Delicious Chicken Tenders Recipe

Chicken tenders, also known as chicken cutlets or drumettes, are a favorite among kids and adults alike due to their versatility in cooking styles and the ability to be customized with various flavors. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful addition to your weekend barbecue, these tender strips of chicken can be prepared using different methods. In this article, we'll explore an easy-to-make recipe that guarantees crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders with a delicious coating.

The key ingredient in creating perfectly cooked chicken tenders is the right breading mixture. For this recipe, we’ll use a combination of flour, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs to coat the chicken pieces before cooking them in hot oil or butter. This simple yet effective method ensures that each bite has a crunchy exterior while retaining juicy, flavorful meat inside.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: herbs like parsley, garlic powder, or paprika for extra flavoring
• Oil or butter for frying (vegetable oil works well)

Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Crispy Chicken Tenders

To start, prepare your chicken by cutting the breast into even strips. This ensures uniform cooking and helps prevent any part of the chicken from being undercooked or overcooked. Lay out the pieces on a plate and season with salt and pepper if desired.

Next, set up an assembly line for coating the chicken. In one shallow dish, mix the flour, Parmesan cheese, and your chosen optional herbs. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with some oil or melted butter to make sure they adhere well once coated onto the chicken. Once you have all components ready, dip each piece of chicken first into the seasoned flour mixture until it is completely covered, then place it in the breadcrumb mix, pressing gently so that the crumbs stick firmly.

Heat up about 1 inch deep of your chosen oil or butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot enough to sizzle breaded chicken without immediately burning it, carefully add two or three pieces at a time depending on how wide your pan is. Fry until golden brown on both sides; flipping frequently will help achieve even browning and prevent sticking.

Remove from heat when done and drain excess oil by placing the cooked tenders onto paper towels to absorb grease before serving hot off the stove. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch dressing, or ketchup for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Results

1. Ensure that the chicken strips are of even width so they cook uniformly.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; it’s better to do this in batches as needed. Overcrowding leads to less crispy results because steam between pieces prevents them from crisping up properly.
3. If you want extra crispiness, you can refrigerate the coated chicken for 15-20 minutes before frying. This allows time for excess moisture on the surface of the chicken to evaporate, resulting in a crisper coating once cooked.

Chicken tenders are not just limited to being served with sauces; they also pair wonderfully with various sides like coleslaw, baked potatoes, or steamed vegetables. They make fantastic leftovers too! Store any unused portion in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to five days.

In conclusion, homemade chicken tenders are quick, easy, and delicious when done right. By following this straightforward recipe step-by-step, you can create a meal that satisfies both your taste buds and those of guests who may visit. Give it a try today and enjoy some crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders with every bite!