Chicken tenders are a beloved comfort food, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat. These crispy, golden-brown strips of chicken are easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults alike. With a simple breading process and a quick fry, you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep chicken tenders on hand, you might need to pick some up from the supermarket. Additionally, make sure you have breadcrumbs available, as they are essential for achieving that perfect crispy coating.
Ingredients For Chicken Tenders Recipe
Chicken tenders: These are the main protein for the dish, providing a tender and juicy base.
All-purpose flour: Used for the initial dredging to help the egg and breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
Beaten eggs: Acts as a binding agent to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken tenders.
Breadcrumbs: Provides the crispy outer layer that makes chicken tenders so delicious.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth to the seasoning.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the chicken tenders to a golden brown.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing chicken tenders, ensure that the oil is at the right temperature before frying. To test, drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown within a few seconds, the oil is ready. This helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chicken tenders - Substitute with turkey breast strips: Turkey breast strips have a similar texture and can be seasoned similarly to chicken tenders.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour provides a slightly nuttier flavor and adds more fiber to the dish.
beaten eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the tenders while adding a tangy flavor.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, providing a different texture to the tenders.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice to the tenders, giving them a different flavor profile.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier option and adds a distinct flavor to the fried tenders.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Dish
- Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled tenders in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the container in the freezer.
- If freezing, arrange the tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes if refrigerated, or 25-30 minutes if frozen, until heated through and crispy.
- For a quicker option, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes if refrigerated, or 10-12 minutes if frozen.
- Avoid microwaving as it can make the breadcrumb coating soggy and less appetizing.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
Stovetop Method: Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken tenders and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and crispy.
Microwave Method: Place the chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heated evenly. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as others.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on the toaster oven tray. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Frying pan: A large, flat-bottomed pan used for frying the chicken tenders evenly.
Tongs: Useful for turning the chicken tenders in the pan without piercing the meat.
Mixing bowls: Needed for holding the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs separately.
Whisk: Used to beat the eggs until they are well mixed.
Paper towels: Essential for draining excess oil from the fried chicken tenders.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt and black pepper accurately.
Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring the flour, breadcrumbs, and oil.
Plate: Used for placing the dredged chicken tenders before frying.
Knife: Handy for trimming any excess fat or tendons from the chicken tenders.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for preparing the chicken tenders.
Thermometer: Optional but useful for checking the oil temperature to ensure it is at the right heat for frying.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This minimizes prep time and keeps you organized.
Use a breading station: Set up a breading station with separate bowls for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. This streamlines the coating process.
Preheat oil: Start heating the oil while you bread the chicken tenders. This ensures the oil is ready when you are.
Batch cooking: Fry multiple chicken tenders at once, but don’t overcrowd the pan. This speeds up cooking time without sacrificing quality.
Use a thermometer: A kitchen thermometer ensures the oil is at the right temperature, reducing guesswork and cooking time.
Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken tenders
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 units Eggs beaten
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
- 2. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- 3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 4. Fry chicken tenders until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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