Are you ready to delight your taste buds with a dish that’s both crispy and flavorful? Look no further than Potato Crunchy Tenders. This recipe combines the comforting texture of mashed potatoes with a crispy, crunchy coating, making it an irresistible treat for all ages. Whether you fry them, bake them, or use an air fryer, these tenders are sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this delicious Potato Crunchy Tenders recipe and discover how you can make them at home.
Introduction
Potato Crunchy Tenders are a creative twist on traditional chicken tenders. Originating from the desire to blend the soft, creamy texture of mashed potatoes with the crispy bite of fried chicken, this recipe has quickly gained popularity. It’s a fantastic option for those who love comfort food but want something a bit different. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or just a simple meal at home, Potato Crunchy Tenders are versatile and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Potato Crunchy Tenders, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup potato flakes
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying (if frying)
- Cooking spray (if baking or using an air fryer)
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Potato Crunchy Tenders:
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and mash them until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Set Up the Coating Stations: Set up three shallow bowls. Place the flour in the first bowl, the beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of potato flakes and panko breadcrumbs in the third.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the potato flake and breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
Step 4: Cook the Tenders
You have several options for cooking your Potato Crunchy Tenders:
Option 1: Frying
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry the Tenders: Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Option 2: Baking
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Bake the Tenders: Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, turning once halfway.
Option 3: Air Frying
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Air Fry the Tenders: Place the coated chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, shaking the basket halfway through.
Tips and Variations
Here are some additional tips and variations to make your Potato Crunchy Tenders even better:
- Mashed Potato Substitute: For a smoother texture, you can use instant mashed potatoes instead of freshly mashed ones.
- Spicy Variation: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the beaten eggs for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Tenders: Mix some grated Parmesan cheese into the potato flake and breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Herb-Infused: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the coating for a more aromatic taste.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the basic nutritional information per serving of Potato Crunchy Tenders (assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 480mg
Potato Crunchy Tenders are a delightful twist on classic chicken tenders, offering a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you choose to fry, bake, or air fry them, these tenders are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share your Potato Crunchy Tenders creations with us on social media and leave a comment below with your experience. For more delicious recipes, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter at easycrispyrecipes.com. Happy cooking