The humble Chicken tenders is a comfort food favorite that few dishes can rival when it comes to satisfying cravings for cozy and familiar flavors. Whether you’re a picky eater or simply enjoy the satisfying crunch and savoury flavour, this classic dish never disappoints. With this step-by-step guide, you can learn how to make perfect chicken fingers that are crispy, crunchy, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into strips that are roughly the same size and shape. Set them aside.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- In another shallow dish, meanwhile, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
- In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Dredge each chicken strip in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the chicken strip in the egg mixture, making sure it is well coated.
- Roll the chicken strip in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
- Repeat steps 6-8 with the remaining chicken strips.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken strips in the frying pan. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- To cook the chicken strips, heat a skillet or deep-fryer with enough oil to submerge them completely. Once the oil reaches about 350°F (175°C), carefully add the chicken strips to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the chicken strips for 3-4 minutes on each side. And they turn a deep golden brown and become crispy. To check if they’re cooked through, you can cut one strip in half. And make sure the inside is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, lift the chicken strips from the oil and let any excess oil drip off. Transfer the fried chicken strips to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the remaining oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, if desired.
Recipe Notes:
- For an extra-crispy coating, you can double-dredge the chicken strips by repeating steps 6-8 before frying.
- If you want to make a larger batch, you can keep the cooked Chicken tenders warm in a low oven. While you fry the remaining batches.
- For a fun twist on Chicken tenders, you can try making a homemade crunch wrap by wrapping a chicken finger in a tortilla with some cheese, lettuce, and your favorite sauce.
Creating delicious and unique Chicken tenders is a fun and exciting way to put your personal spin on a classic dish. Here are some tips to mold and make this recipe your own:
- Experiment with different coatings: For instance, instead of using traditional breadcrumbs, try coating your Chicken tenders in panko crumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even seasoned potato chips for a unique twist.
- Add some spice: In addition, for a little kick of heat, add some cayenne pepper, chili powder, or paprika to your coating mix.
- Use different sauces: Furthermore, switch up the dipping sauces and try making your own honey mustard, BBQ, or garlic aioli sauce to complement your Chicken tenders.
- Try different cuts of chicken: Similarly, instead of using chicken breast, try using chicken thighs or drumsticks for a different flavor and texture.
- Use unique serving ideas: Moreover, instead of serving the Chicken tenders on a plate, try making a DIY “finger food” board or arranging them on skewers for a fun presentation
- By incorporating these ideas, you can make your Chicken tenders unique and personalized to your taste. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment until you find the perfect recipe that works for you and your family!
