Italian-seasoned crumbs or seasoned crackers.
Enjoy your homemade chicken tenders! They're perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a fancy party. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
