The Ultimate Crispy Chicken Tenders Ovenbaked or Panfried
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a chicken tenders recipe that's better than the Colonel's? Honestly, who doesn't love some proper chicken for dinner easy ? This best chicken dinner option is bound to become your new favourite.
Brief Overview
Fried chicken strips are a staple of American comfort food. These homemade chicken tenders are easy to make and ready in under an hour.
It serves 4 hungry people with a delightful crunch.
Main Benefits
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and deliciousness. With this moist chicken recipes , kids absolutely adore them.
Plus, you can bake them for a healthier option. What is not to love!
The Magic of Crispy Chicken
Ever wondered what makes crispy chicken strips so addictive? It's all about the double dredge and the right spices. Let me tell you, recipes made with chicken like these are always a winner.
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, gather your ingredients. Don't skimp on the cornstarch; it's crucial for that perfect crisp. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk does wonder to the chicken breast .
The Double Dredge
Oh my gosh, the double dredge! This is where the magic happens. Flour, egg, then back to flour. Honestly, this step is what elevates these tenders to legendary status.
I once tried skipping this and the result was utterly disastrous.
Bake It or Fry It?
Got the chicken tenders air fryer recipe or prefer the easy baked chicken tenders recipe ? Both are great choices.
Baking offers a healthier twist, while pan-frying provides that classic, golden brown goodness. I like to start baking when I want something quick.
Drizzle and Serve
Whether baked or fried, a little drizzle of olive oil before serving is chef's kiss. Serve it with your favourite dips and enjoy your buttermilk chicken tenders ! You know what? Sometimes a simple ranch does the trick.
So there you have it the ultimate chicken tenders recipe . Give it a go, and let me know what you think.
Remember, cooking should be fun, so don't be afraid to experiment.
Ingredients and Equipment for Brilliant Chicken Tenders
Fancy making the best chicken tenders recipe ever? Good! Let's get down to what you need. Honestly, it's pretty simple, even for a beginner.
This recipe is the best chicken dinner , hands down.
What Goes Into Great Chicken For Dinner Easy ?
Here’s your shopping list. Remember, quality matters!
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken tenderloins. Get fresh ones! The better the chicken, the better the crispy chicken strips .
- Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml) . Or, if you're like me and always forget, mix 1 cup (240ml) milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Works a charm! This makes them moist chicken recipes , honestly.
- Salt & Pepper: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Garlic & Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon paprika.
- Flour: 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour.
- Cornstarch: 1/2 cup (60g) – the secret to ultimate crispiness.
- Spices: 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, finely chopped.
- More Salt & Pepper: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Cayenne (Optional): 1/2 teaspoon , if you want a bit of a kick.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs , lightly beaten.
- Oil (For frying): 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
- Olive Oil (For baking): 2 tablespoons .
Seasoning That'll Make Your Recipes Made With Chicken Sing!
The spice mix is where the magic happens. Thyme and rosemary create a lovely herby vibe. The cayenne gives it a little something something! Don’t be afraid to play about with the herbs, you know?
Got no thyme? Use oregano. Rosemary too fancy? Just skip it.
Kit Needed for This Food Recipes Chicken Breast
Only the basics here, mate.
- Bowls: 3 shallow bowls for dredging. I just use my cereal bowls, no dramas.
- Baking Sheet: For easy baked chicken tenders recipe , obviously.
- Wire Rack: Honestly, this is a game changer for crispy chicken strips .
- Frying Pan: If you are doing pan-frying instead of chicken tenders air fryer recipe .
- Thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential, to ensure a safe internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Don't risk it!
- Tongs: For wrangling the chicken tenders .
Making homemade chicken tenders is surprisingly easy. Follow these guidelines, and you'll be golden!
The Best Chicken Tenders Recipe
Alright, lets get cooking! Fancy some crispy chicken strips ? Honestly, this chicken tenders recipe is a winner. It's so simple.
You can bake it or fry it, your call. Either way, it will be great chicken for dinner easy tonight! It's better than that shop bought stuff.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic!
First up, the prep. This is key to get the food recipes chicken breast ready. Think of it as getting your paints ready before you start painting.
You will need the Buttermilk, the flour dredge, and the eggs. Don't skip this. It saves time. Remember to trim the chicken, safety first!
Cooking Chicken Tenders To Perfection
Ready to cook? Follow these easy steps.
- Cut the chicken into tender sized pieces.
- Marinate in buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Marinate for at least 30 minutes .
- Dredge the chicken in flour, then egg, then flour again. This is called double dredging .
- Cook in the oven at 400° F ( 200° C) for 15- 20 minutes , or fry in oil until golden. The internal temperature must reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Serve with your favourite dip. Job Done.
Pro Tips For Next Level Homemade Chicken Tenders
Want to take it up a notch? Double dredge is your friend! Cornstarch is the secret to moist chicken recipes .
Never overcrowd the pan. It lowers the oil's temp. Also, you can make these ahead of time. Store them in the fridge before cooking.
The chicken tenders air fryer recipe and the easy baked chicken tenders recipe options are great.
Honestly? This recipe is a lifesaver. Especially when you need a quick, best chicken dinner . Plus, it will also impress your family.
So, give it a go! I promise, you won't regret it!
Recipe Notes for Your Stellar Chicken Tenders
Right then, let's talk shop about our awesome chicken tenders recipe . I've made this hundreds of times. Honestly, even when I muck things up slightly, it still tastes amazing.
We'll cover serving, storing, variations, and a wee bit about nutrition.
Serving Suggestions: Ace Presentation!
Let's get these looking chef's kiss fantastic! Forget soggy plates, eh? Try arranging your crispy chicken strips on a bed of vibrant coleslaw.
Imagine them looking like they're having a party. Think about serving your Homemade chicken tenders with different dips in little ramekins.
Some honey mustard, maybe some sweet chili. Perfect for dipping! For a British twist, offer some proper chips alongside. A Best Chicken Dinner if you ask me.
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!
Right, so you've got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop the Chicken For Dinner Easy into an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing them? Absolutely! Lay them flat on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for about 2 months.
To reheat, use the oven or Chicken tenders air fryer recipe for that extra crisp. Avoid the microwave unless you like them soggy.
Moist Chicken Recipes are great, but not when reheating.
Variations: Get Creative!
Want to mix things up? You can change your Food Recipes Chicken Breast . Got someone avoiding gluten? Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Boom, gluten-free Crispy chicken strips . Sorted. For a seasonal kick, add some lemon zest and herbs in the spring. It's all about having fun! You can even try making Buttermilk chicken tenders with different types of milk for a subtle flavor twist.
What about adding a dash of curry powder for an indian twist.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, so each serving is about 450-550 calories. These Easy baked chicken tenders recipe pack a good punch of protein around 40-50g.
The fat content? Roughly 20-30g. Remember, pan-frying adds a bit more fat than baking. The chicken itself is a lean protein source.
Pair it with some veggies, and you've got a balanced meal.
So there you have it, a complete guide to making, serving, and storing your delicious chicken tenders recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment, have a laugh, and enjoy the process.
Now, get cooking, you brilliant thing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to getting really crispy chicken tenders, like better than KFC crispy?
The key to ultra crispy chicken tenders is the double dredge and the cornstarch (cornflour in the UK)! Dredging the chicken twice in the seasoned flour mixture creates a thicker coating that fries up beautifully. Don't skimp on the cornstarch as it helps create that characteristic crispiness we all crave.
Plus, make sure your oil is hot enough if pan-frying; you want that sizzling sound when the tenders hit the pan!
Can I bake this chicken tenders recipe instead of frying it to make it healthier?
Absolutely! Baking is a fantastic, healthier alternative to pan-frying. To get the best results, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the dredged chicken tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The wire rack helps the bottoms crisp up nicely, so you won't miss the fried version too much!
How long do these chicken tenders last, and what's the best way to store them?
Cooked chicken tenders are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the oven or air fryer are your best bet for retaining some crispness. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make them a bit soggy.
Think of it as a second chance to get that perfect crunch!
What dipping sauces go well with this chicken tenders recipe? I'm looking for something beyond ketchup.
Oh, mate, the dipping possibilities are endless! Honey mustard is a classic for a reason that sweet and tangy combo is a winner. BBQ sauce is always a crowd pleaser, or you could try something a bit more adventurous like sweet chili sauce or a homemade ranch dressing.
If you're feeling fancy, whip up a quick garlic aioli. Get creative and find your perfect pairing!
Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this chicken tenders recipe to be gluten-free! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help hold the coating together.
Also, double check that any other ingredients you're using, like spices, are also certified gluten-free to avoid any cross contamination.
The Ultimate Crispy Chicken Tenders Ovenbaked Or
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 500 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
