The Absolutely Perfect Crispy Chicken Tenders Seriously

Recipe Introduction: The Ultimate Chicken Tender Experience!

Ever craved that perfect crispy chicken tender recipe ? Honestly, who hasn’t? Picture this: golden brown, juicy chicken with an incredible crunch. This recipe will deliver exactly that.

What Makes These Chicken Tenders So Special?

This southern fried chicken tenders recipe is more than just fun homemade recipes ; it's about creating a little moment of joy.

Inspired by Southern comfort food, it brings that down home flavour to your kitchen. This recipe makes about 4-6 servings. It's considered a medium difficulty.

Expect 1 hour cook time, including the brining process, and 20 minutes active preparation.

The Secret's Out: Why You'll Love This Recipe

Want extra crispy chicken tenders without all the fuss? I got you. This best chicken tender recipe uses a simple brine to lock in moisture.

No more dry, tasteless chicken. This is a champion among all the dinners with chicken tenderloins !

The brine keeps the chicken tender and flavorful. The panko breadcrumbs give you that satisfying crunch. The best part? It's totally doable, even on busy weeknights.

Think of it as a treat, ideal for a lazy Sunday brunch or a quick family meal. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even explore with panko crusted chicken tenders recipe .

This can also be a great alternative for people on easy weeknight dinners for one !

Ready to Get Cooking?

The star of the show is the flavor! We're talking savory, slightly spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. The recipe that uses meal with chicken tenderloins is coming right up and the first step of the journey towards quick chicken strip recipes is the ingredients list!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Crispy Chicken Tender Recipe

Let's talk shopping, shall we? Before diving into this seriously crispy chicken tender recipe , you need the right bits and bobs.

This is where you build the base for some truly amazing fun homemade recipes . Honestly, getting the right ingredients is half the battle.

Trust me.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you need, laid out nice and simple.

• For the Brine:

  • 4 cups (950ml) Water: Just your standard tap water will do.
  • 1/4 cup (55g) Kosher Salt: Kosher salt dissolves better. Regular table salt works if that's all you got.
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) Granulated Sugar: Just regular white sugar.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns, crushed: Freshly crushed is always better.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavour.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika: Adds color and a touch of smokiness.

• For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into strips: Look for chicken breasts that are plump and pink, not pale or slimy. These are key for the dinners with chicken tenderloins .
  • 1 cup (125g) All-Purpose Flour: The base of your crispy coating.
  • 1/4 cup (30g) Cornstarch: This is our secret weapon for extra crispy chicken tenders .
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika: More colour and flavour!
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Because you can never have too much garlic.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: Adds a savoury depth.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional): For a little heat.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt: Brings out all the flavours.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: A must have for almost any dish.
  • 2 Large Eggs, beaten: This is what glues the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Milk: Helps thin the eggs.
  • 2 cups (200g) Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the best crunch.

• For Frying:

  • 4 cups (950ml) Vegetable Oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point.

Spice is Nice: Seasoning Notes

Okay, spices. My personal favourite. Don’t be shy!

• Essential Spice Combo: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder. This trifecta gives you that classic Southern fried chicken tenders recipe vibe.
• Flavor Enhancers: Cayenne pepper for a kick, smoked paprika for smokiness.
• Quick Sub: No cayenne? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do.

Gear Up: Equipment Needed

Right, let's make sure you are equipped for this meal with chicken tenderloins .

• Large bowl: For brining.
• 3 shallow dishes: For dredging.
• Deep frying thermometer: Don't skip this! Maintaining the right temperature is vital and it ensures uniform crispy chicken tender recipe .
• Large skillet or Dutch oven: For frying.
• Wire rack: To drain the tenders.

Common Household Alternatives: Don't have a Dutch oven? A large, heavy bottomed pan works just fine. No wire rack? Paper towels will do in a pinch.

I have used these substitutes for some of my favorite quick chicken strip recipes .

Alright, let's dive into making some seriously good chicken tenders. These crispy chicken tender recipe are miles away from those sad, sorry ones you get in some pubs.

I'm talking golden brown, juicy on the inside, and crispy like you won't believe. Think "Nando's but better!"

Prep Like a Pro: The Magic Starts Here

Essential Mise en Place

Honestly, getting everything prepped beforehand is a game changer. We're talking chopping the chicken, measuring out the spices, and getting those dredging stations ready.

It's called "mise en place," fancy, innit? A classic Fun Homemade Recipes begins with a well stocked kitchen.

Time Saving Organization Tips

Brine those chicken tenders ahead of time. Dinners With Chicken Tenderloins just got easier. Make sure your breadcrumbs are finely crushed, and set up your dredging line.

A well organized kitchen is a chef's kiss.

Safety Reminders

Hot oil is not your friend. Always use a deep frying thermometer. And please, dry those chicken tenders well before they hit the oil. No one wants a splashy oil explosion.

Frying 101: step-by-step to Crispy Perfection

step-by-step Process

1. Brine that chicken for at least 30 minutes. It's key to juicy chicken.
2. Set up your dredging stations. Flour first, then egg wash, then panko.
3. Heat your oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Use a thermometer!
4. Dredge each chicken tender methodically. Coat that chicken like its going for a winter holiday!
5. Fry for 3- 4 minutes per side. Until golden brown.
6. Drain on a wire rack. No soggy bottoms here.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken

Expert Techniques and Shortcuts

Brining is a must. Don't skip it! Also, cornstarch in the flour mix helps with crispiness. Seriously!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the pan. This lowers the oil temperature, and you get soggy tenders. Not what we want. Homemade Chicken Strips require a little patience.

make-ahead Options

You can bread the chicken tenders a few hours in advance. Just keep them in the fridge until you're ready to fry.

Easy Weeknight Dinners For One suddenly became a reality. Meal With Chicken Tenderloins are ready to go.

I remember the first time I tried making these. Oh my gosh, it was a total disaster! I didn't brine the chicken, and the coating was all soggy.

I've learned a lot since then! One little thing I remember is, you can have this with potato chips, it will give it a perfect combination to share with your family

So there you have it. The Best Chicken Tender Recipe for the most amazing Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders . Time to create some memories, happy cooking! Or as they say in the UK “Keep calm and carry on frying!".

Looking for a Southern Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe , look no further! And, yes, feel free to use Panko Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe , the breading makes all the difference.

And remember, these are also great cold if you have any leftovers... Though, honestly, that's never happened in my house!

Recipe Notes for the Absolutely Perfect Crispy Chicken Tenders

Right then, let's talk about making this crispy chicken tender recipe even better! Honestly, it's already pretty darn good, but there's always room for improvement, innit?

Serving Suggestions for Your Meal With Chicken Tenderloins

Plating and presentation ideas: Alright, so picture this: your golden brown extra crispy chicken tenders artfully arranged on a platter.

A dollop of homemade coleslaw. Maybe a side of sweet potato fries. And dipping sauces galore! Don't forget a sprig of parsley for that cheffy touch.

Presentation matters, after all.

Complementary sides or beverages: Think Southern comfort food! Coleslaw is a must. Mac and cheese? Absolutely. And for a drink? Sweet tea or an ice-cold beer would be perfect.

Makes great easy weeknight dinners for one.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Refrigeration guidelines: Got leftovers? Wrap those homemade chicken strips up tight and pop them in the fridge. They'll be grand for up to 3 days.

Freezing options: If you're thinking long term, these tenders freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.

They'll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating instructions: To reheat, bake them in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven for about 10- 15 minutes, or until heated through.

For a crispier result, you can even give them a quick zap in the air fryer. Think about using this southern fried chicken tenders recipe for parties

Variations: Spicing Things Up

1-2 dietary adaptations: Want to go gluten-free? Easy peasy! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Boom! If you're watching the calories, try baking the tenders instead of frying them.

Seasonal ingredient swaps: In the summer, try using fresh herbs like basil or oregano in the breading. In the autumn, add a pinch of pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy flavour.

It's all about keeping things interesting, you know? This works best with panko crusted chicken tenders recipe

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Simplified nutrition information: Okay, so dinners with chicken tenderloins are delicious, but let's be real they're not exactly health food.

They offer protein and energy, but don't go over board. But hey, everything in moderation, right?

Key health benefits: Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. And these tenders are packed with flavour, so they're a great way to satisfy your cravings.

It's an amazing way of making fun homemade recipes and trying to make quick chicken strip recipes .

So, there you have it! The Absolutely Perfect Best Chicken Tender Recipe , even better with these handy tips. Now go forth and make some crispy chicken tender recipe magic! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to getting really crispy chicken tenders? I've tried loads of recipes and they're never quite right!

The magic lies in a few things: Firstly, the brine ensures juicy chicken, which contrasts beautifully with the crisp exterior. Secondly, cornstarch in the flour mixture helps create a light, crispy coating.

Thirdly, panko breadcrumbs are your best friend for that shatteringly good crunch, and lastly, maintaining the correct oil temperature (350°F/175°C) is absolutely crucial for even cooking and crispiness no soggy bottoms here!

Can I make this crispy chicken tender recipe ahead of time? I'm thinking of prepping for a party.

You can definitely prep! I'd recommend breading the chicken tenders ahead of time and storing them in the fridge on a wire rack, uncovered, for up to a few hours. This allows the coating to dry out slightly, which will result in even crispier tenders when you fry them.

For longer storage, freeze the breaded tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

Is there a healthier way to make these? Frying feels a bit... Bridget Jones!

Absolutely! You can air fry these crispy chicken tenders for a healthier (but still delicious) alternative. Toss the breaded tenders in a little bit of oil (olive or avocado oil works well) and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

They won't be quite as decadent as the fried version, but they'll still satisfy that crispy chicken craving!

What kind of dipping sauces go best with these absolutely perfect crispy chicken tenders?

The dipping sauce possibilities are endless! Classic choices like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing are always a hit. For something a bit different, try a sweet chili sauce or even a tangy blue cheese dressing. If you're feeling adventurous, whip up a homemade aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Get creative and find your perfect pairing!

I'm gluten-free. Can I still make this amazing looking crispy chicken tender recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend (make sure it's a blend designed for baking for best results) and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Many supermarkets now stock gluten-free panko, or you can find them online.

Double check all other ingredients too, to ensure that they are also gluten-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this crispy chicken tender recipe?

You certainly can! Chicken thighs will result in a richer, more flavorful tender. Follow the recipe as directed, but keep in mind that chicken thighs might take slightly longer to cook than chicken breasts, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

The darker meat also stays juicier for longer, so you may find them even better!