Chicken tenders are a beloved dish enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. Their crunchy exterior and juicy interior make them a favorite at family dinners and gatherings. This article will guide you through making the most delicious crunchy chicken tenders, exploring tips for achieving the perfect crispiness and offering variations to suit every taste.
Introduction
Chicken tenders, also known as chicken strips or goujons, are strips of chicken meat that are typically breaded and fried. They gained popularity in the United States during the 1980s and have become a staple in fast food restaurants and home kitchens worldwide. Known for their irresistible crunch and tender meat, chicken tenders are often served with a variety of dipping sauces. The secret to the perfect chicken tender lies in achieving the right balance between a crispy coating and a juicy interior.
Ingredients
To make these crunchy chicken tenders, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (helps make chicken crispier)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Optional: Spices for seasoning breadcrumbs (e.g., cayenne pepper, dried herbs)
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl. Add the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours, to tenderize and infuse the chicken with flavor.
Breading the Chicken
- Prepare the Breading Station:
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour and cornstarch, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs. Season each bowl with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the flour-cornstarch mixture, then dip in the eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well.
Cooking the Chicken
- Frying Method:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken tenders in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and stay crispy.
- Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Tips and Variations
How do you keep chicken tenders crispy?
- Keep Them Dry: Before breading, pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can hinder crispiness.
- Use Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the flour helps achieve a crunchier texture, as it absorbs moisture better than flour alone.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Whether frying or air frying, maintaining the right temperature ensures a crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil.
What makes chicken skin crunchy?
- The Double Coating: The combination of flour and breadcrumbs provides a double coating that crisps up nicely.
- Proper Temperature: Cooking at the right temperature allows the exterior to crisp up while keeping the meat juicy.
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused Tenders: Mix dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the breadcrumb mixture for an herbal flavor.
- Parmesan-Crusted Tenders: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
Crunchy chicken tenders are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as a main dish, appetizer, or snack. Their versatility makes them a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you fry them or use an air fryer, these tenders will become a family favorite. Try this recipe and experiment with the variations to find your perfect flavor combination. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations and experiences with us in the comments section below.