Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food, look no further than chicken tenders. These crispy, golden pieces of chicken are succulent on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Perfect for dipping, serving at parties, or enjoying as a family meal, chicken tenders are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe will guide you through every step to achieve tender and flavorful results.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (about 4 pieces) contains approximately 300 calories, 20g protein, 15g fat, 25g carbohydrates, and 1g fiber.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Start by marinating the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil, frying in batches.
- Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt mixed with a little water. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving and Pairings
Chicken tenders pair wonderfully with a variety of dips like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. Serve alongside a fresh salad or crispy fries for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for best results. Chicken tenders can be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure they are fully cooled before freezing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using chicken that is too thick will result in uneven cooking.
- Not marinating long enough can lead to bland flavors.
- Overcrowding the pan can cause steaming instead of frying.
- Not using enough oil can lead to burnt tenders.
- Skipping the coating will result in a less crispy texture.
Helpful Tips
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Let the chicken rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Experiment with different seasonings in the flour mixture.
FAQs
Can I bake chicken tenders instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are done?
Chicken tenders are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are golden brown on the outside.
What dipping sauces go well with chicken tenders?
Popular dipping sauces include honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and sweet and sour sauce.
Can I make chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and marinate it in advance. Just fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What is the best way to store leftover chicken tenders?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion
Chicken tenders are a versatile and beloved dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. With this easy recipe, you can create a delicious meal that will satisfy everyone’s cravings. Whether served at a party or as a quick dinner, these tenders are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk; let excess drip off.
- Coat each strip in the flour mixture.
- Fry the chicken strips in batches for 5-7 minutes on each side.
- Transfer cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
