5 Ways to Make the Best Chicken Tenders at Home

Introduction to Homemade Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders, those delectable strips of crispy breaded chicken, are a favorite among both children and adults. However, the best chicken tenders aren't always found at fast food joints; they can be made right in your own kitchen. In this post, we'll explore five delicious ways to make chicken tenders at home that will rival any restaurant offering.

1. Classic Breaded Chicken Tenders

Choosing the Chicken

Start with high-quality, fresh chicken. For the best chicken tenders, select tenders or boneless chicken breasts that you cut into strips.

• Freshness: Use fresh chicken for the best texture and flavor.
• Size: Ensure pieces are uniform for even cooking.

Breading Techniques

To make the breading stick:

• First, dredge the chicken in flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Then, dip in a beaten egg or buttermilk for moisture.
• Finally, coat thoroughly in seasoned breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch.

Cooking Methods

Here are some options for cooking your breaded chicken tenders:

• Frying: Deep or shallow fry in oil like canola or peanut oil until golden and crispy.
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F, and bake on a rack over a baking sheet for air circulation.
• Air Frying: Cook at 390°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

🎗️ Note: If baking, place tenders on a wire rack for better air flow and crispiness.

2. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Ingredients

To give your tenders an Italian flair:

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Basil, oregano, and garlic powder

Preparation

Mix the Parmesan with panko and herbs for a flavorful crust:

• Beat eggs or use milk as a binder.
• Coat the chicken in the Parmesan mixture after dipping in the egg/milk.

Cooking Parmesan Tenders

You can bake or fry these:

• Baking: At 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway.
• Frying: Use a medium to high heat, ensuring to flip for even browning.

3. Spicy Chicken Tenders

Spice Mix

For a spicy kick, consider these:

• Cayenne pepper
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic and onion powder

Preparation

Add the spice mix to your breading:

• Combine all spices with your breadcrumbs or flour.
• Coat the chicken in the spicy breading after the egg wash.

Cooking Tips

Frying tends to enhance the heat:

• Fry in hot oil, turning occasionally to prevent burning.

4. Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Ingredients for the Marinade

This sweet and savory recipe includes:

• Honey
• Garlic, minced
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Ginger (optional)

Marinating the Chicken

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight:

• Combine marinade ingredients.
• Coat chicken thoroughly and refrigerate.

Preparation Steps

After marinating:

• Bread the chicken as before.
• Cook until golden brown.

Serving Suggestion

Serve with the leftover marinade heated as a dipping sauce or drizzle:

• Heat marinade, thicken with a slurry of cornstarch and water.

5. Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders

Alternative Breadcrumbs

For gluten-free diets, try these options:

• Almond flour
• Gluten-free panko or breadcrumb mixes

Preparation

Follow the same steps but with gluten-free breading:

• Dredge in gluten-free flour, dip in egg wash, then coat with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Cooking Methods

All the methods discussed previously work well for gluten-free tenders:

• Frying: Use a higher temperature to compensate for the different texture of gluten-free breading.
• Baking: At 400°F, until golden.

To make chicken tenders at home that are both delicious and rival any fast food joint, here's what you need to know:

• Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best results.
• Experiment with different breading techniques, from classic to adventurous flavors.
• Adapt cooking methods to your kitchen tools and taste preferences.