Did you know chicken tender recipes have over 40,000 shares online? If you love the perfect mix of crispy and juicy chicken tenders, you’re in the right spot. With just 15 minutes of prep and a total of 55 minutes, you can make restaurant-quality chicken tenders at home. Let’s explore the best chicken tender recipes for a memorable meal.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Chicken Tender Recipes
Chicken tenders are a favorite in America. They come in crispy, deep-fried versions or healthier baked ones. There’s a recipe for everyone, making them a household staple.
The South is where chicken tenders first became popular. They’re loved for being easy to make. Even beginners can cook up delicious, crispy chicken tenders with just a few ingredients.
To make perfect chicken tenders, start by soaking them in buttermilk. This makes them juicy. Then, use a mix of flour and cornstarch for the breading. This combo creates a crispy exterior.
Cooking time is about six minutes, with three minutes on each side. It’s important to keep the oil at 375°F for the right crunch. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F to be fully cooked.
Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
Making crispy fried chicken tenders at home is all about quality ingredients, careful prep, and the right cooking methods. This guide will show you how to get that golden crust and juicy inside. We’ll also cover marinades, frying tips, and how to store leftovers for a great meal every time.
Ingredients for Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
- 1.5 pounds (approximately 10 tenders) of chicken tenders
- 1.5 cups buttermilk
- 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make sure your chicken tenders are perfect, follow these steps:
- Marinate: Mix chicken tenders with buttermilk in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This makes them taste better and stay juicy.
- Bread: Set up a breading station with flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Coat the tenders in flour, then egg, and finally panko.
- Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a 12″ cast iron skillet to 375°F (190°C). Fry each tender for 5 minutes, keeping the oil temperature steady.
- Check: Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is at 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Drain: Place the fried tenders on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Frying Tips for Extra Crunch
For extra crispy tenders, remember these tips:
- Oil Temperature: Keep the oil between 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C) for crispy tenders.
- Even Coating: Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispy coating, as most recipes suggest.
- Batch Cooking: Fry in small batches of 3-4 pieces to keep the oil warm and cook evenly.
- Cool the Tenders: Rest the tenders on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy.
Proper storage for leftovers is key. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months. Reheat by baking at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 5-10 minutes. With these tips, your homemade chicken tenders will be a hit.
| Nutrient | Per Tender | Per Serving (2 Tenders) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 239 | 436 |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 33g |
| Protein | 23g | 35g |
| Fat | 9g | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 91mg | 95mg |
| Sodium | 119mg | 953mg |
| Potassium | 403mg | 659mg |
| Fiber | 1g | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 764 IU | 360 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 2mg |
| Calcium | 16mg | 99mg |
| Iron | 2mg | 2mg |
Healthy Chicken Tender Recipes
Baking and choosing gluten-free options are great for healthy chicken tender recipes. These methods are better than frying and fit many diets. By picking good ingredients and cooking techniques, you get tender, juicy chicken without losing flavor.
Baked Chicken Tenders
Baked chicken tenders are a healthier option compared to fried ones. Baking at 400 degrees F keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Here’s how to make these tasty baked chicken tenders:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Prepare the breading with 1/2 cup of Panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
- Dip the chicken tenders into a mixture of 2 large eggs before coating with the breading.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
Nutrition Information per Serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Calories | 240 |
| Protein | 21.2g |
| Total Fat | 9.4g |
| Sodium | 584mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Sugar | 1.2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
For a balanced meal, serve 2 to 3 chicken tenders per person. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders
Gluten-free chicken tenders are perfect for everyone, no matter their diet. Here’s how to make them:
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional Panko.
- Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Maintain the same ratio for the breading mix: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup gluten-free flour.
- Follow the same baking instructions as for regular baked chicken tenders, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165F.
Like the baked version, these gluten-free chicken tenders are nutritious. They have fewer carbs and calories but still pack a lot of protein. They’re a great choice for a healthy meal.
Conclusion
This guide covers the best chicken tender recipes for all tastes. You can enjoy the crispy fried version or healthier baked and gluten-free options. Chicken tenders are loved by both kids and adults.
Making chicken tenders at home is simple. You need just a few ingredients and about 35 minutes to prepare. Cook them at 375°F (190°C) or 400°F (204°C) for 17-18 minutes. This makes them ideal for fast weeknight dinners.
Chicken tenders fit many diets, including low-carb, keto, and gluten-free. Each serving has 214 calories, 17 grams of fat, and 14 grams of protein. They’re also great for leftovers, lasting up to three days.
These recipes are a blank canvas for your creativity. Add cayenne pepper for spice or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. They’re ideal for family dinners or parties, always a hit.
FAQ
What are the best chicken tender recipes to try at home?
Try crispy fried chicken tenders, baked chicken tenders, and gluten-free chicken tenders at home. Each offers unique flavors and textures. They’re great for different diets and cooking methods.
What’s the best way to make my homemade chicken tenders crispy?
For crispy tenders, use a cast iron skillet for even heat. Keep your oil between 350-375°F. Coat in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs or cornflakes for crunch.
What ingredients do I need for crispy fried chicken tenders?
You’ll need chicken tenders, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes), salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and oil. These ingredients give you classic crunch and flavor.
Can I make healthy chicken tenders without frying?
Yes, bake them for healthy tenders. This method uses less oil and calories. Baking at 400°F keeps them juicy and crusty.
How do I keep baked chicken tenders juicy?
Marinate them for 30 minutes before baking. Coat lightly with oil or egg wash. Bake at high temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check that they reach 165°F.
Are there any good gluten-free chicken tender recipes?
Yes, there are great gluten-free recipes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cereal for coating. Almond flour or gluten-free flour for the initial dredge keeps flavor and crunch.
What are some kid-friendly chicken tender recipes?
Kid-friendly recipes include crispy fried and baked tenders with mild seasoning. Personalize the breading with kid-approved flavors like Parmesan cheese or mild herbs.
How can I add more flavor to my chicken tenders?
Try different marinades and seasonings. Marinate in buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic, and herbs for deep flavors. Use spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or lemon zest in the breading.
What are the benefits of baked chicken tenders over fried ones?
Baked tenders are healthier with less calories and fat. They’re easier to make in large quantities. Baking keeps them juicy without excess oil.