Chicken Tenders : These tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Coated in a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb mixture and fried (or baked) to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these tenders are easy to make and pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.
What Are Chicken Tenders?
Chicken tenders are thin strips of white meat located just underneath the breast on each side of a chicken. They’re called “tenders” because of their naturally soft texture, making them ideal for frying, baking, or grilling. Due to their mild flavor and tender texture, they’re perfect for marinades, spice rubs, and various sauces.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Tenders
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create an extra crispy coating, perfect for a satisfying crunch.
Marinate in Buttermilk: Soaking chicken tenders in buttermilk for 15–30 minutes before cooking tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle tang, which enhances the flavor.
Double Dip for Extra Crispiness: For ultra-crispy tenders, double dip by coating in flour, then egg, and flour again before coating in breadcrumbs.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When frying, give each tender enough room so they cook evenly and stay crispy.
Try an Air Fryer for Healthier Tenders: If you’re looking to cut calories, cook the tenders in an air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Chicken Tender Variations
There’s more to chicken tenders than the classic fried or baked versions! Here are a few ways to change up the flavors:
- Spicy Buffalo Tenders: Toss your cooked tenders in Buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Serve with celery sticks and ranch for a classic combo.
- Parmesan Herb Crusted Tenders: Add Italian herbs and more Parmesan to your breadcrumbs for a savory twist.
- Honey Mustard Glazed Tenders: Drizzle with honey mustard sauce after cooking for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Coconut Crusted Tenders: Mix shredded coconut into the breadcrumbs and serve with a side of sweet chili sauce for a tropical flair.
How to Serve Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are incredibly versatile, and you can serve them in endless ways:
- Classic Platter: Arrange with a variety of dipping sauces—ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue, and ranch.
- Chicken Tender Tacos: Place tenders in soft tortillas with shredded lettuce, cheese, and salsa for a fun twist on taco night.
- Salad Topper: Add sliced tenders to a bed of greens, along with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of ranch or Caesar dressing.
- Chicken Tender Sandwiches: Layer tenders with lettuce, tomato, and mayo in a brioche bun for a delicious sandwich option.
- Buffalo Wraps: Wrap tenders tossed in buffalo sauce with lettuce, blue cheese, and tomatoes in a flour tortilla for a satisfying, on-the-go meal.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Tenders
Properly storing and reheating chicken tenders ensures they stay delicious for the next meal.
- Refrigerating: Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place tenders in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep well for up to 2–3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat tenders in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through (about 10 minutes). This helps them retain their crispiness compared to reheating in the microwave.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make chicken tenders gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cereal for a crunchy coating.
How can I make my chicken tenders extra crispy?
Double-dipping and using panko breadcrumbs add an extra layer of crunch. Cooking them at a high temperature in an air fryer or oven also helps achieve that golden-brown crispiness.
What’s the best oil for frying chicken tenders?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, works best for frying chicken tenders.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders?
Absolutely. Just cut the chicken breast into thin strips and follow the same recipe steps. However, chicken tenders tend to be naturally softer and juicier.
What’s the difference between chicken tenders and chicken strips?
Chicken tenders are a specific cut of meat, whereas chicken strips can come from any part of the chicken and are typically cut into strips. Both can be cooked using similar recipes, though tenders are generally more tender (hence the name).
Chicken Tenders
Chicken Tenders : These tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips (cut against the grain for tenderness!)
Quick Marinade:
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Frank’s Red Hot Sauce (add more if you love heat!)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Crispy Coating:
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup regular or Italian breadcrumbs
For Frying:
- 2 cups shortening or oil (skip if baking)
Instructions
Slice and Marinate
- Slice chicken breasts against the grain for extra tenderness, and place them in a ziplock bag. In a separate bowl, combine milk, lemon juice, and sugar, then whisk in cornstarch, hot sauce, and pepper.
- Pour this marinade into the bag with chicken, shake to coat, and refrigerate for 20–60 minutes.
Prepare the Coating
- In a shallow bowl, mix Panko, regular breadcrumbs, flour, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Chicken
- Remove marinated chicken from the bag and coat each strip by pressing it firmly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Fry or Bake
- For Frying: Heat oil to 365°F in a pan. Fry each piece for 2–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked to an internal temp of 165°F. Place on a paper towel to drain.
- For Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F, place tenders on a greased baking sheet, and spray lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 165°F.
Serve Hot!
- Serve these crispy chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce (homemade fry sauce, perhaps?) and enjoy the crunch!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 845Total Fat: 74gSaturated Fat: 29gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 42gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 700mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 18g
Chickenrecipes.blog, 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
Chicken tenders are a timeless dish loved by both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re in the mood for classic crispy tenders, spicy Buffalo flavors, or even a healthier baked option, this guide covers it all. Remember to experiment with marinades, coatings, and serving styles to keep this favorite dish fresh and exciting. From snacks to main courses, chicken tenders offer something for every meal and every mood.
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