Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

Chicken tenders: Tender pieces of chicken that are perfect for frying.

All-purpose flour: Used to create a light coating on the chicken.

Beaten eggs: Helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.

Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy texture to the chicken tenders.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth to the seasoning.

Vegetable oil: Used for frying the chicken tenders to a golden brown.

When preparing chicken tenders, ensure they are of uniform thickness for even cooking. To achieve this, you can gently pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This step helps in achieving a consistent golden brown crust and ensures the chicken is cooked through without drying out.

• chicken tenders - Substitute with turkey breast strips: Turkey breast strips have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative for chicken tenders.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a slightly nutty flavor and more fiber, making it a healthier option.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the tenders and adds a tangy flavor.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the tenders.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the seasoning without altering the color of the coating.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for frying.

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the coating soggy.
• For short-term storage, place the fried chicken tenders in an airtight container lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess oil and moisture, keeping the tenders crisp.
• If you plan to store them for more than a couple of days, wrap each tender individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps maintain their texture and flavor.
• Place the wrapped tenders in a resealable plastic bag or another airtight container. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
• For freezing, arrange the cooled chicken tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for 1-2 hours until they are firm. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the tenders to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the bag with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• To reheat frozen tenders, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even heating.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the fried chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  3. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the fried chicken tenders in the skillet.
  3. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are heated through and the coating is crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through, until they are heated through. Note: This method may not keep the tenders as crispy as other methods.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the fried chicken tenders on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.

• Frying pan: A large, heavy-bottomed pan to evenly heat the oil and fry the chicken tenders to a golden brown.

• Tongs: Essential for turning the chicken tenders in the pan and removing them without splashing hot oil.

• Mixing bowls: Used for holding the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs separately for the dredging process.

• Paper towels: Placed on a plate to drain excess oil from the fried chicken tenders.

• Whisk: Useful for beating the eggs until they are smooth and well combined.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the salt and black pepper.

• Meat thermometer: Optional but helpful to ensure the chicken tenders are cooked through to a safe internal temperature.

• Plate: Used to hold the chicken tenders before and after frying.

• Knife: Handy for trimming any excess fat or tendons from the chicken tenders before seasoning.

• Cutting board: A clean surface to prepare and season the chicken tenders.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This makes the process smoother and faster.

Use a breading station: Set up a breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in a row. This assembly line method speeds up the coating process.

Preheat oil: Start heating the oil while you bread the chicken tenders. This way, the oil is ready when you are.

Batch cooking: Fry chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures even cooking and saves time.